Ortigia is small, but it holds multitudes. A piazza where light dazzles off baroque stone. A fountain tied to Greek myth. Wooden platforms where locals dive into the Ionian. Every corner offers a reminder that here, daily life and history aren’t separate – they’re inseparable.
Ortigia is tiny island tethered to Siracusa by a couple of bridges, it’s a maze of baroque piazzas, ancient ruins, salty breezes, and glittering blue waters. Foodies will know it for its trattorias (I’ve written a full Where to Eat in Ortigia guide here but Ortigia is far more than restaurants. It’s a living museum, an oceanside sanctuary, and a place where doing nothing feels like doing everything. If you’re planning a trip, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Ortigia – with tips and insights to help you experience it like a local.
Browse Ortigia’s Daily Open Market
Why go: Ortigia’s market is a sensory overload in the best possible way – a daily performance of Sicilian life where stallholders sing out their offers and the air is thick with the scent of citrus, fresh herbs, and the sea. Pyramids of blood oranges, jars of jewel-bright capers, wheels of pecorino and caciocavallo, and fish so fresh it still seems to shimmer – everything here is bold, colourful, and unapologetically Sicilian. Beyond the produce, you’ll also find butchers, bakers, and deli counters stacked high with cured meats and olives, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.
It’s more than a shopping stop – it’s a slice of local life. This is where Ortigia breathes in the morning, where nonnas negotiate for swordfish steaks, and restaurant chefs quietly collect their daily supplies. Even if you don’t plan to cook, soaking up the theatre of it all is an experience in itself. Grab a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, nibble on warm focaccia, or follow the scent of grilled sardines wafting through the crowd.
Tip: Go early (8–9am) to catch the bustle at its peak. Wander slowly, ask for tastings, and don’t be shy about buying a cone of fried anchovies or a hot arancino from one of the side-street vendors nearby. It’s also the best place to pick up edible souvenirs – vacuum-packed pistachios or sun-dried tomatoes will make it home intact. Bellisimo!
Take a Tuk Tuk To Get Your Bearings
Why go: Ortigia’s tangled streets are part of its charm, but also very disorientating at first! A tuk tuk is a fun way to get your bearings while still soaking up the atmosphere. Drivers double as guides, zipping you past hidden courtyards, sea walls, and tucked-away piazzas you’d probably never stumble across on foot.
We went with Antonio, whose warmth and easy storytelling made the whole experience. He wove history and local anecdotes into every corner we passed, switching into English effortlessly and pointing out details we’d otherwise have missed. At €90 for a 90-minute tour, it felt like money well spent.
Tip: Shop around before booking. Some tuk tuks simply play pre-recorded audio, which doesn’t compare to having a guide who genuinely engages with you. A small tip (we gave €10) goes a long way if your driver goes above and beyond – especially if, like Antonio, they take the time to make the island’s stories come alive.
Walk to Castillo Meniace
Why go: Sitting proudly at the very tip of Ortigia, Castello Maniace is more than just a backdrop for photos – it’s a fortress layered with history. Built in the 13th century under Frederick II, it once served as both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of imperial power, protecting Siracusa’s harbour from naval attacks. Over the centuries, it became a military garrison, a noble residence, and later even a prison, with its walls quietly witnessing Sicily’s turbulent past. Walking through its vast stone halls, you can almost hear the echoes of soldiers, merchants, and sailors who once passed through.
What makes Castello Maniace particularly special is the blend of architecture and seascape. Its thick limestone walls meet the turquoise Ionian Sea on three sides, creating a dramatic setting that feels both wild and timeless. Inside, you’ll find grand vaulted chambers and hints of gothic detail, but for most visitors, the magic lies in standing on the ramparts and watching the sea stretch endlessly before you. It’s one of the best vantage points in Ortigia – where history and horizon collide.
Tip: Entrance costs a few euros (worth every cent), and it’s open most days, though hours vary seasonally. Aim for late afternoon when the breeze picks up and the light softens, turning the limestone golden against the blue sea. Photographers, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweep of walls and water together. And don’t rush – allow at least an hour to explore, pause, and imagine the centuries of life that have passed through this fortress.
Swim Off The Wooden Platforms
Why go:
Ortigia doesn’t have sandy beaches, but that’s part of its charm. Instead, wooden platforms are built along the rocky edges of the island, offering direct access into the turquoise sea. For locals, this is summer at its simplest: diving into crystal-clear waters with the sound of church bells drifting over from the piazza. For travellers, it’s a chance to experience Ortigia the way residents do – sunbathing on deckchairs, plunging into the sea to cool off, and drying out under the Sicilian sun.
There’s something special about these spots that a sandy beach can’t quite replicate. The water feels impossibly clean, framed by Ortigia’s ancient stone walls on one side and the endless Ionian Sea on the other. You’ll often see families, groups of friends, and solo swimmers sharing the same platform, creating a laid-back, communal atmosphere that feels uniquely Sicilian.
Tip: Most platforms charge a small daily fee (around €5–€10) which usually includes a lounger and sometimes a shower. Bring reef shoes as the ladders can be slippery, and pack light – you’ll want just a towel, water, and maybe a book. Arrive early if you want the best sunbeds, especially in July and August. And don’t skip an early evening swim – slipping into the water as the sun lowers over Ortigia is pure magic.
Visit Fonte Aretusa (The Natural Pond by the Sea)
Why go: Few places in Ortigia capture the blend of myth and nature as beautifully as the Fonte Aretusa. This freshwater spring, sitting just metres from the salty Ionian Sea, is said to be where the nymph Arethusa was transformed into water by the goddess Artemis to escape the river god Alpheus. According to legend, Alpheus’ river travelled underground from Greece to Sicily, reuniting with Arethusa here – a story that threads together two ancient cultures.
The pond itself is small but striking. Papyrus grows thick around the water’s edge – one of the few places in Europe where it thrives naturally – and ducks and fish ripple the surface. Just beyond, the sea glitters against Ortigia’s stone walls, creating a surreal juxtaposition: freshwater spring meeting endless saltwater horizon. For centuries, the fountain was a lifeline for the city, providing water to sailors and residents alike.
Tip: Visit during the late afternoon or early evening, when the light softens and the promenade (lungomare) fills with locals on their evening passeggiata. Pair your stop here with a slow stroll along the seafront, gelato in hand. It’s also a great photo spot – capture both the papyrus-fringed spring and the Ionian Sea in a single frame to appreciate the magic of Ortigia’s landscape.
Seek Out The Statue Of Icarus
Why go: At the southern end of Ortigia stands Ikaria, a monumental bronze sculpture by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj, often nicknamed “Big Ikaria” by locals. Installed in 2001, she is a striking, winged female figure – faceless and fragmented, yet powerful. Mitoraj’s Ikaria isn’t about flight or downfall, but about resilience: she embodies knowledge, courage, and the role of women through history, carrying the elements of fire, earth, air, and water within her form.
The statue’s symbolism runs deep. With no eyes or arms, Ikaria represents strength that isn’t diminished by absence but redefined by it – a silent lighthouse of bronze, guarding Ortigia against the horizon. She feels both ancient and modern, echoing Greek myth while speaking to themes of endurance and renewal. Standing before her, you sense the continuity between Ortigia’s layered past and its contemporary identity.
Tip: The walk to Ikaria is hot and exposed in summer, so bring water and sunscreen. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the bronze glows in the fading light and her silhouette stands boldly against the Ionian Sea. If you’re already heading to Castello Maniace, it’s a natural add-on – a place to pause, reflect, and see Ortigia from its outer edge.
Piazza del Duomo: Sit, Read, and Soak it In
Why go: If Ortigia has a heartbeat, this is it. The Piazza del Duomo is one of Sicily’s most beautiful squares, framed by dazzling baroque facades that seem to glow in the island light. At its centre is the Cathedral of Syracuse, built on the remains of a 5th-century BC Greek temple dedicated to Athena. Walk inside and you can still see the original Doric columns seamlessly woven into the baroque walls – a breathtaking reminder of how Ortigia’s layers of history sit side by side.
The piazza itself feels almost cinematic. White limestone reflects the sun by day, and at night it’s bathed in golden light, the square alive with couples strolling, children playing, and street musicians filling the air. It’s a space that belongs as much to locals as to visitors, and one of the rare places where simply being present feels like an activity in itself. Order a coffee or a spritz, find a shady spot, and let the rhythms of Ortigia unfold around you.
Tip: Visit twice – once during the day to appreciate the cathedral’s detail, and once in the evening when the square glows and comes alive. If you can, time your visit with mass inside the Duomo for a glimpse of local life woven into ancient stone. And don’t rush – bring a book, a journal, or simply sit and people-watch with a freshing granita; this is Ortigia at its most timeless.
Spend A Day At La Zafiro Beach Club
Why go: If you’re craving something a little more polished than Ortigia’s communal swim platforms, head to La Zafiro Beach Club. Perched right on the water’s edge, it offers a seamless mix of comfort and access to the sea. Think cushioned loungers lined neatly along wooden decks, parasols shading you from the Sicilian sun, and cocktails that arrive without you lifting more than a finger. It’s buzzy but never overwhelming – more of a laid-back, stylish crowd than a beach-party scene.
What makes La Zafiro stand out is the ease it gives you. You can slip into the clear Ionian waters for a swim, then dry off with an Aperol spritz or an icy granita in hand. The atmosphere feels indulgent without being pretentious – the sort of place where time stretches, and afternoons effortlessly become evenings. It’s especially welcome if you’ve spent days walking Ortigia’s cobbled lanes and are ready for a dose of pure relaxation.
Tip: A sunbed costs around €35 for the entire day. If you time it right and arrive in the late afternoon, you can keep your spot until 2am – meaning you’ll get golden-hour swims, sunset cocktails, and the rare joy of watching Ortigia’s lights dance across the sea long into the night. Book ahead in high season, especially for the beds nearest the water, and plan to linger – La Zafiro is all about slowing down and savouring the day.
Take A Boat Tour Around The Island
Why go: Seeing Ortigia from the water is an experience that makes you fall in love with the island all over again. From the deck of a small boat, the sea walls rise dramatically from the water, their honey-coloured stone glowing in the sunlight. Many tours glide you around the island’s perimeter before venturing into caves carved into the rock by centuries of waves. It’s a completely different perspective – Ortigia as seen by sailors, fishermen, and traders who’ve approached it for thousands of years.
Most tours last between 60 and 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to slip into hidden grottoes, admire the sculptural rock formations, and, if the weather is calm, stop for a swim in the open sea. Sunset trips are especially magical: the light softens, the sky blushes pink and gold, and the island itself seems to glow.
Tip: Prices vary depending on the boat size and whether you join a group or hire privately, but expect to pay around €20–€30 per person for a group tour or upwards of €80–€100 for a private boat. Ask your skipper to point out the cave with stalactites shaped like an elephant’s trunk – a local favourite. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and something light to cover up; the Sicilian sun can be fierce out on the water. If you’re prone to seasickness, stick to the shorter trips – the Ionian can get choppy.
Step Back In Time At The Temple Of Appollo
Sitting at the entrance to Ortigia, the Temple of Apollo is one of the island’s oldest landmarks — dating back to the 6th century BC. Though now mostly a ruin, with only its foundations and a few columns still standing, it’s a powerful reminder that Ortigia was once a thriving hub of ancient Greek civilisation. Over the centuries, the site transformed from a temple into a Byzantine church, later into a mosque, and eventually into a Norman church – each layer of stone telling a story of Sicily’s shifting rulers.
Even in its weathered state, the temple holds presence. It marks the beginning of Ortigia’s historic journey, an open-air fragment of the past sitting casually among cafés and shops. Standing here, you don’t just look at history – you stand inside it!
Tip: Visit early in the morning before the nearby market fully comes alive, when the light casts long shadows across the ruins. Entry is free, and it’s worth bringing a guidebook or audio guide to appreciate the layers of history beyond the stones themselves.
Discover Archimedes’ Legacy
Why go: Ortigia isn’t just about baroque beauty – it was once home to one of history’s greatest minds: Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, engineer, and inventor. Born in Siracusa in the 3rd century BC, he lived and worked here, developing ideas that shaped science for centuries. Though little remains physically tied to him, his presence is felt in Ortigia’s intellectual legacy. You’ll find references throughout the city, from statues to the Museo Arkimedeion, which showcases interactive exhibits about his discoveries.
Exploring this side of Ortigia gives context to the island beyond its aesthetic charms. You’re walking the same streets as the man who explained buoyancy, invented war machines to defend the city, and laid foundations for modern mathematics. It’s a reminder that Ortigia has always been a place where beauty and brilliance meet.
Tip: If you’re travelling with children (or you’re curious at heart), the Museo Arkimedeion makes the science hands-on and accessible. Otherwise, simply pausing by the Archimedes fountain in Piazza Archimede offers a quick nod to the city’s most famous son. Go in the evening when the fountain is lit, and the square comes alive with energy.
Just Wander – and Let Ortigia Reveal Itself
Why go: The real magic of Ortigia lies in the moments you don’t plan. Its streets are a labyrinth designed more for meandering than for maps, and every turn seems to reveal something unexpected – a courtyard strung with laundry, a faded fresco above a doorway, or a cat basking lazily on sun-warmed stone. Some of my favourite memories here weren’t the “big sights,” but the quiet in-betweens: pausing to listen to church bells, stumbling upon a local procession down an alley lined with 17th-century palazzi.
This is an island where layers of history reveal themselves casually. One minute you’re walking past a medieval arch, the next you’re brushing your hand along a Doric column that once stood in a Greek temple. It’s living history, not behind glass, but woven into the daily rhythm of Ortigian life. To wander in Ortigia is to let the island speak to you directly – through its stone, its sounds, and its light.
Tip: Don’t over-schedule. Dedicate at least a day to wandering with no agenda – leave the guidebook in your bag and just follow your curiosity. Stop for a gelato, sit with a coffee in a tiny piazza, or step into whichever church door happens to be open. Comfortable shoes are essential, as Ortigia’s cobbles are uneven, and be prepared to lose track of time.
That’s the point – in Ortigia, getting lost is the best way to find it.
If you only take one thing from this guide, let it be this: don’t try to do everything. Give yourself time to sit, to watch, to taste, and to drift. Some of the most beautiful memories here aren’t in guidebooks — they’re in the quiet moments between: a street musician playing at dusk, the scent of jasmine spilling over a balcony, the glow of stone at sunset.
👉 Planning your trip? Don’t miss my food guide too: Where to Eat in Ortigia, Sicily Together, these two guides will help you experience Ortigia fully – not just as a destination, but as a feeling you’ll carry long after you’ve left!
Alla prossima avventura…
P.s. If you liked this you might like to know about the day I joined a local family for a hands-on day of learning, tasting, and creating authentic Sicilian dishes from scratch – from hand-rolled pasta to market-fresh vegetables transformed into something unforgettable.
If you love food as much as travel, you’ll enjoy reading about it here: My Sicilian Cooking Day in Siracusa
