Siracusa, Sicily, Italy Luxury Cruises

Rich in history & culture

You’re going to want to get an early start on your day in Siracusa. The city was once one of the largest and most important in Western Civilization, and its long history and strong culture means there’s still a lot to see and do here.

Classic sights like the Ortygia, Neapolis, and the Basilica of Santa Lucia are always worth a visit, but if you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, take in a puppet theatre show. Opera dei Pupi performances (like the plays Pinocchio was a part of) are a traditional form of Sicilian entertainment. And while there’s no chance of one of your marionettes becoming a real boy, a puppet still makes for a great souvenir.

The stunning Fonte Aretusa was once the source of the city’s drinking water, and now the pond and surrounding area is a scenic spot, perfect for a picnic lunch. Many shops sell delicious arancini (rice balls) and slices of square Sicilian pizza for take-away.

And for a little dolce? You can’t leave the island without trying some of the world-famous cannoli (cannolo is the singular word, but let’s be honest, you’re going to want more than one!), crispy pastry filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. The Fonte Aretusa is also the sport where locals like to gather for their after dinner passeggiata, a leisurely stroll where the goal is to see and be seen.