Marine Protected Area in Syracuse Sicily
SICILY STARTS IN SIRACUSA

Cruise to Sicily (Siracusa), Italy

As your ship pulls into the harbor of Siracusa, it might be tempting to assume this Sicilian port is just another Italian city, but you would be mistaken. Historical icons, like the pre-Roman Empire Greek Theatre, to the piercingly blue, clear waters lapping at the shores of Ortygia island, make Siracusa stand apart from other places to vacation in Italy. A shopping trip through the Old Street Market or a fresh seafood meal along the water further cements the truth: Siracusa is a place of legends to visit with your cruise.
National Language Italian, Sicilian
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do In Sicily (Siracusa)

Greek Theater Ruins in Sicily

Discover Pre-Roman History

Greek Theater Ruins in Sicily

Greek Theater Ruins in Sicily

Discover Pre-Roman History

Siracusa's Ortigia old town is home to plenty of traditional Italian architecture, namely the central Duomo cathedral. Cruise to Siracusa, Italy and explore deeper into the city's ancient past, whether at the Greek Theatre (which dates to the 5th century B.C.) or the Necropolis, burial caves that date back three millennia. Siracusa is also home to non-Roman travel attractions from just after the fall of the empire, such as the Byzantine-era Maniace Castle.

Sunny Day at Calamosche Beach

Bathe in Crystalline Waters

Sunny Day at Calamosche Beach

Sunny Day at Calamosche Beach

Bathe in Crystalline Waters

The various unnamed city beaches that surround Ortigia and Siracusa's main harbor are plenty inviting. Enjoy fine, white limestone sand and dazzlingly blue water. If you have a long stop (say, four to six hours), consider hiring a taxi to drive you south to more secluded beaches, such as Calamosche or Fontane Bianche.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse

See Where a Miracle Happened

Siracusa is full of beautiful churches, and though you might not consider the 20th-century Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime to be among them, it certainly has the most interesting backstory. At this site, in 1953, a mass-produced statue of the Virgin Mary is said to have cried actual tears — a miracle, according to the Catholic Church.

Octopus Salad with Potatoes Local Cuisine
Octopus Salad with Potatoes Local Cuisine

Local Cuisine

Fresh seafood, not surprisingly, is the most delicious food in Siracusa, whether you savor simple polipo bollito, boiled octopus with fresh lemon wedges, or the spicier purpetti, which are grilled patties of ground fresh tuna with eggs and pecorino, infused with the flavor and aroma of cloves. Siracusa, like the rest of Sicily, is also famous for cannoli, rolled flaky pastry horns filled with sweet, fluffy ricotta cheese.

Local Shopping Paper Leaf Papyrus
Local Shopping Paper Leaf Papyrus

Shopping

Whether at stalls in Ortigia's outdoor market or at shops you find as you explore the old city, you'll want to buy artisanal Sicilian paper, which is handmade from the Papyrus reeds that grow wild around Siracusa. Another must-buy souvenir from Siracusa during your cruise vacation is Nero d'Avola, a locally famous wine made from grapes grown nearby.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Sicilians have a minimal grasp of English, even for Italians, so bring a pocket dictionary or have your translation app handy.
2 Roads around Siracusa are narrow and travel can take a long time, so don't venture too far out of the city while your ship is docked.
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