Old townOrtigia & Piazza del Duomo
Wander the island old town — the Baroque Piazza del Duomo, the Fonte Aretusa spring, and the columns of the Temple of Apollo.
Syracuse, Italy
Flight + hotel city breaks · Ortigia old town & ancient Greek ruins
4.6 · 1,900+ Sicily city breaks booked by Canadians
Flight + Hotel · City Breaks
Vacation Packages to Syracuse
Flight-and-hotel city breaks with return flights from Canada
View all packagesFlying from
No deals from Toronto right now
Try another departure city, or check back soon.
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Syracuse
Syracuse (Siracusa) was one of the great cities of the ancient Greek world, and it still wears that history everywhere. The island old town of Ortigia is a maze of honey-coloured Baroque streets around the Piazza del Duomo and the freshwater Fonte Aretusa, while the Neapolis Archaeological Park preserves a vast Greek theatre and the cavernous Ear of Dionysius. Add a legendary street market, Sicilian seafood, and day trips to Etna and the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, and it makes an unforgettable city break.
Syracuse, SicilyClimate
Climate
18–33°C · mild winters, hot dry summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mediterranean climate — mild, occasionally wet winters and long, sunny, dry summers.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 CAD ≈ 0.68 EUR · cards widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport · up to 90 days
Top Experiences in Syracuse
Old town
Ancient GreeceNeapolis Archaeological Park
See the 5th-century-BC Greek Theatre, the echoing Ear of Dionysius cave, and the Roman amphitheatre carved from the rock.
Eat & drinkOrtigia Market & Sicilian Food
Graze the morning market, then feast on seafood, arancini, cannoli and granita with a glass of Nero d'Avola.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need; the Schengen Area recommends validity of at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Visa & ETIAS: Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being phased in — check the latest requirements before you fly.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Italy. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: Italy uses 230V/50Hz with Type F and Type L plugs — bring a European adapter and check that devices are dual-voltage.
Time zone: Syracuse runs on Central European Time (CET) — six hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Syracuse
Apr – JunPeak season
Warm, sunny days and green countryside — ideal for sightseeing and day trips.
Jul – AugHigh summer
Very hot and busiest; lovely on the coast, but midday sightseeing is intense.
Sep – OctPeak season
Warm sea, grape harvest and thinner crowds — arguably the sweet spot.
Nov – MarLow season
Mild, quiet and cheapest; some seaside spots close but the old town stays atmospheric.
Where to stay
Syracuse neighbourhoods
Syracuse splits between the atmospheric island old town and the modern mainland city, with resort coastline a short drive south. Here's how to choose your base.
Ortigia
Historic island
The Baroque island old town — Piazza del Duomo, the Fonte Aretusa, seafront lanes, and the best restaurants and bars.
Best for
- Couples
- Culture
- Foodies
Achradina
Mainland centre
The everyday modern town with shops, the seafront promenade and good transport links — handy value close to Ortigia.
Best for
- Value
- Longer stays
- Local life
Neapolis
Northwest
The archaeological quarter around the Greek Theatre and the Paolo Orsi museum — quiet and walkable to the ancient sites.
Best for
- History
- Museums
- Quiet
Arenella & Fontane Bianche
South coast
The resort coastline south of the city, home to the area's larger seafront hotels a short drive from the old town.
Best for
- Resorts
- Families
- Relaxing
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Syracuse
Syracuse is the perfect base for southeast Sicily's Baroque towns, volcano and nature reserves. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel.
UNESCO World HeritageNoto — Sicilian Baroque Town
Half day · 5 hrs~40 km south · ~45 min by car
Stroll the honey-stone Corso of the finest Baroque town in the Val di Noto, with a stop for almond granita.
Insider tips
- Go late afternoon for golden light
- Climb San Carlo's tower for rooftops
Natural WonderMount Etna Volcano
Full day · 8 hrs~90 km north · ~1h 45m by coach
Ride the cable car and 4x4s up Europe's largest active volcano to walk the summit craters and lava fields.
Insider tips
- Bring warm layers even in summer
- Wear sturdy closed shoes
Baroque & ChocolateRagusa & Modica
Full day · 8 hrs~90 km southwest · ~1h 30m by coach
Explore two more UNESCO Baroque hill towns and taste Modica's famous cold-worked chocolate.
Insider tips
- Ragusa Ibla is the old lower town
- Buy chocolate to bring home
Nature & FoodVendicari Reserve & Marzamemi
Full day · 6 hrs~50 km south · ~1h by car
Walk the saltpans and lagoons of the Vendicari nature reserve, then eat seafood in the old tuna village of Marzamemi.
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars for flamingos
- Book a harbourside lunch
● Limited availability — book now
Your Sicilian city break awaits
Flight-and-hotel packages with flights from Canada, starting at
No booking feesBest price guaranteeCancel up to 30 days beforeCanadian-owned & operated
Good to know
Syracuse travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Italy?
No. Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — just carry a valid passport. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced, so check the latest requirements before you fly.
How long is the flight from Canada to Syracuse?
There are no direct flights; expect around 13 hours in total with one connection via a European hub such as Rome, Frankfurt or Munich.
When is the best time to visit Syracuse?
April–June and September–October offer warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds than high summer. July and August are hot and busiest.
How do I get around Syracuse?
Ortigia and the city centre are compact and easily walkable. Rent a car for day trips to Etna, Noto and the Val di Noto towns.
What currency is used?
The euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for the Ortigia market, small cafés and taxis.
What language is spoken?
Italian. English is understood in most hotels, restaurants and tourist sites, but a few Italian phrases go a long way.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover care in Italy, and medical costs can be high without coverage.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add day trips like Noto, Mount Etna and Ragusa & Modica to your trip at checkout.