← Mangia's Maratona di Ragusa·1 night

Syracuse and Ortigia: A Night on the Island

One night in Ortigia, the old island town of Syracuse, gives a flat, walkable centre and a sea edge, with Noto as an optional stop on the way.

Duration1 night
TransitBus or hire car, with a stop at Noto if time allows; check timetable
DepartsRagusa

After Mangia's Maratona di Ragusa: Syracuse and Ortigia

The Route: Ragusa → Noto (optional) → Syracuse → Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) Logistics: Bus or hire car. Services between Ragusa and Syracuse are limited, so check the timetable before planning a connection. Marathon Month: January Duration: 1 night

Ragusa ──(bus or car, check timetable)──> Noto (optional) ──> Syracuse / Ortigia ──(bus or taxi)──> Catania (CTA)

Mangia's Maratona di Ragusa finishes on a Sunday, and Syracuse lies to the east. The journey is best done on the Monday, with an optional stop in Noto on the way. A hire car is the simplest option, but the bus is workable if the timetable is checked, and the trip can take most of a morning.

January in Syracuse is mild by northern standards and quiet. The sea can be rough, and some restaurants in Ortigia close for a holiday in winter, so check opening dates.

Night one: Ortigia

Ortigia is a small island joined to the mainland by a short bridge, and its old town is level and compact. The waterfront promenade is flat and suits sore legs. The cathedral stands on the main square, built over an ancient temple, which is a detail the guides all mention, so check opening hours for the interior. The archaeological park on the mainland is a longer walk or a taxi ride, and its paths are uneven, so save it for another visit.

Where to stay

Choose a hotel inside Ortigia, where everything is walkable. Book a room with a lift or on the ground floor if the stairs are a worry, and confirm parking, since much of the island is restricted to cars.

Food

Fish and seafood are the obvious choice in Ortigia. Ask the hotel for current recommendations and book a table.

Getting Home

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the usual departure point from Syracuse, reached by bus or taxi. Check the timetable and allow a margin before a flight. Comiso is the alternative if the airline uses it.