Discover Syracuse Area 

Syracuse

Syracuse, a captivating city on the southeastern coast of Sicily, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine. Founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists, Syracuse flourished as a major power in the Mediterranean, rivaling Athens in its prime. Today, the city beckons visitors with its rich history, cultural treasures, and captivating natural beauty.

History buffs will revel in exploring Syracuse's archaeological wonders, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, a whispering cave with remarkable acoustics. The Ortigia island, the city's historic center, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with Baroque churches, medieval palazzi, and Roman ruins.

Beach lovers will delight in Syracuse's sun-kissed shores. Fontana Arethusa, a freshwater spring surrounded by papyrus reeds, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. For golden sands and azure waters, head to Lido Playa or Arenella Beach.

Foodies will be tantalized by Syracuse's culinary delights. Sample freshly caught seafood at waterfront restaurants, savor traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta alla Norma and arancini, or indulge in sweet treats like cannoli and granita.

Must-see attractions:

• Neapolis Archaeological Area
• Archaeological Sites nearby
• Ortigia Fontana Arethusa 
• Duomo of Syracuse 
• Palazzo Bellomo 
• Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi 

Things to do: 

• Explore the ancient ruins of Syracuse 
• Stroll through the charming streets of Ortigia
• Relax on the beaches
• Indulge in Sicilian cuisine 
• Visit the local markets 
• Take a boat trip to the island of Ortigia 

Tourist information: 

• Siracusa turismo 
• Visit Sicily Siracusa

Getting there: 

Syracuse is easily accessible by plane, train, and ferry. 

Getting around: 

The city center is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Public buses are also available.

Where to stay: discover our Villas in the Syracuse area 

Choosing to rent a luxury villa with pool near Syracuse will provide excellent access to all the treasures this beautiful region has to offer. We offer a  wide selection of villas in the Syracuse Area and surroundings  such as the luxury Villa Angelina in Plemmirio with its breathtaking sea views and spectacular swimming pool or the exclusive Villa Del Faro in Brucoli  and many others. What are you waiting for? Explore them all!

Fontane Bianche

Fontane Bianche is a coastal town in southeastern Sicily, renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town's name, meaning "white fountains" in Italian, alludes to the numerous freshwater springs that bubble up from the seabed, creating a mesmerizing spectacle beneath the turquoise waters.

Beaches: a paradise for sunseekers

Fontane Bianche's main attraction is undoubtedly its magnificent beaches. The town boasts an extensive coastline fringed with soft, white sand and lapped by azure waters. Lido di Fontane Bianche is the most popular stretch, offering well-equipped bathing facilities, lively beach bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. For a more secluded experience, head to the nearby coves of Cala Rossa and Cala Fornace, where tranquility reigns supreme.

Activities galore: something for everyone

Beyond sunbathing and swimming, Fontane Bianche offers a plethora of activities to keep visitors entertained. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, while nature lovers can embark on scenic hikes along the coastal trails

Must-see sights:

• Plemmirio Nature Reserve: this nature reserve encompasses a marine protected area teeming with diverse marine life. Explore the underwater caves and admire the colorful coral reefs.
• Archaeological Area of Syracuse: step back in time at this archaeological site, home to the ruins of ancient Syracuse, a once-powerful Greek city-state.
• Ortigia: discover the enchanting island of Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the Baroque architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Cuisine

Fresh seafood takes center stage, with dishes like grilled octopus, spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta), and fritto misto di pesce (mixed fried fish) a must-try. Sample local specialties such as arancini (rice balls), pasta alla Norma (eggplant and ricotta pasta), and cannoli (sweet ricotta-filled tubes).

Tourist information:

• Getting there: Fontane Bianche is easily accessible by car or bus from nearby cities like Syracuse and Noto. Catania Airport is the closest international airport.
• When to visit: The best time to visit Fontane Bianche is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Where to stay: click to discover all our Villas to rent in Fontane Bianche

Avola

Avola is a town located in the southeastern corner of Sicily, on the Ionian Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, charming historic center, and delicious food. History dates back to the 13th century when the Sicilian people defeated the indigenous Sicans and settled there permanently:  a rich history that is reflected in its architecture and culture. Avola was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, but it was rebuilt in a Baroque style that is still evident today.

Things to do:

• Visit the historic center, which is home to a number of Baroque churches, palaces, and monuments.
• Relax on the beach and enjoy the warm Mediterranean sun.
• Go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
• Take a boat trip to the nearby nature reserve of Vendicari.
• Sample the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and Sicilian pastries. 
• Visit one of the many wineries in the area and taste the local wines.
• Attend one of the many festivals that take place in Avola throughout the year.

Beaches:

• Lido di Avola: The main beach in Avola, with a wide sandy beach and shallow waters. It is perfect for families with young children. 
• Spiaggia del Gelsominento, ‘Sabbia d'oro’ in Gallina, the ‘Logghia’ beach bordered by the old Tonnara of Avola, the Mare Vecchio beach, Piccìo beach also known as ‘Cicirata’ of Avola 
• Spiaggia di Fontane Bianche: A beach with white sand and clear waters.
• Cala Rossa (Syracuse): A small cove with a rocky beach and stunning views.

What to eat:

• Avola almonds: Avola is famous for its almonds, which are used in a variety of dishes, including sweets, pastries, and liqueurs.
• Granita: A Sicilian granita is a semi-frozen dessert made with water, sugar, and flavoring. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sicily.
• Pasta alla Norma: A pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.
• Arancini: Rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or saffron.
• Cannoli: Sicilian cannoli are pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese.

Where to stay: click to discover our Villas to rent in Avola

Plemmirio

The Plemmirio Marine Park, one of the most pristine marine protected areas in Italy, stretching 12 kilometres around the Maddalena Peninsula. Here, between mountain biking excursions, walks and unforgettable snorkelling sessions (diving), you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, nestled between sheer cliffs, to be immortalised in breathtaking shots.

What to eat

The cuisine of Plemmirio is based on fresh seafood and local produce. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Spaghetti ai ricci di mare: This dish is made with spaghetti and sea urchins. It is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
• Tonno alla griglia: This dish is made with grilled tuna. The tuna is usually served with a simple salad of tomatoes and onions.
• Insalata di polpo: This dish is made with octopus salad. The octopus is boiled and then chopped up and mixed with tomatoes, onions, and olives.

Where to stay: discover our Villas to rent in Plemmirio

Noto

Noto is a town and comune in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. It is 32 kilometres  southwest of the city of Syracuse at the foot of the Iblean Mountains. It lends its name to the surrounding area Val di Noto. Noto is famous for its buildings from the early 18th century, many of which are considered to be among the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque style. It is a place of many religious buildings and several palaces.

History

Noto was founded in the 4th century BC by the Greeks. It was an important city in the Roman Empire, and later came under the rule of the Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Aragonese and Spanish. In 1693, the city was destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt in a Baroque style, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do 

• Visit the Cathedral of Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
• Take a walk through the historic center of Noto, and admire its many palaces and churches.
• Visit the Noto Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological finds and works of art from the city's history.
• Go to the beach at Eloro, or one of the other beaches near Noto.
• Take a cooking class, and learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes.
• Go on a wine tour, and sample some of the local wines.

Beaches

Noto is located on the coast of Sicily, and has several beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include: 

• Eloro beach: This beach is located just a few kilometers from Noto, and is known for its fine sand and clear water.
• San Lorenzo beach: This beach is located in Reitani  and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
• Vendicari beach: This beach is located in a nature reserve, and is known for its natural beauty.

What to eat

Noto is a great place to try traditional Sicilian food. Some of the most popular dishes include: 

• Pasta alla Norma: This dish is made with pasta, eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.
• Arancini: These are fried rice balls that are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Cannoli: These are pastry shells that are filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit.
• Granita: This is a semi-frozen dessert that is made with fruit juice or coffee. 

Tourist Information 

• The best time to visit Noto is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
• There are several airports near Noto, including the Comiso Airport and the Catania Airport. 
• Noto is a well-connected town, and there are regular buses and trains to and from other parts of Sicily.

Where to stay: click to discover all our Villas to rent in Noto

Marzamemi: a charming seaside village

Marzamemi is a small fishing village located in southeastern Sicily, Italy. The village's history dates back to the 17th century when it was a tuna fishing center. The village was abandoned in the early 20th century but was later revived in the 1980s as a tourist destination.

Beaches

Marzamemi is home to several beautiful beaches, including: 

• San Lorenzo Beach: This long, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
  
• Lido di Vendicari: This beach is located in the Vendicari Nature Reserve and is known for its natural beauty.

Things to do

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are many other things to do in Marzamemi, including:

• Visit the Tonnara: The Tonnara is the old tuna factory that has been converted into a museum.
• Explore the town: Marzamemi is a charming town with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful flowers.
• Go shopping: There are many shops in Marzamemi selling souvenirs, clothing, and local produce.
• Eat seafood: Marzamemi is a great place to try fresh seafood. There are many restaurants in the town serving traditional Sicilian dishes.

What to see

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Marzamemi include:

• Piazza Regina Margherita: The main square in Marzamemi, lined with cafes and restaurants.
• The Church of San Giorgio: A small church located in the center of Marzamemi.

Tourist information 

• Getting there: Marzamemi is located about 160 km from Palermo and 80 km from Catania. The nearest airport is Comiso Airport. 
• When to visit: The best time to visit Marzamemi is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the village can be crowded during this time. If you are looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall.

Where to stay: click to discover all our Villas to rent in Marzamemi

Brucoli

Brucoli is a small seaside village located in the municipality of Augusta, in the province of Syracuse, Sicily. Brucoli has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and there is evidence of Greek, Roman, and Arab settlements in the area. Brucoli with its canal-harbour was aggregated in the 15th century to the Chamber of the Aragonese Queens. Governor Giovanni Cabastida, by order of Queen Giovanna, had the castle built in 1467 to guard the emporium and warehouses where goods for export were loaded. The village's current layout dates back to the 18th century, when it was a fishing village. In the 19th century, Brucoli became a popular tourist destination, and it is now home to a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

What to see

• Castello di Brucoli: This 15th-century castle is located on a hill overlooking the village. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Santuario Madonna Adonai: This sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
• Riserva Naturale Oasi del Simeto (Catania): This nature reserve is home to a variety of plants and animals. It is a great place for hiking and birdwatching.

What to eat

Brucoli is a great place to try fresh seafood. The village is home to a number of restaurants that serve traditional Sicilian dishes, as well as more international fare. Some of the most popular restaurants in Brucoli include Ristorante Al Pontile, Pizzeria Miramare, and Trattoria I Rizzari.

Getting There

Brucoli is located about 20 kilometers from Catania Airport. The village can be reached by car, bus, or taxi.

Tips

• The best time to visit Brucoli is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
• Brucoli is a small village, so it is easy to get around on foot.

Where to stay: click to discover our Villas to rent in Brucoli, Sicily