Elson & Leng : 1 Day To-Do in Syracuse, Sicily

This is going to be a long post with lots of photos. Do be patient.

Upon arriving at Syracusa in mid afternoon, we were greeted with tranquility. This place had much lesser cars than Catania, with a much needed orderly manner. Most roads were one way there, do take note of that.

Syracusa: One way road

After a 1.5 hours drive from Catania, we needed a short break before any adventure began. We promptly found our hotel, Grande Albergo Alfeo, which we booked through www.booking.com, and checked in. A friendly hotel reception greeted us, handed us the interesting hotel engraved keys to our room. A clean and spacious room awaited us. I highly recommend this hotel for their service, spaciousness, cleanliness and price. Breakfast was simple yet enough to start a day.

Syracuse: Grande Albergo Alfeo

Ortigia, extension from the main island via a bridge, is where the main attractions and shopping areas are. Taking a 10 minutes slow stroll to the bridge was a relaxing moment, breathing in the peacefulness of the town. Fishermen at the bridge smiled at us from their small fishing boats, telling us in their best form of English, to watch the birds preying on the fishes they threw back into the sea. With the sun setting in the background, that was an awesome picture to remember.

Syracuse: Fishermen under the bridge leading to Ortigia

The shopping street smiled at you shortly after the bridge. You find quite a comprehensive range of shops of different internationally known brands there. Walking on, you will see a Fountain of Diana in a big square. Have a break, take a photo and a coffee at a coffee shop in the square.

Syracuse: Shopping Street

Syracuse: Fountain of Diana

Carrying on, there are 2 paths to go, whichever you take, you will still head to the sea. Do some window shopping along the way.

Syracuse: One of the pathway leading to the sea

One of the path leads to the famous Duomo. This Duomo is particularly breathtaking. You could feel the majestic aura that it is giving out. The plazza was so huge that we could play a soccer game there.

Syracuse: Piazza Duomo

Syracuse: Look at the details of the Duomo

We had a gelato instead of coffee, and walk on for another 5 minutes, we found the sea. Oh my god, I was mesmerized by the view and fell in love with Syracuse deeply. Our timing was perfect as we caught the sunset. Beautiful!

Syracuse: Sea view

Syracuse: Sunset

Spend some time at the shops before dinner time. We chose Le Vin de L'assassin Bistrot for our dinner. We made a reservation beforehand, and would advise you to do so if you are going there. The ambience of the restaurant was great, service crew were friendly and patient. It has open kitchen concept, where you could see the chef, each with different hat, cooking. Every dish we had were nicely laid out, uniquely tasty. I love the food there very much.

Syracuse: Le Vin De L'assassin Bistrot. It is very near to the sea

Syracuse: Le Vin De L'assassin Bistrot. Ambience was cosy and awesome

I love the chandelier, and the open kitchen

Le Vin De L'assassin Bistrot: Onion Soup. Awesome!

Le Vin de L'assassin Bistrot: Duck Confit

Le Vin De L'assassin Bistrot: Salmon in Pistachio sauce

Le Vin De L'assassin Bistrot: Grilled pork

Wake up early the next day for the famous morning market. It is situated on the left side, just after the bridge. I read that the market is closed on Sunday. I saw many locals buying fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood. We came across a nice shop that sells cheese, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, etc. We bought our balsamic vinegar there.

Syracuse market

Syracuse Market

Syracuse market

Syracuse marekt

Syracuse market

Do explore the parallel right alley of the shopping street, in the direction towards Fountain of Diana too. We found a great shop that sells cold pressed olive oil, and superb marmalade. Directly opposite the shop is another restaurant, Sicilia in Tavola, that serves really nice pastas. They had pastas in pistachio, and some other specialities. Do ask them for recommendations. I suggest to try the pistachio sauce pasta, as I thought it was quite special and nice.