Where to stay in Syracuse & Ortigia – Top areas and best hotels

Let me be straightforward: the best place to stay in Syracuse is the island of Ortigia, however, there are other 4 areas that may work better for you if travelling on a budget, with family or if you prefer more of a beach stay.

Without further ado, let’s just straight to a few key points.

Where to stay in Syracuse, Sicily – Key points

Here is a quick table that compares all the 5 areas. Click on the name for more information or just keep reading the full guide. On a mobile swipe left or right to see all the columns.

Area	Best for	Pros	Cons	For couples	For families	For restaurants	For beach
Ortigia	History, stunning architecture, romantic stay	Unique historical sites, vibrant markets and cuisine, walkable and charming	Can be busy, higher prices	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Poor
New City Centre	Family-friendly stays, convenient location	Restaurant options, family-friendly, easily accessible	Can be noisy, challenging parking	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Not applicable
Borgata Santa Lucia	Authentic experiences, local cuisine	Authentic local atmosphere, diverse dining options, affordable accommodations	No nightlife, limited tourist services	Good	Good	Good	Not applicable
Near the Train Station	Budget travellers, short stay, convenient	Great transport connectivity, budget-friendly	Lesser charm, it can be noisy	Good	Good	Moderate	Not applicable
Fontane Bianche	Beach relaxation, day trips to Syracuse and Baroque towns	One of the best beaches, short train ride to Syracuse, access to Val di Noto	Distance from Syracuse and Ortigia	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Excellent

My 3 best hotels in Syracuse

Ortigia: The Historical Heart

Ortigia is the Old Centre of Syracuse where you will find an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and beauty, making it, in my opinion, the best place to stay in the city.

This island, connected to the mainland by a bridge, is basically a living museum, showcasing centuries of history. Its narrow, winding streets lead to the majestic Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral of Syracuse stands as a testament to the island’s Greek origins and subsequent layers of history.

The nearby Fountain of Arethusa, with its fresh spring water and papyrus plants, adds to the island’s mythological charm.

In Ortigia, you will experience also one of the best markets in Sicily, where you can taste and eat amazing street food made of fresh seafood, sun-ripened fruits, Sicilian cheeses and aromatic spices, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage. 

I loved so much walking in the Giudecca, the south-east of the island, the old Jewish Quarter, a real maze of tiny lanes where getting lost is part of the fun. Stop for a visit at the Mikveh, the oldest and biggest Jewish ritual bath in Europe (expensive tour but well worth the money). 

Finally, enjoy a dive from the lower platform of the Vigliena Fortress. There are basically no sandy beaches around and this is really the best place for a swim in a sort of old-day spot (it almost seems to be back in a 60s movie).

Unfortunately, despite its many advantages, Ortigia’s popularity means that the demand for accommodations and services in such a prime location can drive prices higher than in less frequented parts of Syracuse.

Ultimately, the island of Ortigia is the best place to stay in Siracusa for couples looking for a romantic breakaway. In fact, although the island can indeed get very busy, particularly during the tourist season and with day trippers, it’s also true that at night the illuminated lanes of Ortigia become so charming, a real dreamy destination.

City Centre: A family possibility

The modern New Centre of Syracuse is the small area between Ortigia Island and the Train Station, an ideal spot if you are travelling with bulky luggage and don’t want to venture into the maze of Ortigia.

The area is dominated by the impressive Church of San Tommaso al Pantheon, a monument to the fallen of World War I, built in 1919 with a modern design by the architect Gaetano Rapisardi, known for his significant contributions to Italian architecture, particularly in Rome.

One thing I loved about this neighbourhood was the food scene. There are so many restaurants and bars around. My personal experience at Sikania Pizzeria was unforgettable – the pizza was absolutely fantastic, with authentic local flavours. A must-visit if you are around lunch or dinner time.

For families travelling with children, the Giardino dei Marinaretti offers a small playground, giving a bit of entertainment for little ones. 

You will be also close to the historic Old Market of Ortigia and the Temple of Apollo (located near the bridge connecting the New Centre to Ortigia).

Ultimately, the City Centre is a great area to stay for families looking for a base that combines the convenience of city living with a great location, especially if carrying around bulky luggage.

Borgata Santa Lucia: Local Vibes

On our last trip, we decided to rent a car in Sicily for an island itinerary. Siracusa was obviously part of our itinerary, after all this city is one of the best Sicilian destinations to visit and stay.

As we approached Syracuse, a big structure stood out from the city skyline. That was the contemporary Basilica Madonna Delle Lacrima, the heart of the Borgata Santa Lucia, a place you should visit even if your hotel is not in the area.

The modern design of the Basilica is inspired by a massive eye drop falling from the sky. As you step inside you will be surprised by the immense ceiling height, almost never-ending, and the total quietness.

Borgata Santa Lucia will give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of Syracuse away from the more frequented tourist paths. Wander through its streets, and you’ll find yourself amidst the locals going about their day.

This is a great neighbourhood for the most typical family-run trattorias, where you can experience real local cuisine based on fresh products at bargain prices.

Sure, the streets and the buildings are not as characteristic as in Oritigia but what it lacks in charm it makes up in price, offering probably the best value accommodation in Siracusa.

Near the Train Station: Convenience and Value

Positioned near the Syracuse Station, this area works very well as a practical base for travellers prioritizing convenience and budget.

It’s a great location if you are thinking of using Syracuse to explore not only Ortigia but also other destinations by train like Noto (~40 minutes), Catania (~1 hour), the famous beach of Fontane Bianche (15 minutes) or Ispica, one of the best Baroque towns in the Val di Noto still unknown to the most (1 hour).

However, it’s worth noting that the area does not have any Sicilian charm, and it’s probably the nosiest of all places I have talked about in this guide.

In saying that, the train area is a great place to stay if you are travelling to Syracuse on a budget, this is where you will find the best deals.

Fontane Bianche: A beach stay

Finally, I wanted to mention in this guide also the possibility of staying in Fontane Bianche a town 20km south of Syracuse with one of the best beaches in Sicily.

This is the perfect place to be located if you want to relax and experience more of the Sicilian beach life leaving a visit to Siracusa and Ortigia for a day trip.

The great thing about Fontane Bianche is that the train to Siracusa takes just 15 minutes, in fact, you will spend more time walking from the Syracuse Station to Ortigia (20 minutes).

You will be also a short trip away (by train or car) to the Val di Noto and its Baroque towns.

True, you are not in Siracusa and you will not experience Ortigia with the dimmed street night lights, so magical by the way, but that’s the only price you pay if you prefer to stay by the beach.