Syracuse's mesmerising architecture is a constant reminder that, in its heyday, this city was the largest in the ancient world. Ancient Greek ruins make a spectacular backdrop for orange groves, medieval lanes run between Baroque piazzas, and it’s all part of a post-earthquake, post-invasion building programme that’s also behind some of the best places to stay in Syracuse today. Some of our favourite hotels are in converted palazzos and villas, but we have also picked out a small, stylish beach resort, and several properties on the island of Ortigia.

Ortigia island is the most historic part of Syracuse, where you’ll find the oldest buildings, the best sea views, and the fanciest hotels and restaurants. Mainland Syracuse was quite heavily bombed during WW2, so its architecture is far more modern. If you’re here for the culture, you’ll be kept busy — there’s the cathedral, converted from an Athenian Temple; and the basilica, with its famous painting by Caravaggio; the Sanctuary Madonna della Lacrime, famous for the Madonna statue which shed tears in 1954 and was subsequently mass produced for souvenirs; and the many fountains of the Forte Arethusa, the city’s ancient water supply. Outside town are the main Greek and Roman ruins, an outstanding collection which includes a vast necropolis of five thousand tombs, and the foundations of a Byzantine palace.

Syracuse also has a fantastic array of markets — there are markets each morning near the entrance to the island, selling rare, locally produced cheese and cured meats, wine, fruit, vegetables and fish. Ortigia’s narrow streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and trattoria — we recommend those along the western side if you’re looking for somewhere to have an aperitif or early supper in the sunshine.

There are a good range of beaches nearby too, but you'll have to travel at least 15 minutes to reach them!

The best places to stay in Syracuse tend to be extremely busy during the peak summer months. So if you plan to visit in July or August, do your homework and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Syracuse

For a Special Occasion

• The Ortea Palace is in a gorgeous early 1900s-built building in a plum spot, right on the harbour wall in central Syracuse — it was originally the Syracuse Post Office. Its 75 rooms snd suites offer classical style, with plenty of marble, fine linens and huge windows overlooking the water. There’s an excellent range of rooms, from beautifully lit doubles with white-on-white decoration, to the Tower Suite, which has panoramic sea views from its multiple bay windows and two balconies. The Ortea Palace’s spa is excellent, and the restaurant is too, offering fantastic Sicilian cuisine and a varied breakfast buffet.

For Families

• The Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel is certainly full of charm! It’s set just back from the sea, a pleasing blend of period and contemporary features and comforts — think parquet and tile floors, plenty of exposed stone and marble, ornate beamed ceilings, and a pretty courtyard with a fountain. The most impressive suites have private roof terraces and hot tubs. The Sicilian restaurant is one to remember. Despite the air of romance, this is a great option for families, with spacious suites designed with kids in mind, some of which can sleep up to six.

For Romantics

• The Siracusa Resort is a small and stylish resort, with just eleven rooms, one suite, and three self-catering apartments, and the only private stretch of beach in Syracuse. The decor is chic, with charming, traditional elements, like arched doorways, beautiful tiled floors and exposed stone in pale shades. The restaurant is excellent, and serves meals on a terrace overlooking the sea where possible — including gourmet suppers and buffet breakfasts. And there’s complimentary canoe and bike hire if you want to do a bit of exploring on land or sea.

For the Views

• Henry's House is one of the most uniquely historic hotels on our list of the best places to stay in Syracuse. It's very much a family affair, and its 12 rooms and suites are eclectically decorated with a colourful, bohemian eye and plenty of good taste. Expect contemporary and modern art, and incredible sea views. As well as the rooms, Henry’s House has a rabbit warren of corridors, leading to terraces, siting rooms, a breakfast room and the roof terrace.

For Great Value

• The Hotel Gutkowski is an unfussy Ortigia villa turned waterside hotel, with 26 simple rooms — the best with French windows and wonderful sea views. As well as admiring the sea from the rooftop terrace, you can also admire the rooftops of the whole peninsula.

For a Private apartment or private villa

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airport to Syracuse is Catania Airport, which is about 50 minutes' drive away, or about an hour by bus.
• If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sicily, unlike some Italian destinations, remains open all year round. That doesn’t mean it’s equally nice all year round, it’s definitely chilly in winter. Spring, or March through June, is one of our favourite times to visit Sicily, because the weather is sunny and mild, and the festival and events calendar is packed with activity leading up to Easter. July and August are properly hot, and the Mediterranean beaches and beach resorts are busy, and can be expensive, but the visitors tail off in September, though the sea is still warm and pleasant. The Scirocco winds bring a good amount of rainfall to Syracuse in September. October is a good pick if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture. We also recommend September and October, and April and May, as the best times to visit for a walking holiday.

Still not sure?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Or consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.