Start your trip by exploring the beautiful city of Siracusa. Visit the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, a vast archaeological park with ancient Greek ruins, including the impressive Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius. Then, head to the historical center of Siracusa to see the beautiful Cathedral of Syracuse and stroll along the picturesque streets of Ortigia Island. Finish your day with a delicious dinner at Ristorante Porta Marina, a family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Mount Etna is one of the most famous attractions in Sicily and a must-visit for families. Take a guided tour to explore the volcano's craters, caves, and lava fields, or ride the cable car to the summit for breathtaking views. Kids will love the adventure park at Rifugio Sapienza, where they can try zip-lining, rope bridges, and more. On your way back, stop at Antica Macelleria Russo, a traditional butcher shop in Zafferana Etnea, to taste some delicious salami and cheese.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach of Fontane Bianche. This beautiful sandy beach has crystal-clear waters and offers various beach facilities, including sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as several beach bars and restaurants. Kids can play in the shallow waters or build sandcastles while parents soak up the sun or read a book. In the evening, head to Trattoria del Mare, a seafood restaurant in Siracusa, for a delicious dinner.
Take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, located in the heart of the Val di Noto. Noto is famous for its elegant palaces and churches, including the impressive Cathedral of San Nicolò. Ragusa, on the other hand, is divided into two parts: Ibla, the ancient town with narrow streets and charming squares, and the modern city with its grand palaces and public buildings. Don't miss the chance to taste some delicious Modica chocolate, a specialty of the region.
Take a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Caltagirone, famous for its colorful ceramics and beautiful staircase, the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, adorned with hand-painted tiles. Then, head to the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman villa dating back to the 4th century AD, with well-preserved mosaics showing scenes from ancient life. On your way back, stop at the Cannoli Lover, a patisserie in Enna, to try some delicious cannoli.
Take a boat tour to the stunning Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the picturesque harbor of Lipari, the thermal baths of Vulcano, and the stunning black-sand beach of Stromboli, famous for its active volcano. Kids will love swimming in the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and snorkeling among colorful fish. In the evening, head back to Siracusa for a relaxed dinner at Trattoria La Foglia.
Spend your last day in Siracusa relaxing and enjoying some family time. Visit the Parco Marino del Plemmirio, a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear waters and a rich marine life, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Alternatively, visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, the most important archaeological museum in Sicily, with a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. In the evening, have a farewell dinner at Terrazza sul Mare, a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the sea and the city.
To explore Siracusa and its surroundings, you will need to rent a car, as public transportation is not very efficient. You can rent a car at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, with prices starting from 40 EUR/day. The average travel time between the locations on this itinerary is 1-2 hours, and the average distance is 20-40 miles. Gasoline in Italy costs around 1.50 EUR/liter, and tolls are frequent on highways.
If you have more time, consider visiting the charming town of Taormina, famous for its stunning Greek Theater and luxurious shops. Alternatively, you can visit the medieval town of Erice, located on a hill overlooking the sea, with narrow streets and ancient churches. If you have less time, consider skipping the day trip to Noto and Ragusa or the boat tour to the Aeolian Islands. Remember to always carry cash, as some restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards. Finally, don't forget to taste some of the delicious Sicilian street food, including arancini, panelle, and cannoli.
The main airport in Sicily is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located 40 miles southwest of Siracusa. It is the busiest airport in the island, with frequent international and domestic flights. The airport offers various transportation options to reach Siracusa, including bus, taxi, and rental car. Another airport option is Vincenzo Bellini Airport (CTA) in Palermo, located 155 miles west of Siracusa, with frequent flights to Italy and Europe.