Between Syracuse and Palermo, consider stopping in Catania, at the base of Mt. Etna. This city just canтАЩt be tamed: no matter how many times Mt. Etna erupts or an earthquake damages the city, it gets built back each time using volcanic rock for a unique dark gray aesthetic.
Is Syracuse, Italy, bike-friendly?
Yes, Syracuse, Italy, has plenty of bike lanes and bike rental services for getting around town. When youтАЩre ready to get out of town, take a bike tour through the countryside and along the coast. Wearing a helmet is not required in Sicily, but you should have a light on if you bike in the evenings.
How long do you want to spend in Syracuse, Sicily?
For a memorable experience in Syracuse, plan to spend 2-3 days. This will give you enough time to explore its historical sites, such as the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the Ortigia island, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and stunning coastline.
Is Syracuse worth visiting Sicily?
Syracuse is absolutely worth visiting in Sicily. It's a historic city with a rich blend of Greek, Roman, and Baroque architecture. You can explore ancient ruins, stroll through charming streets, and enjoy delicious Sicilian cuisine by the sea.
How do you get from Palermo to Syracuse?
To get from Palermo to Syracuse, you can take a train, bus, or drive. Driving is the fastest option at 2 hours and 50 minutes. The train covers a longer distance and requires a transfer in Messina, but the buses are direct.
Do I need to tip in Italy?
Tipping for taxis, hotel staff, or restaurants is not the norm in Italy, nor is it expected. However, feel free to round your change up to the next euro or add a 5 to 10% tip for exceptional service.
Your car trip from Palermo to Syracuse will take you right across Sicily. Watch vineyards, citrus groves, and grazing animals pass by your window as you go through the agricultural heart of the island. The A19 cuts right across and is the fastest roadway to Catania. From Catania, youтАЩll take the E45 south to Syracuse.
A private driver is a great middle ground between driving a rental car and taking mass transit. Your local driver will expertly navigate the notorious Sicilian roads and get you safely to your local excursions, and finally to Syracuse by the end of the day
About Syracuse
Syracuse is an eternally sunny destination on Sicily's southeastern coast. Sicily was a main battleground in southern Europe for both Greek and Roman conquest. Its central location was an ideal docking point between the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. A drive from Palermo to Syracuse cuts right across the island and youтАЩll be able to imagine all the past empires that wanted this particular spot in the sea.
SyracuseтАЩs metro area today is home to over 600,000 people and bears ancient ruins from its many past empires. Its historic downtown is its own island with romantic views of the sea. Syracuse is a short distance from SicilyтАЩs busiest airport, the Catania Fontanarossa Airport, and is a natural last stop before departing from your Italian vacation.
From Palermo to Syracuse: travel tips
Follow these travel tips so your Palermo to Syracuse trip goes as smoothly as possible!
Get an early start
Sicily is warm and sunny almost year-round, so leaving Palermo early in the day means you can experience your first excursion before the sun gets too strong. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle go a long way in making you feel as comfortable as possible.
Dress for the occasion
The excursions you plan to do during your trip will dictate how you should dress. For any visit to the many churches and cathedrals along the way, make sure you follow the modest dress code. You can make an existing outfit more cathedral-friendly by adding a shawl or changing into longer pants when you arrive.
How to get from Palermo to Syracuse
A drive in a car or bus straight across Sicily from Palermo to Syracuse is 160 miles (260 km), while the train hugs the northern coast and covers 250 miles (400 km).
### Private car service from Palermo to Syracuse
With a private car service like Daytrip, you can have a customized experience across Sicily. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Palermo and take you safely to your accommodation in Syracuse.
Daytrip isn't just more convenient than the bus or train though. Along with being able to talk with your English-speaking driver about local culture, you can even stop for sightseeing along the way. You wouldn't want to miss the finest Roman mosaics in the world at UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, would you?
### Trains from Palermo to Syracuse
All train rides from Palermo to Syracuse require at least one transfer, usually in Messina. Tickets start at $26 (24 EUR) and the trip takes between 4.5 and 7.5 hours, making it one of the least effective ways to get around Sicily.
### Buses from Palermo to Syracuse
Direct buses between Syracuse and Palermo take 3.5 hours and are operated by Interbus. Tickets can be had as low as $15 (14 EUR). Once in Syracuse, youтАЩll still need to get a taxi from the bus station to your accommodation.
Things to do when you get to Syracuse
Once you finish your excursions on your drive from Palermo to Syracuse, check out all this seaside city has to offer!
### Go sailing in the Mediterranean
Boat tours can take you and your family around the coastline of Syracuse. Go diving in the crystal-clear waters, take a tour of sea caves and rock formations, and soak up the Mediterranean sun all on a private boat!
Head south to see the Plemmirio Nature Reserve for snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. You can even dive from the rocky cliffs if youтАЩre feeling adventurous. The nature reserve has 35 access points, a few of which are handicapped accessible.
Some boat operators also do sunset dinner cruises with an onboard chef. Buon appetito!
### Head downtown on Ortigia Island
SyracuseтАЩs downtown is on Ortigia Island, where you can find the Cathedral of Syracuse, enjoy the waterfront promenade, and even see the Fountain of Arethusa. According to Greek mythology, this freshwater spring marks where the nymph Arethusa resurfaced after escaping from Arcadia.
### Explore the Archaeological Park
At the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, you can see iconic sites like the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius. This site spans many acres, so give yourself time to walk around the site and plan for an early arrival to beat the heat.
When is the best time to visit Syracuse
Sicily is best visited during spring and fall. Temperatures in summer tend to be in the high 80┬░s F (29┬░ C) but can be as high as 100┬░ F (38┬░ C) during a heatwaveтАФtoo hot for outdoor tours of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
Instead, come during the shoulder seasons when the weather is a more pleasant 75┬░ F (29┬░ C). And if the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean aren't cutting it, you can always cool off with a trip to the underground Catacombs of San Giovanni.
In this dramatic clifftop castle, the Normans plotted to overthrow the King of Sicily.┬аThe Castle of Conspiracy┬а
Cefalu
With one of SicilyтАЩs finest beaches, and a UNESCO-listed cathedral, this picturesque medieval village is a coastal jewel.┬аThe King of the Coast┬а
Sanctuary of Gibilmanna
This beautiful Baroque church is filled with artwork inspired by miraculous visions of Mary and Jesus.┬аThe Face of Christ┬а
Enna
Perched atop a plateau, this historic city offers beautiful views, and beautiful architecture, including a UNESCO-listed cathedral.┬аThe Belvedere of Sicily┬а
Villa Romana del Casale
The multitude of mosaics that cover the floors of this UNESCO-listed Roman villa are the finest in the world.┬аMoneyed Mosaics┬а
Catania
Built from grey lava stone, the UNESCO-listed historic center of SicilyтАЩs second largest city is a Baroque wonderland.┬аGorgeous in Grey┬а
