The best tours in Syracuse – Ortigia, sea caves and ancient Sicily

Two things: Ortigia, the island old town with its cathedral, the Arethusa spring and the market, and the ancient Greek and Roman city, with the Neapolis archaeological park on the mainland. Add the sea caves along the Ortigia coast, which you see from a boat, and the baroque towns of the south-east, a day trip away.

Most start in or next to Ortigia, but the exact meeting point differs between operators. It is on each offer, so confirm it before you book. Trips of about an hour stay near the island; two-hour trips usually add Pillirina and the Plemmirio coast.

Not a big one in the old town: Ortigia has rocky access to the sea rather than a sandy beach. The nearest sandy beach, Fontane Bianche, is about 12 km south of Syracuse. Many boat trips include a swim stop, which is the easier way to get into the water.

Yes, but it is a full day. Noto is about 40 km from Syracuse, and guided tours chain it with Modica and Ragusa over roughly eight hours. That leaves limited time in each town. Choosing two of the three, or Noto alone, is a calmer day.

It works, but not as the closest one. Tours from Syracuse run roughly seven and a half to nine hours. Catania and Taormina are nearer the volcano and have their own sites, and tours that start there are listed on those, not here.

Not for the old town. Ortigia is small and best explored on foot, and traffic is restricted for part of the day, with times that differ by weekday. Park at the car park at the entrance to the island and walk in. A car helps for Noto, Vendicari or the beaches south of the city.

The airport is roughly 65 to 70 km north, about an hour to an hour and a half by road. Trains, buses and private transfers all run; check the current timetables and fares with the provider, because they change.