The Sicilian province of Siracusa was one of the centres of the ancient world, and is filled with historical sites of profound beauty and cultural significance. As well as the mighty city of Syracuse, there are many smaller towns, not to mention mountains and nature reserves. This region of Sicily is famous for its ice cream, which comes in an unending variety of flavours.

Syracuse

The crown jewel of the province is the city of Syracuse, which features enough archeological sites to fill a book. Chief among them are the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa and the Tomb of Archimedes. Architecture here is a mixture of Greek, Byzantine and even Arabic buildings, and there are too many gorgeous old churches to list.

What to Do in Siracusa

Syracuse could keep anyone with a love for history and culture occupied for a lifetime, but those who enjoy outdoor pursuits will also want to visit the Vendicari Natural Reserve and the Cavagrande del Cassabile Natural Reserve, to take advantage of the region's excellent hiking. Those who prefer the sea can go boating and visit marine caverns such as the Grotta di Capo Meli, or watch whales breaching just off the coast.