SICILY ISLAND - SYRACUSE FAQ`S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The nearest airport to Syracuse (Siracusa in Italy) is Catania Airport, an hour`s drive away. If you have not booked a private transfer with us and do not plan to rent a car, there are trains and buses from Catania (60-90 minutes journey time) as well as a direct bus between Syracuse and Catania Airport, which takes just over an hour.

How do I get from the train station to my hotel?

The train station is at Piazzale Stazione Centrale located in the south of the city on Via Crispi in the area of the port and close to the island of Ortygia. It is a 10-minute walk from the center of the old town and a 20-minute walk from Ortygia.

To reach Ortygia from the bus and train stations, catch minibus 1, which loops around the island every half hour or so, making stops at a number of convenient locations making it useful for reaching your hotel in the town center. You will also find taxis at the railway station. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fixed price before the ride starts, you should expect to pay around €10 for a taxi from the train or bus terminal to Ortygia.

How do I get to Syracuse by ferry?

If you plan to come to Syracuse by boat, most likely you will arrive in Pozzallo. From Pozzallo, you`ll take a three-hour bus ride to Syracuse.

How do I get around by taxi?

For a taxi dial tel. +39-06-9933-0555 (www.siracusataxi.com) or call one of the three main taxi stands directly: tel. +39-0931-69-722 (train station taxi rank), 0931-64-323 (Via Ticino taxi rank), or 0931-60-980 (Piazza Pancali taxi rank).

Taxi rides have a €3 initial fee and a minimum of about €5 charge (plus extra fees for night and Sunday service, bags, and about €2 if you call ahead for one).

The taxi drivers here will not stop for you along the street unless you are at a `taxi stand` (at the airports, train stations or in principal squares or larger hotels).

What is the city layout?

The main attraction, Ortygia island, is linked to mainland Syracuse by a bridge, Ponte Umbertino. The city`s main street, Corso Umberto, runs from this bridge directly to the train station and crosses Piazza Marconi, a square from which most of the buses depart. Another main street is Via Montedoro, which runs parallel to, and to the immediate north of, Corso Umberto.

Other than Ortygia, Syracuse`s grand attraction is the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. To get to this garden of ruins from the heart of Syracuse, head north along Corso Gelone.

The oldest street in town, Via della Maestranza, is a sightseeing attraction in its own right. It passes the island`s most aristocratic residences, mostly baroque in style. The two most interesting palaces, which can be admired from the outside, are Palazzo Interlandi Pizzuti, and Palazzo Impellizzeri.

Is Syracuse a walking city?

There are two areas of interest, the southeast is the island of Ortygia, the oldest part of the city; north is Neapolis, the archaeological area. The center of town is easily explored on foot - the island contains most of the sights, and is compact and pleasant for strolling. The archaeological area is about 25 minutes` walk away from the island.

How do I get around Syracuse using public transportation?

Syracuse is served by a network of buses run by AST (tel. 840-000323; www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it). Buses leave from the center of Syracuse for Piazza della Posta, which lies across the bridge on Ortygia Island. The best place to catch a bus in Syracuse proper is Piazza Marconi (also called Foro Siracusano). The most frequented routes are no. 21 to 23, which also stop at the railway station.

Bus tickets can be purchased in Piazza Pancali and will take you everywhere in Syracuse, including Archeology Park and the beach.

Bus no. 20 and 2 `Navette` shuttles go from the train station to the far end of Ortygia. Each runs every half-hour, staggered so there`s a bus leaving every 15 minutes. (There`s also bus no. 29, which goes from the station as far as Riva N. Sauro on the north end of Ortygia, but only every 105 minutes or so.)

In additon to the main city buses, there are three navette (shuttle buses) that thread the roads of the downtown island of Ortygia, each along a slightly different route. Two, as stated above, also venture on to the mainland to the train station and back; the other begins and ends at the Talete parking garage on Ortygia and runs every 15 minutes.

For more info: www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it.

I will have a car in Syracuse, where can I park?

It is not recommended that you attempt to drive on Ortygia (island). The roads are narrow and many of them are only accessible by foot. Since 2007, much of the island of Ortygia is closed to non-resident vehicles as a ZTL (`Zona Traffico Limitato,` or `Limited Traffic Zone`). If you are coming to Ortygia via car it is best to cross the Ponte Umbertino (main bridge) to the island and then immediately park.

The north end of Ortygia, where you enter the island, is merely a ZSC (zone where parking is controlled), so you can drive and park in any of six lots situated around the northern edge of Ortygia.

Parking costs around €0.60 per hour in most spots, though the `Talete` lot raises the fee to about €1 from 10 pm to 2:30 pm (meaning it's only €0.60 per hour from 2:30 pm to 10 pm each afternoon/evening.)

Here is a guide to help on driving the streets in Ortygia:

-Orange streets are ZTL (you can`t drive there)
-Green streets are ZSC (you can drive there but park only in designated lots/spaces)
-Purple streets are pedestrian only
-White streets are a drivable corridor through the center

There is also one thoroughfare cutting down and across the island on which anybody can drive (but not park) Monday to Friday between 6 am and 8 pm: south down Corso Matteotti, then left in Piazza Archimede to follow Via Maestranza to the Lungomare di Levante, where you have to turn north again.

How do I get around using the Hop-on Hop-off bus in Syracuse?

Available all year round, the hop-on hop-off bus is managed by the company `Syracuse open tour`. The ticket is valid for 1 day and you can get on and off how often you want, choosing between 16 different bus stops. The ticket costs around €5 and the bus passes near the main monuments of the town. There are also audioguides in different languages available on the bus. The frequency of the bus is 1 hour and thanks to a smartphone app it`s always possible to verify the real time position. The terminal of the bus is in via Rodi, near the shuttle bus stop and the Molo San Antonio parking. The service is active daily from 9 am to 7 pm. For further information contact Siracusa open tour by phone at +39 348 34307571 (English speaking).

How do I get around by bike?

Syracuse`s bike-sharing program, GoBike allows visitors to pick up and return bikes at 10 locations around town. Register and pay fees at any location, including the train station. There are also plenty of bike rentals throughout the city.

There`s a cycle path on an old railway track north of the city; it follows the coast and offers fabulous views with plenty of wildlife (lizards, birds and butterflies). Drivers are typically courteous and cycling is definitely preferable to driving.

Is Syracuse a dangerous city?

Unfortunately, Southern Italy is known for its high rate of petty crime. Be especially cautious around touristy areas like historic sites, museums and on buses or trains. If you are driving around Palermo or the rest of Sicily, don`t leave valuables in the car. To avoid muggings, don`t walk by yourself, especially in isolated areas or after dark. If you are using an ATM make sure that nobody watches as you enter your PIN. Also, it is common for criminals to rig ATMs so that they keep your card. If your card isn`t returned, report it to the bank immediately.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency used in Syracuse, Sicily is the euro (€), US dollars are not accepted. We recommend that you exchange a small amount of cash prior to your trip, enough for a cab ride or basic spending on arrival. It is also useful to remind your bank and credit card company that you will be travelling to make sure your cards will work while in Italy. We recommend you record all your credit card numbers, as well as the phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen.

Under the euro system, there are seven notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros. Notes are the same for all countries. There are eight coins: 1 and 2 euros, plus 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

Rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.xe.com to check up-to-the-minute rates.

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM. ATMs are found in all Sicilian cities, towns, and villages that have a bank. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) before you leave home and be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank`s ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions. On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

For more information about tipping visit: Tipping in Italy

What are restaurant, store and museum hours like?

Hours vary greatly from place to place. In Sicily many business establishments take a three-hour afternoon break from 1 pm till 4 pm, when almost everything is closed except for a few restaurants. Early evening closings are another fact of life here; don`t expect to find a supermarket open after 8 pm. Most pharmacies are also closed at night, though a few in each quarter have night schedules to accommodate emergencies. In August, many stores are closed in the afternoons, and some are closed altogether for at least two weeks in the middle August (Ferragosto).

In general, principal archaeological sites are open from 9 am -12 pm and 4 pm -7 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am -12 pm Saturday; summer hours may be longer. Museums are open from 9 am - 1 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and some weekday afternoons. Some are closed Mondays. Many (but not all) churches are open in the morning from 8 am till 12 pm, and some are open after 4 pm. Most shops are closed Monday morning and all day Sunday but open 9 am -1 pm and again 4 pm - 7:30pm on other days, including Saturdays.

Restaurants such as pizzerias are open evenings from around 8 am Tuesday through Saturday; many are closed Sunday and Monday. Some restaurants are open for lunch, too, usually from around 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm. Don`t expect to find pizza served at lunchtime, and don`t expect to find too many all-night restaurants in Sicily.

What is the weather like? When is the best time to go (Sicily)?

For general sightseeing, we recommend the periods October through November and March through June. For skiing on Mount Etna, late January and early February are best. June through September is great for the dedicated vacationer who is looking to get the most sunshine and beach time, but keep in mind that July, August and the first two weeks of September get extremely hot. Also, most everyone in Italy goes on vacation in August, making for crowded beaches during that month.

If you're a dedicated vacationer who can't get enough sunshine and beaches, we recommend June through September. Remember, however, that July, August and the first two weeks of September are extremely hot, and bear in mind that almost everybody in Italy goes on vacation in August, making for crowded beaches during that month.

Summer is the touristy season in Syracuse, so expect accommodations to be in scarce supply and much more expensive. Consider visiting Syracuse later in the year like September or October, when peak season is over, yet it is still warm. Hotel rooms can be surprisingly less expensive during the off season.

I don`t speak Italian. Will many people speak English?

If you don`t speak Italian we suggest learning at least a few Italian words and phrases before you arrive. This will come in handy in more remote parts of Sicily. Even in Palermo and Catania, there aren`t many people who speak English, but enough of the folks in airports, hotels and restaurants understand it well enough to make basic transactions go smoothly. Even if you do speak Italian, you might not understand everything the Sicilians are saying to each other, since they may be speaking the local dialect (actually a distinct language), but they all speak Italian. We suggest you get a good English-Italian guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What is the food like?

Sicilian food comes with the strong flavors of the southern Mediterranean, introduced by the ancient Greeks, and the sophistication of the Arabs who ruled Sicily in the 10th century. It is based upon a unique blend of influences from the island`s complex history.

Ortygia`s street market:
Syracuse still produces a wide variety of high quality food. A walk around the street market in Ortygia gives an idea of what is available. Stalls are piled high with fresh fruits and vegetables in brilliant colors, the sunlight diffused by awnings that cover melons, peaches, tomatoes, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, strings of garlic, slices of watermelon and bunches of herbs.

Specialist stalls display sacks of sun-dried tomatoes, barrels of olives, bottles of olive oil, packets of almonds and capers, together with the local cheeses caciocavallo and pecorino fresco.

Restaurants & trattorias:
There are many excellent places to eat in Ortygia, from smart restaurants to inexpensive trattorias, with new ones appearing every year. The specialty is fish of the season which comes in antipasti, with pasta, with couscous (of North African origin) and as a main dish. A characteristic antipasto consists of thin slices of smoked pescespada (swordfish) with fresh anchovies marinated in lemon juice. The famous sweet Sicilian desserts are also commonly available.

In Syracuse there are bars of every size and type, concentrated in Ortygia and around Corso Umberto, from the intimate corner bar to the large establishment with outdoor tables. Most of them offer food as well as drinks and ice cream.

Sicilian Specialty foods:

-The Catanese dish, pasta alla Norma, is among Sicily`s most historic and iconic.
-Cassatas are popular and traditional Sicilian desserts.
-An almond granita with brioche.
-Tarocco blood oranges.
-Limoncello is a popular and strong lemon liqueur.
-Arancini from Ragusa, Sicily.

What is the nightlife like in Syracuse?

Much of the nightlife in summer takes place in satellite villages, particularly along the coast. Unless specifically stated, hours can be irregular; check before heading to one of the hotspots, especially those out of town. Even with a somewhat small selection of nightlife options, Syracuse has something for everyone.

Piazza San Rocco:
Between Duomo and Fonte Aretusa, there`s a square where you`ll find bars and plenty of room to sit even if you`re not drinking. This area seems to be a bit off-the-beaten-path, as visitors don`t always learn about it as soon as they arrive.

Seafront:
The seafront on the island of Ortygia is full of restaurants and bars where people can enjoy a drink or sit and relax during the hot daytime hours. In the evening, the area is bustling with people out for a drink or a meal. It has a great atmosphere and a beautiful backdrop with the lights reflecting on the water. Attractions are located along the western quays of Ortygia.

Dress Code and Customs:
Most tourists say you can wear whatever you like, but if you want to follow Italian custom, you can always dress up a bit for a night out.

People don`t dance at bars. These night spots are primarily for drinking and hanging out.

What are the best things to shop for in Syracuse?

The outdoor market in Ortygia is the best place to shop. Here you can find the freshest and finest fish, vegetables and fruits available. The experience and color are memorable. Other than food, you can find almost anything you will need for you holiday experience in Syracuse from clothing to extra baggage.

One of the most popular craft products in Syracuse is papyrus paper. Local pottery is also a common product to buy. If you are looking for the perfect gift, buy a bottle of Nero d`Avola or a jar of their famous fish preserves.

Note: Value-added tax (VAT) rate is currently 22% in Italy for standard goods. A reduced rate of 10% applies to restaurants, transport, and certain medical drugs. And a 5% tax applies to food, water and non alcoholic beverages, books, some entertainment events and some domestic personal services. If you are not an EU resident, you may be able to reclaim VAT if you jump through enough hoops.

What is the local etiquette in Sicily?

Sicilian people can be very friendly and welcoming. Always remember to say hello and goodbye in social situations, this includes entering bars, restaurants and when visiting shops. Try saying `buon giorno` (good morning) or `buona sera` (good evening) as greeting, these phrases can be used for both hello and goodbye.

Dress modestly when visiting religious establishments or sites. Covering shoulders, midriffs and thighs is generally a good rule of thumb.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

Police: 113

Fire emergencies: 115

Emergency assistance on the road: 116

Ambulance: 118

In case of medical emergency, Guardia Medica, Traversa Pizzuta 20 (tel. 0931-484629), is open Monday to Friday 8 pm to 8 am, Saturday and Sunday 2 pm to 8 am. The regular hospital is the Ospedale Umberto I, Via Testaferrata (tel. 0931-724111), near the end of Corso Gelone.