Sicily · ORTIGIA TOURS

Ortigia Tours: The 15 Best Ways Round Syracuse’s Island

49 tours  ·  from $22 a head

Ortigia is small enough to walk in an hour and good enough to fill three days. These 15 take you round it by boat, into the caves under the cliffs and through the lanes behind the cathedral, priced and timed.

Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves - Arethusa Spring and Castello Maniace from the coast
Boat Tours in Sicily, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Sicily Tours, Tour Reviews

Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

1.Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 937 reviews · from $23Our pick

Circle Ortigia’s coast with a skipper who points out its bridges, monuments and sea caves, then take a swim stop if conditions allow. This one-hour trip enters Syracuse’s big and small harbors and the canal beside the island. Guides including Otto, Ninni and Davide have led outings in English and Italian.

“Our guide was extremely welcoming and fun. He provided a ton of information on the city and let us jump in and swim. Highly recommend, absolutely loved it.”

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Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths. - Into Syracuse’s coastal caves
Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Sicily Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.

2.Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24Top rated

In about 70 minutes, a local skipper takes you around Ortigia’s landmarks, into Syracuse’s coastal caves and out for a swim in the Ionian Sea. Groups are capped at 15. Guides such as Franco, Laura and Steven have been praised for their commentary, though spoken English can vary.

“Awesome! ! Perfect amount of time! We did a tour around the island and had short time to swim. The guide was great”

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Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto - Round Maniace Castle and head for the caves
Boat Tours in Sicily, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

3.Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 617 reviews · from $45

See Ortigia’s waterfront, Arethusa Spring, Maniace Castle, and coastal caves on a two-hour boat trip from Siracusa. The route includes time to swim and snorkel, plus seasonal fruit and prosecco or juice. Guides such as Salvo, Stephen, and Giovanni have led trips in Italian, English, and Spanish.

“Wonderful day out - highlight of our trip to Sicily. We were lucky to find Ortiga and fell in love with the town. We booked the boat tour and were happy with our 10-15 minute swim in the crystal clear Mediterranean - prosecco and fruit provided on the way back to town and the views were spectacular. My boys aged 8 and 11 adored the captain who had limited English but was fun! We highly recommended this trip to everyone who would listen when we returned back to our family and friends. Only thing I wish was that finding the correct place to go to find the boat was a…”

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Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Speedboat Tour with Swim Stop - Sea caves bring a change of pace
Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Speedboat Tour with Swim Stop

4.Ortigia & Sea Caves Speedboat Tour with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 499 reviews · from $34

From the waterfront near A Surgiva, a skipper guides you around Ortigia’s bastions, baroque shoreline, Fonte Aretusa, and Castello Maniace, then along the Siracusa coast to sea caves and a swim stop. Guides have included Antonio, Antonino, and Chris. The 90-minute ride costs $34 per person, with water and safety equipment provided.

“Our guide on the (slow) speed boat was Chris, formerly of the British army, who was a hoot and a talented boatman. And, his 9:00 tour had only 2 people - me and my daughter - so it was excellent value. We had an excellent time and enjoyed being away from the throngs of tourists”

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Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves - A swim can be a welcome extra
Boat Tours in Sicily, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Sicily Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves

5.Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 407 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Set out from central Syracuse for a roughly one-hour boat circuit of Ortigia, with coastal views, historic landmarks, and visits to sea caves when conditions allow. Captains such as Ninni and Nunzio have shared local history and practical tips in English. Swimming may be possible, but it is not guaranteed.

“We were walked from the meeting point to the boat quickly and with a friendly guide. He brought us eight to the boat and made sure we got on safely. We were the only two on the small boat with Numzio, our captain. He showed us all of the sites, special rock formations, historical areas and brought us into 3 caves. Nuncio answered all of our questions in perfect English and translated some words for us in Italian. This trip was about an hour, 20 minutes and was worth the cost.”

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Catania: Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto Tour with Brunch - Neapolis: Greek Syracuse in about an hour
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Catania: Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto Tour with Brunch

6.Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto Tour with Brunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 404 reviews · from $112

Spend a full day between Syracuse’s ancient Greek ruins, Ortigia’s cathedral and sea-edge spring, and Noto’s Baroque streets. A driver takes care of the road, with maps and a booklet for Neapolis and time to explore each stop. Brunch with Sicilian products, water, and Etna wine is included, though the Neapolis entry fee is extra.

“Highly recommend this tour from Catania. Marco our guide was very fun and we had plenty of time in each memorable stop. The lunch was very good as well”

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Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, and Sea Caves Tour by Boat - The skipper makes the difference
Boat Tours in Sicily, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, and Sea Caves Tour by Boat

7.Pillirina, Ortigia, and Sea Caves Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 348 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Leave Ortigia’s waterfront with a local skipper for a two-hour circuit past Maniace Castle, coastal caves, and the Pillirina area. You can snorkel with the supplied masks and swim from the boat when conditions allow. Skippers such as Francesco and Alessandro have used a phone translator to share commentary in English.

“Our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, the tour was a highlight of our stay in Ortigia!”

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Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour with Drinks - A Short Swim, Then a Prosecco Toast
Boat Tours in Sicily, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ortigia Tours, Sea Caves Boat Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour with Drinks

8.Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 337 reviews · from $23

Starting at Via Malta 26, this one-hour boat trip circles Ortigia and visits Syracuse’s sea caves, including the heart-shaped cave. You’ll pass Castello Maniace and Fonte Aretusa, with a chance to swim when conditions allow. Expect English or Italian guiding, safety gear, a freshwater shower, and a glass of Prosecco. Guide Alessandro is one of the captains you may meet.

“Very nice people and they translated everything for us in our own language! The boat trip was great with a lot of explanation by the captain. Would recommend and would very much do it again!”

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Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour in Ortigia with Tastings - Starting at the church, then finding your bearings
Food & Drink, Food Tours in Sicily, Ortigia Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours in Sicily

Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour in Ortigia with Tastings

9.Street Food Walking Tour in Ortigia with Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 293 reviews · 3 hours · from $77

Walk Ortigia with local guides such as Maria, Giuseppe and Iryna, stopping at five food spots for market cheeses and cured meats, arancini, impanate, seasonal fried fish, granita or cannoli, and a local liqueur. Expect food, neighborhood history and a generous meal, not just a quick snack. Vegetarian and other dietary needs can be shared when booking.

“We loved this tour. Our guide, Maria, was excellent and, being Sicilian herself, had very good local knowledge. There was no question she was unable to answer. She told us all about Sicilian traditions and was very informative about all the places we visited on the tour. The food we tasted was excellent. We had calamari, wine, impanate, arancini, granite, limoncello, and cannoli. The portions are very generous, so don’t eat beforehand! The tour was relaxed and we didn’t feel rushed. In fact, we went over the 3 hours and decided to have a beer at one of the restaurants. The meeting point was very easy to find, and the…”

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Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif - From red coral caves to Grotta dell’Amore
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Ortigia Tours, Sunset Cruises in Sicily, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews

Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif

10.Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 291 reviews · 2 hours · from $71

Cruise Ortigia’s north coast for about two hours, passing sea caves and coves before an aperitif of Sicilian produce and prosecco. The route includes a swim stop near Maniace Castle when conditions allow, then sunset views from the water and a pass beneath Umbertino Bridge. Guides speak Italian, English, and Spanish, though the language you hear may vary by skipper.

“Our skipper Salvo was fantastic; took us around the island and gave good explanations and a little history. Was very accommodating with the group, checking in to see if all were good. The food was ample and tasty. Recommend taking your bathers because the water is warm and if windy take a spray jacket. Lots of fun at sunset.”

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Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto walking tour from Catania - Noto trades ancient stone for Baroque drama
Catania Tours, Ortigia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours in Sicily

Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto walking tour from Catania

11.Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto walking tour from Catania

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 273 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $129

Leave Catania at 8:45 am for a full-day trip to Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto, with hotel pickup, return transport, and Neapolis Archaeological Park admission included. Expect a small group of no more than eight. Guides such as Salvatore, Nando, and Lory have led the route, though the amount of guided walking can vary.

“What a fantastic day out! Lory, our guide/driver was phenomenal. She had excellent commentary and communication. Noto, Siracuse, & Ortigia were absolutely stunning. The history is stupendous! Always wish we had more time to explore, but you can only fit so much within a day!”

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Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour - The Greek Theater and Ionian Sea Views
Guided, Ortigia Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours in Sicily

Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

12.Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 205 reviews

In three hours, a private guide takes you through Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortigia, from the Greek Theater and Ear of Dionysos to Syracuse Cathedral, built around the Temple of Athena. Guides such as Anna and Giuseppe bring Greek, Roman, Arab, and Spanish chapters into the story. The group rate is $317.20 for up to five, with park admission extra.

“Marcelo was very knowledgeable about the history of Siracusa, from its Greek origins and years of dominance, through its wars against/occupations by the Romans, Arabs, and Spaniards. He is fascinated with archeology and imparted his enthusiasm and knowledge upon us! He spent more than 4 hours with us on this private tour of the important Neapolitan Archeological Park and all of the key sites on Ortigia. The tour was expensive, but well worth it! Highly recommend. Thank you very much, Marcelo!”

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Syracuse: Ortigia Private Walking Tour - Cathedral Square, where a temple became a church
Ortigia Tours, Private, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours in Sicily

Syracuse: Ortigia Private Walking Tour

13.Ortigia Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 181 reviews

In two hours, a licensed guide leads you from the Temple of Apollo through Ortigia’s Greek, Jewish and Baroque landmarks to the Arethusa Spring and Piazza Archimede. The private walk costs $220.91 for up to nine people. Guides named for Hermes Sicily Tours include Eva and Galina. Cathedral admission is extra, and modest dress is required to enter.

“Informed and knowledgeable local guide. Nice pleasant walk to the main sights of Ortygia. Recommend!”

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Syracuse: Ortigia Classic Walking Tour - Through Archimedes Square and Diana Fountain
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Syracuse: Ortigia Classic Walking Tour

14.Ortigia Classic Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 167 reviews · from $22Best value

Walk Ortigia with a live English- or Italian-speaking guide, from the Temple of Apollo to Aretusa Spring and the old Jewish quarter. Expect about two hours on foot, a Cathedral visit if open for €2 extra, and a small group that is usually around 10 people. Eva has led some departures, but guides can vary.

“Walking tour was great. The lady was very knowledgeable and good. She was good at rounding us up but also giving us time to explore and take pictures. It was really helpful having the audio guide where she spoke into a microphone so it meant that we could hear her properly without her shouting or needing to get close up and personal! I would recommend.”

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Syracuse: Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour - The Temple of Apollo sets the historical scene
Guided, Ortigia Tours, Syracuse Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours in Sicily

Syracuse: Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour

15.Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 136 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Follow Ortigia’s story from the Temple of Apollo to Piazza Duomo and Arethusa Spring on a two-hour guided walk. Guides have included Giuseppe, Michael, Letizia, Vincenzo and Eva, though your guide may differ. Expect local history, myth and architecture, plus a Cathedral visit if opening hours allow. Entry is not included, and the tour may be conducted in English and Italian together.

“Michael was great. Philly man who has lived in Siricusa for 22 years. Can’t beat the value.”

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New in Ortigia Tours

★ 5.0Syracuse Ortigia and Noto Private TourFrom $24840 reviews
★ 5.0Syracuse, Ortigia & NotoFrom $14613 reviews
★ 5.0|FROM CATANIA|Tour of Siracusa, Ortigia, Noto [PRIVATE TOUR]22 reviews
★ 4.2Boat tour of the island of Ortigia and the sea cavesFrom $294 reviews
★ 4.8Snorkeling+Pillirina, Ortigia & sea caves boat tourFrom $5918 reviews
★ 4.9Picnic boat tour of Pillirina, Ortigia & sea cavesFrom $9459 reviews
★ 5.0Syracuse Ortigia and Noto from Catania7 reviews
★ 4.2Guided tour of Ortigia with Fish Street Food at the marketFrom $5727 reviews
★ 4.8Ortigia Island Boat Tour with Lunch and WineFrom $1069 reviews
★ 5.0Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto: day tour with Pick-Up from CataniaFrom $10113 reviews
★ 4.7Ortigia Boat Trip with Caves and PillirinaFrom $4563 reviews
★ 4.8Private boat tour of Ortigia and sea caves8 reviews
★ 4.6Private Boat Excursion to Ortigia with Prosecco27 reviews
★ 4.8Siracusa Tour: Ortigia by Night in English4 reviews
★ 4.8Ortigia +sea caves +Pillirina +fishing experienceFrom $795 reviews

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