Boat trip round Ortigia and Syracuse's sea caves

What it is

Ortigia is the island where Syracuse was born, the old town of the city. From the sea you understand it at a glance: a city of pale stone enclosed on its island, with houses leaning over the water. This excursion goes round it by boat and enters the natural caves of the Syracuse coast, with stops for swimming. If you spend one or two days in Syracuse from the Val di Noto, as the destination page suggests, it is the easiest way to see Ortigia from another angle and to have a swim without looking for a beach.

Who runs it and how much it costs

It is run by Siracusa in barca, the company of Captain Mirko, the third generation of a Syracuse fishing family. It publishes three routes:

• Round Ortigia: about 40 minutes, €10 per person.
• Ortigia and sea caves: around 1 h 15 min, €15 per person. This is the one we recommend.
• Ortigia, caves and the Syracuse tuna trap: about 3 hours, €30 per person, with a minimum of six.

On the first two, on board there are water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, wine and limoncello, a little something to nibble, swimming stops and snorkelling equipment. Towels are requested separately. They also hire boats by the hour or by the day and run private trips.

How to book

By phone or WhatsApp on +39 327 468 0749, or with the form on its website, which has a Spanish version. The website does not publish a season calendar: in bad weather or swell, ask before you go. Boarding is at the Riva delle Poste in Ortigia, in front of the fountain.

Getting there

From Catania you arrive by car on the Syracuse motorway, and from Noto on the same motorway heading north. In the centre of Ortigia traffic is limited: park before entering the island and continue on foot to the Riva delle Poste.

With children

The short 40-minute trip is best for little ones. On the caves trip there is swimming in open water: bring water shoes and watch them in the water. Teenagers usually enjoy entering the caves and the snorkelling.

What to bring

Swimsuit on, a towel if you don't ask for one, sun protection, a cap and something warm out of summer: there is a breeze at sea. A waterproof phone pouch avoids scares when entering the caves.