There is a small waterway between mainland Sicily and the island of Ortigia where there are many small boats tied up. The bay created between the island and the sea is quite large and many luxury yachts can be seen enjoying its calmer waters.
Ortigia consists of many narrow streets and narrower alleys. It was one of my favorite things to do walking around them and exploring.
Every so often you would round a corner and see something incredible here. This was the big center with the church and many restaurants ready to serve tourists and wedding guests alike!
While in Siracusa, there were many weddings that took place at this church alone. They would have many people gathered around along with a cool car sitting prepped and ready for the newly weds.
The views on and around Ortigia are simply fantastic!
It is also really hot here. Really really hot! The heat alone pushed it into the triple digits, and when you add in the humidity it becomes ridiculous. I had to get some cold gelato and ice water to keep going throughout the day. Luckily there are plenty of great places to get refreshments.
If you look up Siracusa on Google Images this is probably one of the most popular locations you will find.
It is a section of the old sea wall with the buildings up on top. Below it all there is a rocky beach and clear waters that the locals and tourists alike enjoy.
It is very crowded on the beach during the day, but the streets aren't so bad and the beach is best enjoyed in the later afternoon anyways as it all cools down more.
It is difficult to beat Siracusa as for places to visit in Sicily to enjoy. Ortigia will not disappoint so lng as you enjoy it for what it really is.
Walking a lot is necessary as driving isn't as efficient and everything is spread out enough to where you will be walking around 8-12 miles in a day hopping from location to location.
The rocky beach was a great place to take photos in the evening during the golden hour as all the light is balanced out and the dynamic range of most cameras can handle exposing correctly for both your subject and the background.
On the other side of the island is the bay with a quiet and slightly run down Boardwalk. It was a little bit sketchy even during the day so this might be an area to avoid.
It's all easy enough and ending out full day here at the beach seemed just perfect. Long exposures of the water made for another great photo to represent Ortigia well!
The Greek theater is not a place to hang out around for very long during the summer. The heat is unbearable along with the humidity and the sun literally being brighter as the white rock reflects it all. It is the most uncomfortable I have been inSicily all summer.
I did explore it a bit and found this waterfall stuck in the rocks at the top of the white cliffs which was a neat surprise.
The Greeks did know how to build a theater with a view as this one has a view of the island and Bay Area like in Taormina there is a view of Mt Etna.
There are plenty of scooters around Sicily and Siracusa, but there is no more Italian thing to me than a Vespa in a small alley
Siracusa was one of my favorite weekends so far as it was everything I had hoped for and more. The photo above is of the most beautiful spot there and my favorite image I took.
So take it easy and enjoy the Italian destination for what it is. Have no expectations and all expectations may be met and exceeded!