Page 359 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

INFORMATION AND TOURS

Tourist information For maps, accommodation, details of performances in the Greek
theatre, and other information, head for the extremely helpful and well-informed
InfoPoint, inside the provincial offices at Via Roma 31 on Ortigia (Mon–Sat 8am–

8pm, Sun 9.15am–6.45pm; 0931 462 946 or 800 055 500, provsr.it).

Boat trips Ortigia Tours ( 368 317 0711, ortigiatour.com) offers daily cruises
around the city’s harbours and nearby coastline. Boats leave from near the bridge on
Ortigia (from 9am in summer, 10am in winter, weather permitting), and trips last an
hour or so; tickets are €10 per person (minimum 4 people). In summer, a kiosk on the
quayside provides tickets and information. For a more exclusive experience, book a

day or evening cruise with lunch or dinner on Fiesta ( 333 329 3732; from €90 per
person), a classic wooden 30ft sailing ketch.

ACCOMMODATION

Siracusa holds a lot of accommodation, much of it in the old town on Ortigia, which
is by far the best place to stay, with scores of B&Bs in the backstreets and a cluster of
four-star hotels on the waterfront. Note that in high summer and during the theatre
season (May–June), it’s wise to book in advance. Unless your chosen establishment
has private parking, it’s best to leave the car overnight in the Talete garage. The
cheapest beds are at the hostel by the train station; camping is available at a very

basic site outside the city or at a much better-equipped site down the coast towards
Avola. For apartment rentals contact lacasadellefate.it.

HOTELS AND B&BS

Algilà Via Vittorio Veneto 93 0931 465 186, algila.it; map. Recently opened hotel

on the eastern seafront of Ortigia, with all the comforts of a four-star plus friendly,
helpful staff. Styled by Siracusa-born theatre director, Manuel Giliberti, the design has
a Maghreb feel, with Tunisian tiles in the bathrooms, kilims on the floors,
watercolours of sun-scorched palms and North African piazzas, and a tiny decorative
courtyard with fountain. €300

Alla Giudecca Via Alagona 52 0931 22 255, allagiudecca.it; map. A stunning

renovation in the old Jewish quarter has brought an interconnected series of medieval
houses back to life as an exquisite little boutique hotel. There’s exposed stone, soaring
arches, colourful tapestries and dried flowers everywhere, while the 23 rooms feature
eye-catching wrought-iron beds, stone-flagged floors and antique furniture. €120

L’Approdo delle Sirene Riva Garibaldi 15 0931 24 857,
apprododellesirene.com; map. Smart B&B in a tastefully renovated waterfront