Syracuse, on the southeastern coast of Sicily, offers more than just historic ruins and stunning coastlines — it’s a city bursting with accessible, memorable tours that suit every traveler. Whether you’re craving a boat ride past ancient sea caves, savoring authentic Sicilian street food, or exploring Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Syracuse delivers authentic experiences. For example, a boat trip from Syracuse that includes snorkeling and Prosecco offers a refreshing way to see Ortigia from the water, especially memorable at sunset. Meanwhile, the Sicilian street food tours reveal mouthwatering arancini, fresh seafood cones, and sweet granita, perfect for foodies. The city’s compact layout makes sightseeing on foot or by boat easy, and the reviews highlight passionate guides and unique experiences.
Syracuse is especially well-suited for diverse tours that focus on history, food, and outdoor adventures. From short boat trips to full-day excursions, each activity offers something different. Whether you prefer exploring ancient ruins at Neapolis, tasting local delicacies in markets, or floating past sea caves with a glass of Prosecco, you’ll find options that match your pace and interests. To help you choose, here’s a detailed look at the best tours in Syracuse, highlighting what makes each one special.
1. Siracusa: 2h Ortigia+Grotte Marine+Frutta+Prosecco+Snorkelin
If a quick yet immersive boat tour around Ortigia is your style, this 2-hour cruise offers a fantastic overview. It includes sailing past ancient buildings, viewing the legendary Arethusa Spring, and taking photos at the Cave of Love. The highlight is snorkeling in the clear waters, which adds an adventurous touch. The tour departs from Il Catanese Di Carpinelli Giuseppe and features a detailed itinerary with stops at the Grotta del Corallo and Castello Maniace. Reviewers love the scenic views and the inclusiveness of frutta and prosecco onboard. This trip is excellent for travelers who want a concise, scenic outing with a splash of water fun. Its affordability at $47 per person makes it a top value.
Bottom line: A quick, scenic boat ride with snorkeling and local treats—perfect for those short on time but eager for authentic seaside views.
2. Syracuse Ortigia – Sicilian Street Food Tour by Do Eat Better
For food lovers, this 3-hour guided tour explores Syracuse’s vibrant street food scene. It’s a chance to try arancini, fried fish cones, and Sicilian granita, all while learning about local culture. The tour visits the ancient food markets and iconic spots like Fontana di Diana and the Mercato di Ortigia. Guides are passionate, and reviewers praise the generous portions and informative commentary. At $81.76, it’s a bit pricier but well worth it for the quality and depth of experience. The small group size and emphasis on local flavors make it ideal for curious foodies eager to eat their way through Syracuse.
Bottom line: A delicious, cultural dive into Syracuse’s street food, perfect for those who want to combine eating with learning about local traditions.
3. Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour in Ortigia with Tastings
This 3-hour walking food tour offers at least four local food stops, including pastries, regional dishes, and local spirits. Starting at Chiesa San Paolo Apostolo, it winds through Ortigia’s bustling streets and markets, ending with a Sicilian dessert like granita. Guides focus on culinary history and local secrets, making it a great way to see the city while indulging. Guests rave about the wide variety of tastings and the knowledgeable guides. It’s priced around the same as other food tours but emphasizes walking through historic neighborhoods, making it fun and relaxed.
Bottom line: An immersive, flavorful exploration of Ortigia’s culinary scene, ideal for travelers wanting a slow, tasty experience.
4. Syracuse: Ortigia Island & Sea Cave Boat Tour with Prosecco
A classic 1-hour boat trip that combines sights of Ortigia’s monuments with visits to sea caves on the coast. The highlight here is the spectacular caves and panoramic views of the city’s skyline, with a glass of Prosecco as the boat glides along. Departing from Via Malta, this tour is highly rated for its relaxed pace and the informative guide onboard. Guests especially enjoy the heart-shaped cave and the Castello Maniace views. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but wanting a taste of Syracuse’s maritime beauty.
Bottom line: A quick, scenic boat ride with Prosecco, great for a relaxed afternoon and those interested in coastal geology.
5. Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif
Watching the sunset over Syracuse from a boat is unforgettable. This 2-hour private sunset cruise takes you past caves and coves, with Sicilian produce and prosecco onboard. The tour is praised for its romantic atmosphere and beautiful lighting during the golden hour. Passengers can swim or snorkel in the calm waters before the sun dips below the horizon. Many reviews mention the delicious food and the spectacular views, making it ideal for couples or those celebrating something special. It’s a slightly more expensive choice at $67.97 per person but offers a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for a romantic evening, this cruise combines scenic beauty with great food and drinks at sunset.
6. Syracuse: The Street Food Tour in Ortigia with a Local Guide
This 3-hour food-focused walking tour is all about local flavors and hidden alleys, led by a passionate local guide. The tour visits 7 stops, including mozzarella tastings, regional specialties, and the famous panino. You’ll walk through Giudecca and other historic streets, ending with a traditional Sicilian granita. Reviews highlight the personalized approach and the tasty stops, making it a favorite for those who want an intimate look at Syracuse’s food culture. The small group size ensures you get plenty of attention.
Bottom line: A lively, authentic food adventure that covers Syracuse’s best bites with a friendly local guide.
7. Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Small Group Tour
This 1.5-hour tour focuses on ancient Greek and Roman ruins including the Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, and Latomie del Paradiso. Led by knowledgeable guides such as Eva, who can answer all your questions, it’s perfect for history buffs. The tour offers impressive views of the bay and allows you to explore Syracuse’s most iconic archaeological sites efficiently. The small group format ensures a relaxed, personalized experience. The excellent reviews reflect high satisfaction and detailed explanations.
Bottom line: For history enthusiasts, this small-group walk through ancient Syracuse is hard to beat.
8. From Syracuse: Mount Etna Guided Morning Hike & Food Tasting
For a full adventure, this 8-9 hour trip takes you from Syracuse to Mount Etna for a guided hike. You’ll explore extinct craters, visit lava caves, and stop at a local farm for tastings. The guide is experienced, with reviews praising the knowledgeable commentary and scenic walking routes at altitudes up to 2000 meters. The tour includes snacks and wine, with optional upgrades. Perfect for active travelers who want a mix of hiking and food. The price reflects a full-day, small-group experience at a great value considering the length and inclusions.
Bottom line: A well-rounded outdoor day combining mountain exploration with local food, suited for active, curious travelers.
9. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto
This full-day tour visits three stunning baroque towns: Ragusa, Modica, and Noto. It includes free time to explore Ragusa Ibla, tasting Modica’s famous chocolate, and wandering the beautiful Noto architecture. The small group and flexible pace are appreciated, and reviewers love the local driver who takes you to photo spots and shares insights. The tour emphasizes scenic drives, cultural highlights, and a lunch break. It’s a rich day for those wanting to see Sicilian baroque at its best.
Bottom line: Ideal for lovers of architecture, chocolate, or scenic drives looking for a comprehensive day trip.
10. Full-Day Mount Etna Experience from Siracusa
This private tour takes you door-to-door from Syracuse to mount Etna, with options to visit lower or upper craters. It includes guiding on hiking trails at 2000-3000 meters, with customizable itineraries. The personalized approach and comfortable transfers make it a favorite for those wanting an independent yet guided volcano experience. Reviewers mention excellent guides like Giuseppe, who shares detailed insights and takes care of all logistics. It’s a more flexible, private alternative to group tours, with a price reflecting a premium experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a tailored volcano adventure with comfort and expert guidance.
11. Syracuse: Ortigia Classic Walking Tour
A 2-hour tour covering Syracuse’s core sights such as the Piazza Archimede, Temple of Apollo, and Arethusa Spring. Led by guides who speak multiple languages, including English and Italian, it provides a concise introduction to Syracuse’s historic center. Reviewers find it a great way to get oriented and appreciate the small-group intimacy. It’s inexpensive at $22, making it accessible for most travelers.
Bottom line: A quick, informative way to see Syracuse’s highlights on foot, ideal for those with limited time.
12. Syracuse: Coast and Sea Caves Full Transparent Boat Tour
Explore Syracuse’s dramatic coast aboard a fully transparent boat offering underwater views. In just 50 minutes, you’ll see marine caves, seabed, and local marine life. The boat’s see-through design creates a unique experience, with reviews mentioning the “amazing” views and friendly guides like Antonio. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick, immersive marine adventure. The cost is quite reasonable, and the short duration makes it accessible even for those with limited time.
Bottom line: A must-do for lovers of aquatic exploration and marine scenery, offering a distinctive underwater perspective.
13. From Siracusa: Mount Etna Guided Morning Hike & Food Tasting
This guided day trip from Syracuse combines mountain hiking with local wine and food tastings. The itinerary includes walking the southern slopes of Etna, visiting craters, and tasting regional wines at a winery. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and scenic routes. It’s best suited for active travelers looking for a mix of nature and gastronomy. The experience balances outdoor activity with cultural indulgence, making it a top choice for a full day out.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, small-group experience for those who want mountain scenery, hiking, and local wine.
14. Syracuse: Boat Trip with Lunch, Wine, and Swimming Stops
This 4-hour scenic boat trip around Ortigia offers lunch, local wines, and swimming stops in peaceful waters. It’s ideal for travelers who want to relax onboard, enjoy local products, and see Syracuse from a different perspective. Reviews praise the delicious food and beautiful coastline, with many noting the relaxed pace. It’s a good choice for families or couples seeking a leisure day on the water.
Bottom line: A leisurely boat ride with food and swimming, great for unwinding and enjoying Syracuse’s coast.
15. Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour with Sunset Aperitif
This 2.5-hour sunset boat tour combines sea caves, coastline exploration, and an aperitif with prosecco. It’s perfect for those wanting a romantic or peaceful end to a day. The reviews highlight the beautiful scenery, good music, and friendly skipper like Antonino. The swimming stops and sea cave visits make it a full experience, capped with local drinks. Since it’s capped at small groups, it feels intimate and special.
Bottom line: A peaceful, scenic sunset cruise with drinks, ideal for couples or those seeking a relaxed, memorable evening.
How to Choose Your Best Tour in Syracuse
When selecting among these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you love history and archaeology, the Neapolis Archaeological Park tour or the Ortigia classic walk might suit. For foodies, the Sicilian street food tours and local guide-led food walk deliver a flavorful experience. Outdoor lovers should check out the Mount Etna hikes or the full-day Mount Etna adventure. For those wanting relaxation and romance, the sunset cruises and sea cave boat tours are excellent choices.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular experiences like the Sicilian street food tours and Mount Etna trips, to ensure availability during high season or weekends.
Syracuse’s variety of tours means you’ll find something tailored to your interests, whether that’s ancient ruins, delicious local fare, or beautiful boat rides. We recommend mixing a cultural tour with a leisurely boat trip or food adventure for a well-rounded experience. Whichever you pick, booking in advance will help you secure your spot for an unforgettable Sicilian adventure.
