Siracusa

Syracuse, on Sicily's eastern coast, is best known for Ortigia, the historic islet at the heart of the city, where baroque streets, a lively market and a scenic seafront make for a place well worth exploring again and again, thanks to its consistently pleasant atmosphere. The Neapolis archaeological park, home to the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius, is a highlight for anyone keen to understand the city's ancient past, when Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean. The surrounding countryside also offers pleasant walking opportunities within nearby nature reserves, particularly along the coast and protected areas nearby. From Syracuse, it's easy to venture out to other towns in south-eastern Sicily: Noto, known for its baroque architecture, Modica famous for its chocolate, hilltop Ragusa, Catania at the foot of Mount Etna, and the picturesque little port of Marzamemi. On the food front, the bakery tucked beneath the flats in the town centre is particularly popular for its delicious, reasonably priced treats, though a bit of Italian comes in handy when ordering.