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Remember to go to a summer, idyllic Italy this summer, but the discouraging Tiktoks who show incredible crowds in places like Rome and Venice, not to mention the amazing prices, have you eliminated?
We may have exactly the perfect solution, or at least Delta Air Lines does:
During the summer they will fly a non -stop route from New York (JFK) to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Sicily, and although the city of Catania itself is not the most exciting places to be, unless you like buzzing urban scenes, This less well -known Coastal gem Is only 39 miles away:
Discover Syracuse, one of the oldest cities in Europe
One of the oldest cities in Sicily, and even Europe as a whole, Syracuse is an old port that goes back 2,759 years, originally founded as a Greek colony.
Cultural empire and historically significant as it is, it is Still to be discovered by most Americans– But that can change.
After a 15–20% increase in bookings this spring, it expects an equally successful summer, and you can bet that more American travelers will find their way there now that Non -Stop Sicily flights are available.
After all, you can board a train or bus to Syracuse directly from the airport, with tickets that start as cheaply as $ 6, and the fastest trip by Coach lasting only 55 minutes.
That sounds handy enough, given how difficult plans of European outings can be, especially on lesser -known destinations such as Syracuse, but apart from the fact that it is very old, why would you go there anyway?
Syracuse is the designation to understand Sicily
I mean, have you looked at the iconic aerial photo of Syracuse’s Old Town from above?
Called ortiTia, it is in fact an island connected to the mainland by bridges, and it is your usual, dream -like setting With narrow pedestrian strips, stone buildings so narrow and old that you sometimes wonder how they are even inhabited, and an abundance of baroque wonders.
The most important attraction in the city, the DuomoOr Cathedral, was originally a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, founded in the 5th century BC. The current facade is attributed to the 18th-century Sicilian baroque movement.
As mentioned earlier, Syracuse was Greek in the beginningAnd in the heart of the old city are the destroyed foundations and columns of the temple of Apollo indelible brands of the Hellen past of the city.
Fountain Aretusa is another gem from the Greek era, and a natural source that is supposed to have healing properties, and with the impressive fountain of Diana, with best figures at the feet of the proud Greek-Roman goddess and cozy café terraces, Piazza Archimede Is just Syracuse in a nutshell.
All that old world champe
On that comment, you were even aware of Archimedes, The Eureka -Manwax born In Syracuse?
Make sure you visit his statue, set on an island between the two bridges that connect Origia with the mainland, and if you can’t get enough of Syracuse’s Old World Allure, there are many more historical sights on the outskirts of the city, in the Napolis Archeological Park:
One of Sicily’s most prominent ensembles of temples and destroyed structures, It has a well -preserved theater View of the modern part of the city, a smaller, overgrown ‘Colosseum’, or Roman arena, and beautiful caves associated, reportedly the house of naughty nymphs.
The park is huge and covers an area of 170 hectares, and only 2 times smaller than Pompeii, perhaps the most iconic old attraction of Italy, so you may want to give enough time to see everything it is offered in, because it can take until half a day.
Full tickets for a self -guided start from $ 19, or € 17 in the local currency, and you can buy them directly from the official website here To prevent the lines at the entrance. Once more, It’s not like there are crazy waiting timesAnyway:
You will be happy to know that the crowds here are much less intense than in other Italian hotspots.
It is not exactly a hidden gem, far from that, but there always seems to be a lot of open space that remains on the central square, even on peak hours when strange tour groups and Instagrammers pull in, if you know what we mean.
Beautiful view of the coast at cheaper prices
Syracuse is not exactly a beach destination, so don’t expect wide pieces of sand or beach bars – you might want to go to Fontane Bianche for that) –Yet it is still kissing.
Ortigia is known for his lungomare” A coastal walk of 1.25 miles Walk around the old town and offers a radical view of Turquoise seas and narrow pebbles strips locals like to continue in the summer in the summer, and of course the old fortifications of Ortigia.
Pro -tip? Start your walk just before sunset hours, from Castello Maniace and the east coast: you have centuries-old houses on the one hand, and on the other side on the coast on the other, and on particularly pleasant days you can even be honored with one of those epic blood orange-tinted suns.
At the end of your walk, once the sun is undergone, Treat yourself to traditional Sicilian dishes in Hosteria Red MoonA relaxed restaurant in the fishermen in the harbor opposite Ortigia.
You just can’t go wrong with their freshly caught whole Octopus and sea-like paste, and the prices are reasonable, ranging from $ 16 to $ 23.
Finally, if you are looking for a cheap B&B, a short walk from the old city (island of Ortigia), and comfortable enough for a period of 2 nights in Syracuse, Check La Casa di Pippo:
This one bedroom apartment in a trendy residential area of the modern city has all the must-have facilities for a short stay, and it will only bring you back $ 48 per night.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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