Outstanding quality apartment in good location
Review Submitted: April 14, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
We found the Syraka apartment an outstanding quality apartment in Ortigia, located between the duomo square (5 to 7 min) and the produce market (5 min). The apartment was extremely spacious for the two of us and can certainly take four or even six with the sofa bed in the living room. The living room features an excellent flatscreen tv with satellite and DVD, a very good sound system to connect an iPod to, and reliable wifi.
The apartment looks even better than the photos, with an exposed timber roof and skylights. Everything is new and well thought through. Light switches are illuminated and the sofa is even wired for surround sound. There is a second small tv that can be moved from one bedroom to the other as there are built in tv aerials in both bedrooms). All rooms have independent air/heating units. Neighbours are generally quiet (2 b&bs in the same building), although you can certainly hear from time to time the classic sounds of an Italian wife yelling at her husband somewhere in a neighbouring building. Perfect. As people who always go for apartments over hotels, this was one the top ones we have found.
There is some parking nearby, but the public car-park on the east side of the island is very reasonable (€1 per evening - only charges at night) and located only a five minute walk away.
We came in part for the food in Ortigia. One tip is an excellent Salumeria located just a few doors down. It features a standard deli, but also an excellent tavola calda in the late morning and early evening for very little money. The produce, fish and meat market of Ortigia is also a great feature for anyone who wants to cook. Look for the freshest mackerel, swordfish, tuna, shrimps and even sea urchins. Go early and prepare to end up with more than you expect. Also keep an eye out for the Pasta Fresca shop in the marketplace. Also try the Panificeria (bakery) on Via Minerva and Roma near the Duomo for the best Arancini in town. Bar Minerva across the street is also a tempting place for dolci.
Driving in Siracusa was not as bad as I had anticipated, but do use a GPS to figure out where you are and keep a supply of parking biglietti (€.60 for 1 hour, from the Tabacchi) ready. These spaces are often available as normal Siracusans will park in every inch they can for free.
Ortigia is lovely for strolls and nearby are catacombs, and two reknown art and archaeology museums which were unfortunately closed but will reopen on 21 Apr 09.
Recommended for:
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: It is always a pleasure to read a review such as this and know that our efforts to make our guests comfortable and enjoy their stay were not in vain!
We rent Syraka apartment since one year and the feedback from our clients have always been enthusiastic due to the location, size, amenities of the property. We would like to remark that we personally check -in all our clients and as we are locally based we are able to give immediate assistance in case of problems. In this specific case clients never complained with us during their staying.
Thank you to our friends from UK who wrote this review!
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