Syracuse:
Syracuse is a historic city in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Syracuse. The city is noted for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture and association to Archimedes, playing an important role in ancient times as one of the top powers of the Mediterranean world; it is over 2,700 years old. Syracuse is located in the south-east corner of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Syracuse next to the Ionian Sea.
The city was founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and became a very powerful city-state. Syracuse was allied with Sparta and Corinth, exerting influence over the entire Magna Grecia area of which it was the most important city. Once described by Cicero as 'the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all', it later became part of the Roman Republic and Byzantine Empire. After this Palermo overtook it in importance, as the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily. In the modern day, the city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Province of Syracuse:
San Lorenzo, which lies 35 kilometres to the south of Syracuse, marks the beginning of one of the most beautiful stretches of the Sicilian coast. Here the shore is characterised by golden sand beaches, turquoise seas and white limestone rocks. San Lorenzo borders on the natural reserve of ‘Vendicari’. Here you’ll find a breathtaking variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna, exotic beaches and Byzantine ruins. It is also a veritable oasis of rest and tranquillity for an array of bird species.
Heading south towards the south-eastern tip of Sicily, you find a fishing village called Portopalo. Taking the road from Marzamemi to Portopalo, but turning off before an impressive castle on the sea, one can turn left and visit the old ‘Tonnara’, one of the most scenic and extraordinary sights to be seen in Sicily. Noto, a magnificent little city famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, lies 10 kilometres away. You can’t miss the traditional afternoon stroll down its main street.
Fontane Bianche and Noto:
Summer holidays in Fontane Bianche focus firmly on sand and sea. So if you love loafing on a sun lounger this seaside resort is your kind of place. Shops, bars, trattorias, lidos and gelateria (ice cream shops) strung along a mile-long seashore. But it's the beach that really deserves attention. Boasting creamy sands and translucent seas, it's got everything sunbathers and swimmers could want, including water sports and clear-watered coves for snorkelling. Noto, a magnificent little city famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, lies 20 kilometres away. You can’t miss the traditional afternoon stroll down its main street. Noto is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto'. Generally listed as one of the 'must-see' tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses.
Other Activities:
Main cultural events: in Spring the 'classical Greek theatre' and in Summer the 'Ortigia festival'.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
