Explore Charming Streets

Ortigia is a small pretty island town connected to the mainland by three bridges with a marina, lots of restaurants, cafes, handcrafts shops and old ruins just off the main bridge. The well renown Ortigia parfume brand originates from here. You can stroll through the cobble streets and soak up the sun while admiring the old Baroque style architecture. Also well know for the market close to the mainland and fishing port, on and around Via de Benedictis. Outlying stalls sell clothing and general wares, but the heart of the market is devoted to local food produce, with rows of fishmongers displaying and hacking at everything from prawns to swordfish, piles of lemons, oranges,and heaped up spices, almonds, pistachios, cheeses, snails and all kinds of Sicilian specialities. If the market stalls are too hectic for you, head to the end of the street nearest the sea, where you'll find a shop which is a foodie's paradise. The Fratelli Burgio store, Il Gusto dei Sapori Smarriti (Piazza C. Battisti, 4), specialises in local cheeses and other Sicilian products, and is a great place to stock up on delicacies to take home, or even fine picnic ingredients (ask them to make up a roll with their cheeses). For a nice seafood lunch try out l'Ancora Restaurant in Via Perno 7. A casual restaurant offering amazing cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic service. Walking distance you will step into the beautiful town of Siracusa where you will find more beautiful architecture and culture to discover.