Backpacking in Siracusa

If you want to get a glimpse of ancient Greece in Italy, try backpacking in Siracusa. Siracusa is known for its colourful Greek history and architecture, and is a grand 2,700 years old. It was even described by Cicero as the most beautiful of all the Greek cities and listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

You can breeze through Siracusa as if inside a giant museum. Much restoration is going on in its historical sites. Make a beeline for the Roman amphitheatre, the Maniace Castle, Detail of Palazzo Beneventano Del Bosco, and Archimede Square. You should also visit the Temple of Apollo, which is a curious mix of a Byzantine Church and Moorish mosque. The legendary Fountain of Arethusa is located on Ortygia Island. Legend has it that the nymph Arethusa took refuge here when she was being hunted by Alpheus. If you have any energy left, visit the Tomb of Archimede, the Temple of Zeus, and the range of churches, basilicas, and cathedrals dating even as far back as the 7th century.

There are a lot of Siracusa youth hostels to choose from. The LoL Siracusa youth hostel is a great place to start since it is located at the very centre of Siracusa, a few minutes walk away from the Archaeological Park and the Ortygia. The Bed and Breakfast is a unique Siracusa hostel surrounded by a wide garden. Enjoy breakfast in a shaded garden and then head to the free private beach nearby.

The Aretusa Vacanze is another hostel in the city centre, very near the legendary Arethusas Fountain and the famous Piazza Duomo. This is an apartment hotel with the most modern amenities such as glorious bathrooms, a satellite TV, and a private terrace.

The Dolce Casa is another great Siracusa youth hostel in a villa, just five minutes away from the city centre, but surrounded by palm and pine trees, vast gardens, and quiet scenery. This place is really a welcome retreat from the city with its wide rooms and lounges, private parking, great balcony and solarium.

The Piccolo Hotel Casa Mia is a cosy family-run hotel, and was once a family home. The hostel is well-known for its hospitality and the owners serve home-cooked meals, fresh pastries and delicious home made jams. It also has a private courtyard near the Paolo Orsi Museum and the Basilica.