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Syracuse Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Syracuse Family-friendly activities

Syracuse: Boat Trip to Ortigia Island with Caves

1. Syracuse: Boat Trip to Ortigia Island with Caves

Immerse yourself in Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse as on this guided boat tour. Enjoy listening as your skipper tells you about geological formations and step back in time with stories and information regarding the area's rich history. Board a comfortable boat and embark on your water adventure. Glide from the bridges of Ortigia and will enter the "big port" of Syracuse where you can gaze out of the the stunning Alfeo Promenade of Ortigia. Sail outside the port to circumnavigate the entire island. Follow the coast north of Syracuse to see some naturally-formed sea caves. Cruise into the "small port" and navigate inside the Ortigia canal that divides the island from the city. Have the chance to stop and take a dip in the turquoise waters with views of the shore. Pass under the bridges to return to the starting point of the tour.

Syracuse: Castello Maniace Skip-The-Line Entry Ticket

2. Syracuse: Castello Maniace Skip-The-Line Entry Ticket

Visit a castle along the ocean in Italy on land that dates from an 11th-century settlement. See where the castle has changed over the years. Enjoy exploring the grounds on your own with a skip-the-line ticket. Enter the castle and see architecture that dates from 1232, originally built by Emporer Frederico II of Italy. Learn how the original name of the castle comes from the Byzantine general who took over the city in 1038. Explore the grounds, including the now-covered moat that once served as the only entrance to the castle. Look out over the point of the island of Ortygia, on which the ancient city of Syracuse was located. Cross into rooms that were once occupied by royalty in the 13th century when it was a royal residency. See the areas that were lived in by Peter III of Aragon, a king of Sicily.

From Syracuse: Etna Volcano & Zafferana Etnea Private Tour

3. From Syracuse: Etna Volcano & Zafferana Etnea Private Tour

Reach the summit crater on Mount Etna. It is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Visit the nearby town of Zafferana Etnea, offering stunning views of the mountain and sea. Begin your private excursion by meeting your driver at your hotel in Syracuse and you will start your journey up to the Etna Volcano. Once you reach the Rifugio Sapienza, you can choose how to continue onward. Either trek up to 2000 meters on a simple trail of the Etna Park and admire forests and lava sceneries on the way. Or pick the "Etna high altitude" route. The second option comes with extra costs to be paid on-site for the comfort of the Etna Cableway and 4×4 off-road vehicles. This will take you to the Torre del Filosofo (Philosopher’s Tower), perched 2900 meters above sea level. Explore the central crater and lava-covered slopes that characterize the Etna landscape. No matter which path you take, you will be rewarded with stunning sea views and imposing craters at the top. Continue the tour to Zafferana Etnea, the city of honey. Taste typical local products and discover the secrets of honey processing.

Syracuse: Museum Guided Tour with Sicilian Puppet show

4. Syracuse: Museum Guided Tour with Sicilian Puppet show

Watch the Opera dei Pupi, a theatrical puppet performance of Frankish romantic poems such as 'The Song of Roland' or 'Orlando furioso.' Let the traditional art of puppet theatre transport you into a bygone era. Witness stunning wooden puppets dressed in gorgeous detailed costumes. Enjoy a show filled with intense emotions, fast-paced battle scenes, musical accompaniment, and fierce animals like dragons and alligators entering the story. Get deep insights into the history of this art and why it plays a significant role in Sicily's culture and identity.

From Syracuse: Mount Etna Volcano Morning Trekking Tour

5. From Syracuse: Mount Etna Volcano Morning Trekking Tour

Hike along the stunning Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and marvel at stunning views and natural phenomena. Enjoy traditional Sicilian treats near the end of the tour and learn fascinating history and facts from your guide. Begin your journey in Syracuse while heading towards Mount Etna on a scenic trek along the southern slope of Europe's highest active volcano. Marvel at scenic stopping points and points of interest along the way. Learn about many interesting facts about Mount Etna, such as the latest eruptions that characterize this volcano as one of the most active in Europe. Once you reach 2,000 meters above sea level at Rifugio Sapienza, you can trek around the stunning Crateri Silvestri cones. Finally, stop at an organic farm where there will be an opportunity to taste honey, oils, wines, and other authentic Sicilian delicacies.

Syracuse: Sicilian Puppet Show with visit behind the scenes

6. Syracuse: Sicilian Puppet Show with visit behind the scenes

Watch the Opera dei Pupi, a theatrical puppet performance of Frankish romantic poems such as 'The Song of Roland' or 'Orlando furioso.' Let the traditional art of puppet theatre transport you into a bygone era. Witness stunning wooden puppets dressed in gorgeous detailed costumes. Enjoy a show filled with intense emotions, fast-paced battle scenes, musical accompaniment, and fierce animals like dragons and alligators entering the story. Get deep insights into the history of this art and why it plays a significant role in Sicily's culture and identity.

Canoe ride in the Ciane River in Syracuse

7. Canoe ride in the Ciane River in Syracuse

In the company of our instructor, you will paddle the river at a leisurely pace so that you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Ciane River nature reserve. Along the way, you will be able to admire the rural landscapes of the Syracuse countryside, and if you wish, you can also explore them by making stops along the banks of the river. If you decide to set off well organized, you can also make a stop to enjoy a good picninc in the countryside adjacent to the river; but above all, you cannot miss a dip in the clear, calm waters of the Ciane River.

Frequently asked questions about Syracuse

What are the best day trips and excursions from Syracuse?

The best day trips and excursions from Syracuse are:

Mount Etna

Other Sightseeing Options in Syracuse

Want to discover all there is to do in Syracuse? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Syracuse

Both tour guides were excellent, their english was easy to understand. They shared interesting facts about the history. The best part of the ride were the caves, the smell of the ocean, the warm sunshine on my face and the crisp cool breeze combing through my hair. My wife and I were the only two on the boat so it felt exclusive. The boat isn’t fancy but it isn’t necessary when its a short ride. Great job guys!

It was great, you could see a lot and the shore line of the city is beautiful. The guide was great, he told a lot of interesting facts and could answer all questions, he is very knowledgeable. His English is great (the best I encountered so far in Sicily).

Excellent friendly guide that explained all the sites to us, comfortable boat with good sun canopy. Great to explore the caves and circle Ortigia

It was absolutely brilliant, the guide was very nice and knowledgeable! Nice perspective from the water.

The caves were amazing to see. Defiantly recommend