Ciao! Hubby and I will be attending a wedding in Taormina on July 27th and plan a day trip to Etna the day after. We have toured Sicily before, from Taormina as far west as Segesta. Because we love to explore ancient ruins, thinking of heading down to Siracusa for a night. However, do NOT love heat! In your opinion, is it worth putting up with the heat, especially since we've seen other ruins in Sicily? I realize this is subjective, but appreciate feedback. Similarly, is it worth it to explore Pompeii with the crowds and heat of late July? Will most likely spend most of the trip in the Alps!
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3300 posts
The average high temperature in Siracusa in late July is 86. I think that the sites there are unique and well worth the visit since you’re already on the island. The average temp in Pompeii is about 90 at that time and I doubt there’ll be the sea breezes that Siracusa has to offer. As you mentioned, a lot more tourists on the mainland. If you do opt to visit Siracusa, stay on Ortigia. On my Best of Sicily, we stayed at the Domus Mariae, Via Vittorio Veneto 89 facing the sea.
Posted by
near San Francisco
5572 posts
When I was in Siracusa at the ruins last May, there was (still) a lot of construction to prepare the theater for performances. I've read reviews from people who felt that it detracted from their visit.
I had been there once previously (in the 90's) and, for me, it was really (really) interesting to see how they are preserving the ancient character of the theater while modernizing the venue. I wandered up and down different sections of seating to see the renovations in various stages of progress and how they are renovating each section depending on its state of repair or deterioration. I was fascinated!
Posted by
11660 posts
Stay on Ortigia in a waterfront hotel or apartment.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2191 posts
We were not impressed with the ruins in Siracusa. Loved Ortygia, but don’t go there for the ruins. Did you visit Agrigento on your previous trip? That would be worthwhile. You could stay in one of the nearby seaside villages.
But with a couple of days to kill in Sicily, I’d probably make my way to the island of Lipari. Just a few ruins but mostly a great little island. You can take a boat to Stromboli & hike up to the volcano (if you’re so inclined.) I think you can catch a ferry from Lipari (or certainly from nearby Milazzo) to Naples.
Pompeii will be hot & crowded in July. Instead of the Alps, maybe visit the Dolomites in Italy??
And for a future trip (not in the summer) put Turkey on your bucket list. Pergamon, Patara and especially Ephesus will take your breath away.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2332 posts
I'm one of the ones who didn't appreciate the ruins with all the modern stuff in them. But Ortygia itself, in my opinion, would definitely be worth the trip, and I would spend the time exploring what that island has to offer.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
After our memorable stay in Taormina we took the train to Siracusa and stayed in Ortigia. We stayed in the lovely La Via Giudecca B & B. We had a sea-view room. Ortigia was our favorite area in Sicily. It is magical! We also took a day trip to the Baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica.