Syracuse or Taormina? You often ask me where it’s more profitable to go and which of these cities is more attractive. It’s hard for me to answer unequivocally, because it all depends on what you are looking for and what style of traveling you have.

Since you are planning a trip to the eastern part of Sicily, your plane will land in Catania. Many of you will fall in love with this city and decide to explore it deeper, which I strongly encourage you to do. There are also those who will believe all these unfair stereotypes about Catania – after a few minutes they will say that „there’s nothing interesting here” and will decide to run away.

In my opinion, Catania is one of the most underrated cities in Italy, and anyone who has put a little effort into getting to know it better has understood its uniqueness.

Catania, city view

However, I realize that not everyone can like its authenticity and there are people who prefer to visit places that make a “wow effect” from the very first seconds. Of course, such beautiful towns are certainly Syracuse and Taormina, only an hour away from Catania.

How to travel from Catania to Taormina?

There are two ways to get to Taormina from Catania:

North of Catania – Taormina, for swag

With Taormino I have “love-hate relationship”. On the one hand, it’s impossible to pass by this city indifferently – its location is breathtaking. It’s one of those cities about which „wow” opinion on the Internet, and in itself it becomes a pilgrimage destination for all bloggers in the world. Just… you probably know that wonderful look isn’t everything?

Catania, Taormina, view

Taormina is probably the most touristic town in the eastern part of Sicily. There’s usually a real fashion show on its main street, Corso Umberto. I’ve always had the feeling that the goal of most people who come for a walk in Taormina is to show themselves to others. Without an elegant jacket or floor-length dress, it’s better not to show up! Of course, I ‘exaggerate’ a bit, but there is a rather snobbish atmosphere there, far from the real, relaxed, Sicilian atmosphere, which is definitely less ‘orderly’ and elegant.

View of the Etna, Taormina
Corso Umberto, Taormina

However, a few things cannot be denied Taormina – its beauty and amazing location. Spectacular views of the mountains, the sea and Mount Etna, charming streets with “Instagram” decorations, picturesque buildings, balconies lined with intriguing Maura heads – will surely provide all visitors with an intense “aesthetic” experience.

Corso Umberto, Taormina, art.
Corso Umberto, city life, Taormina

What to see in Taormina?

Ancient Greek theater, Taormina, Sicily

What to see around Taormina?

Castelmola, view of the city

How to travel from Catania to Syracuse?

Whether by train or bus, the journey from Catania to Syracuse takes about an hour and a half, and when you buy a round-trip ticket, the company’s bus Interbus (check the timetable here) you will pay around 10 euros return. The train is a bit more expensive (7.60 euro one way): check the timetable here.

South of Catania – Syracuse, for relaxation and the spirit of antiquity

Syracuse, or more precisely the island of Ortygia, I associate mainly with relaxation – time flows twice slower there than in loud Catania or tourist Taormina.

“White stone predominates in most monuments and buildings and fits perfectly with the sea that covers the island, the color of which is exceptionally beautiful – turquoise. The combination of these colors gives this town a unique atmosphere. “

This is part of my book “Panza China, the Sicilian way to be happy”

If you would like to put into practice the Italian philosophy of life – the so-called “Dolce far niente” (sweet doing nothing), in Syracuse you’ll definitely be able to do it! The town is (probably) the most Greek part of the island, and Archimedes himself lived there centuries ago. I would rather not count on a rich nightlife in this city in low season, so if it would be an important element of your trip, I recommend returning to Catania for the evening, because this city never sleeps!

lazy Syracuse

What to see in Syracuse?

Ortygia Island, Piazza Duomo, Syracuse
Ortygia Island, Piazza Duomo, Syracuse
the local market in Ortygia, Syracuse
the Springs of Arethusa, growing papyrus

In addition, right next to it’s a beautiful observation deck and Alfeo promenade, from which you can admire wonderful sunsets by the sea – in my opinion, these are some of the most romantic places in the city,

Alfeo promenade, Syracuse
Archimedes square with Diana's fountain
Archimedes square, old town, Syracuse

What’s the best plan for visiting Ortygia? No plan! Just get lost in its magical streets and enjoy these beautiful moments 🙂

What to see around Syracuse?

Beaches, beaches and beaches again! More or less between Syracuse and Noto are some of the prettiest (mostly sandy) beaches in the eastern part of Sicily.

And you will read more about the culinary attractions of Syracuse in my culinary guide to the eastern part of Sicily! Staying in Ortygia doesn’t count at all, without tasting one of the tastiest things I’ve eaten in my life! Click on the banner below for more details!

And if you liked this post, please share it and follow my Instagram profile to stay up-to-date on my culinary travels in Italy and Europe!

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Post udostępniony przez Włochy, Sycylia, podróże, pyszne jedzenie | Ania🙋‍♀️ (@pizzagirl.patrol)

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