Syracuse, on the southern coast of Sicily, is a place where the sea, history, and stunning architecture come together in a way that makes every tour memorable. Whether you’re into exploring ancient Greek ruins, cruising along the coast soaking up scenic views, or tasting local wines and chocolates, Syracuse offers a variety of experiences that showcase its unique character. We especially love the sea cave boat tours, where you can snorkel in crystal waters while exploring caves steeped in legend. Plus, the full-day Mount Etna trip offers a fascinating look at Europe’s most active volcano—an impressive sight just a short drive away. For a taste of local life, the baroque villages tour takes you through charming towns filled with colorful architecture and delicious treats. Want to see the city from the water? The Ortygia Island boat tours are a perfect way to combine scenery, history, and a splash of relaxation.
Quick Overview
Syracuse’s top tours range from guided archaeological visits to scenic boat rides, and even full-day excursions. You can explore the ancient Neapolis Archaeological Park with expert guides, or enjoy sunset cruises with local Sicilian delicacies. For lovers of the outdoors, the Mount Etna tour provides a chance to hike volcano craters, while families and sea lovers will enjoy transparent boat trips along the coast. Each experience offers a different way to see and understand Syracuse and its surroundings—whether it’s through snorkeling, walking, or sailing.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each tour, so you can decide which best suits your travel style and interests.
1. Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour w/ Prosecco & Fruit
This 1.5-hour boat trip combines scenic views of Ortigia Island with exploring sea caves, swimming in the crystal waters, and enjoying Prosecco and fresh fruit onboard. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick but immersive coastal experience. The tour boasts a 4.8/5 rating from nearly 690 reviews, highlighting its popularity.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. You’ll feel the sea salt on your skin and hear stories about the legends surrounding Ortigia. The snorkeling stop lets you cool off in the refreshing Sicilian waters. For a short, fun adventure with a touch of luxury, this tour delivers excellent value at just $35 per person. It’s ideal if you want an engaging, scenic outing without overcommitting your day.
Bottom Line: A lively, short cruise perfect for travelers craving a taste of Sicily’s coast with snacks and music.
2. Siracusa: 2h Ortigia + Grotte Marine + Frutta + Prosecco + Snorkeling
This 2-hour tour offers a deeper exploration of Ortigia from the water, including sightseeing, snorkeling, and visits to iconic sea caves like the Cave of Love. Starting from Il Catanese Di Carpinelli Giuseppe, it combines natural scenery with cultural highlights like the Arethusa fountain and the heart-shaped cave.
Guests love the photo stops and the opportunity to see ancient buildings from a different perspective. The itinerary includes passing by Castello Maniace, exploring sea caves, and enjoying onboard fruit and prosecco. With a near-perfect 4.7/5 review score and a detailed route, it’s a good pick for those wanting a comprehensive coastal experience in a short time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a blend of sightseeing, snorkeling, and cultural highlights all in 2 hours.
3. Syracuse: Ortigia Island & Sea Cave Boat Tour with Prosecco
At just one hour, this guided boat tour offers a quick yet scenic window into Ortigia’s monuments and caves. Starting from Via Malta, the boat glides past the fortress of Castello Maniace and the Arethusa Spring, with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
This tour is ideal for those with limited time but wanting a taste of the coast’s beauty and cultural sights. The short duration makes it perfect for a layover or as part of a broader itinerary. Ratings of 4.7/5 from over 400 reviews attest to its popularity. Guests mention the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views as highlights.
Bottom Line: A quick, affordable way to enjoy Ortigia’s skyline and caves with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
4. Syracuse: Boat Tour with Captain Mirko, Snorkeling & Caves
This 1.5-hour tour combines landmark sightseeing with hidden marine caves and snorkeling near Ortigia Island. Captain Mirko’s personalized insights and friendly approach consistently earn rave reviews, with many describing it as “amazing” and “beautiful.”
What makes this trip special is the opportunity to explore lesser-known caves and swim in secluded coves. Guests also enjoy stories about local legends and the view of Ortigia from the water. Reviews praise the informative guide and beautiful scenery. For $34, it’s a value-packed experience suitable for anyone wanting a more intimate boat adventure.
Bottom Line: A top choice for travelers seeking a friendly guide and personalized exploration of caves and seafront landmarks.
5. Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif
For 2 hours, this private sunset cruise takes you along Ortigia’s coast, where you can watch the sky change colors and sip local prosecco. The itinerary includes caves and coves and an onboard platter of Sicilian produce.
Guests love the spectacular sunset views and the relaxing atmosphere of the cruise. Several mention how memorable the experience was, especially with music or the sea breeze. Prices are around $68, reflecting the luxury and exclusivity of a private experience. It’s best suited for couples or small groups wanting a romantic, scenic evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for special occasions or those wanting a more intimate and luxurious experience.
6. Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Small Group Tour
This 1.5-hour tour covers the Greek theater, Ear of Dionysius, and other ancient monuments. Starting at Largo Anfiteatro, the guide will take you through Syracuse’s archaeological treasures.
Rated 4.8/5, the tour is praised for the engaging guide and comprehensive commentary. Guests appreciate the small group setting which allows for more interaction and personalized attention. It’s ideal for history lovers or anyone wanting to deep dive into Syracuse’s ancient past. The price is very reasonable at $18 per person.
Bottom Line: A well-paced, informative tour for those interested in ancient Greek and Roman sites.
7. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto
This full-day tour takes you to three spectacular baroque towns—Ragusa, Modica, and Noto. With onboard Wi-Fi and free time in each town, you’ll see Ragusa Ibla’s winding streets, Modica’s famous chocolate, and Noto’s stunning architecture.
Rated 5/5 by 80 reviewers, it’s praised for expert guiding and smooth logistics. The trip is perfect if you want to explore Sicily’s architectural gems comfortably without renting a car. At €330, it’s an investment, but many find the cultural richness and flexibility well worth the price.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive day trip through Sicily’s charming baroque villages.
8. Full-Day Mount Etna Experience from Siracusa
This full-day private tour takes you from Syracuse to Europe’s tallest active volcano. You’ll enjoy climbs to lower craters, optional upper crater visits, and a panoramic picnic (at extra cost). The tour is highly customizable, with door-to-door hotel pickup.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the expert guidance of Giuseppe, who shares detailed volcanic insights and personalized hiking options. The tour suits active travelers interested in geology, hiking, or photography. Priced at $157, it offers great value for a personalized, full-day adventure.
Bottom Line: A must for anyone curious about volcanoes or looking for a personalized outdoor experience.
9. Syracuse: Ortigia Classic Walking Tour
This 2-hour walk takes you through Ortigia’s narrow streets, the Cathedral square, and the Aretusa spring. The tour is rated 4.7/5, with visitors enjoying the informative narration and gorgeous views.
It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview of the city’s key sights. The guide covers the origins of Syracuse, how Greek temples became Christian churches, and local legends. At $22, it’s an affordable way to get acquainted with Ortigia.
Bottom Line: Great for introductory sightseeing and those wanting a laid-back walk with a knowledgeable guide.
10. Syracuse: Coast and Sea Caves Full Transparent Boat Tour
This 50-minute transparent boat tour offers an underground view of Syracuse’s marine caves. The fully transparent boat allows you to see underwater and seabed sights, making it a unique, immersive experience.
Rated 4.9/5, travelers love the interactive nature and breathtaking scenery. It’s suitable for families, couples, or anyone interested in marine life. At $28, it’s an affordable, short but memorable way to appreciate the coast’s beauty.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a see-through adventure and marine wonders, this is a top pick.
11. Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour with Sunset Apertif
For 2.5 hours, this sunset cruise combines sea caves with a Sicilian aperitif onboard. Guests enjoy spectacular sunset views and swimming stops in the calm waters.
Rated 4.9/5, many mention it as an unforgettable experience with amazing guides like Antonino. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious local snacks make it ideal for couples or small groups seeking a romantic evening.
Bottom Line: A charming way to combine sea exploration with local flavors at sunset.
12. Syracuse: Boat tour Ortigia island, Seacaves and Explanations
This 1-hour guided boat tour provides geographical and historical insights into Ortiga’s caves and monuments. It includes a swimming stop and passes under the Ortigia bridge.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers appreciate the informative narration and scenic views. It’s ideal for those interested in more context about the area while enjoying a short cruise. Priced at $23, it’s an affordable introduction.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting a brief, educational outing.
13. Syracuse: Ortigia and Sea Caves Excursion by Boat
This 1-hour tour takes you around Ortiga’s coast, with swimming and cave exploration. It’s a relaxed way to see sea caves and enjoy famous landmarks like the Forte Vigliena.
Rated 4.7/5, many reviewers describe it as a “great value” and “beautiful” trip. It’s ideal for short visits or families looking for a leisurely boat ride with photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for short, scenic trips with informative commentary.
14. Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, and Sea Caves Tour by Boat
This 2-hour tour explores the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, famous for its sea caves and beautiful coastline. It includes swimming and snorkeling in the protected waters.
Rated 4.6/5, travelers mention friendly staff and relaxing pace. The marine environment makes it perfect for nature lovers seeking a less crowded experience. The price is around $45, representing good value for a focused marine adventure.
Bottom Line: Excellent for marine life enthusiasts and those wanting a leisurely sea cave exploration.
15. Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit
This 1-hour trip combines Ortigia’s sights with visits to enchanting grottos. It’s praised for charming guides like Beppe and informative commentary on myths and legends.
Rated 4.6/5, it’s a great starter for visitors wanting a short, scenic overview. The small group setting and mild pace suit those new to boat tours. At $28, it’s an affordable way to enjoy Syracuse from the water.
Bottom Line: Suitable for first-time visitors wanting a short but sweet introduction to Ortigia and its caves.
How to Choose Your Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. For a quick coastal experience, the Prosecco Sea Cave Tour offers a lively taste of the coast. If you’re a history enthusiast, the Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour provides a detailed dive into Syracuse’s ancient past. For outdoor lovers, the Mount Etna tour offers a full-day adventure exploring volcano craters.
Booking early is advisable, especially for full-day excursions and private sunset cruises, which often fill up quickly. Think about your fitness level—some tours involve hiking or swimming—and pick an option that matches your pace and curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Syracuse offers a range of tours that cater to history buffs, adventure seekers, and relaxation lovers alike. Whether you want a short scenic cruise or an all-day exploration of Mount Etna, there’s something for all. For a balanced experience, the Siracusa: Neapolis Archaeological Park Small Group Tour and the Pillirina Sea Caves Tour stand out as top picks, offering both depth and relaxation.
Don’t forget to book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date. Syracuse’s diverse offerings promise memorable moments on the water, along ancient paths, or atop volcanic craters—whatever your interest, a great tour awaits.