Sosta Camper Claud Car

Any Syracuse sojourn simply must include a trip to the Neapolis archaeological park (10 minutes’ drive), a sprawling site packed that’s home to ancient amphitheatres, religious relics and the Ear of Dionysius cave. To see some of the antiquities (actually, quite a lot of the antiquities) that have been unearthed nearby, meander on from the park to the Paolo Orsi Archaeology Museum. The historic island of Ortigia (15 minutes) is another that should certainly be on the schedule – cross the bridge from the city centre to visit the Greek Temple of Apollo, the 13th-century Castello Maniace and the fancy Duomo. There’s an excellent market over here too, and a splendid selection of cafés to rest feet and sample local snacks (such as the sweet – and potentially addictive – cannoli). Such amblings can be hot work, so it’s a fine idea to plan some down time at one of the local beaches: the city’s own beach is about 10 minutes’ drive away, or you may like to head out of town to Avola (20 minutes), Calamosche (35 minutes) or the seaside village of Marzamemi (45 minutes). Alternatively, opt for a good dunking at Aretusa Park waterpark (10 minutes).