Syracuse is a city that offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Whether you are a history lover, an art enthusiast or a nature lover, you are sure to find something to suit you. The Sicilian capital offers a more relaxed pace of life than large Italian cities and is strategically located to enjoy Sicily's treasures. If you are thinking of living in Syracuse, here is all the information that might be right for you.
Living in Syracuse: pros and cons
Syracuse, thanks also to the sunny character of its inhabitants, is very welcoming. It is, in fact, a small town where life revolves around the sea. Its historical centre, the Island of Ortigia, is popular with tourists as it holds treasures such as the Arethusa Spring, the Temple of Apollo and the Maniace Castle.
Tourist development has thus given the centre a new impetus, populating it with bars, restaurants and leisure activities. However, Syracuse also has many residential areas, where one can enjoy city amenities but appreciate a calmness that is hard to find elsewhere. Other advantages include the fact that the cost of living is slightly lower than in other cities of the same size.
The disadvantages of living in Syracuse, on the other hand, could include - according to the latest quality of life ranking - some critical aspects of services and cultural offerings.
Best neighbourhoods in Syracuse: where to live
Choosing the right neighbourhood to live in will allow you to make the most of your Syracuse experience. Every area has something to offer: here's how best to find your way around.
Island of Ortigia
The island of Ortigia is the historical centre of the city. In summer it is very popular with tourists, while in winter it comes alive at weekends. Those who do not like traffic will do very well here, as many areas are traffic-calmed.
To get an idea of the price of rentals and houses for sale you can consult the following links:
Cassibile - Fontane Bianche
This area, although facing the sea, is definitely very quiet. Here, one can enjoy high quality real estate, and of course unparalleled natural beauty.
To get an idea of the price of rentals and houses for sale you can consult the following links:
- Houses for sale in the Cassibile - Fontane Bianche area
- Houses for rent in the Cassibile - Fontane Bianche area
Saint Lucia
Santa Lucia is the area with the classic chessboard shape that precedes the island of Ortigia. It could be described as the modern centre of the city, as it is equipped with all amenities and houses the train station.
To get an idea of the price of rentals and houses for sale you can consult the following links:
In general, Syracuse is a very quiet city in which to live and stay, so - while sharing the risks of any urban centre - there are no particular areas to avoid.
If, on the other hand, you only want to spend a few weeks in Syracuse, you can consult this link:
How much does it cost to live in Syracuse
Understanding the cost of living in Syracuse is very important if you plan a relocation or extended stay in this fascinating Sicilian city. Living costs can vary widely depending on individual lifestyle and needs, but in general Syracuse offers a good balance between quality of life and affordability.
According to a recent study, Syracuse is ranked 64th among the most expensive cities in Italy, meaning that a person might need an average of 1239 euros per month to live in the city.
Transport in Syracuse is relatively cheap. The city has a bus and taxi service. A single ticket costs €1.20, while the annual subscription costs €300. Syracuse is connected to the rest of the island by a railway station and a bus station.
Price comparison: Syracuse, Catania, Ragusa
The price of each house varies depending on the neighbourhood and the type chosen. In July 2023, the average sales price in Syracuse was 1062 euro/m2. As far as rent is concerned, the average price stood at € 8.6/m2 in July 2023. To find out how much it costs to live in Syracuse you can consult the following links:
Living in Syracuse or Catania
Given the connections between the two cities and their ideal relationship, many wonder what the difference is with the Catania real estate market. You can observe the numbers and trends by clicking here:
Living in Syracuse or Ragusa
Syracuse and Ragusa are two adjacent provinces. You can observe the numbers and trends by clicking here:
Why is Syracuse famous?
Syracuse is famous for many reasons, but its history and culture are undoubtedly among the most fascinating. This city, located on the east coast of Sicily, was an important centre of power in the ancient world, with a heritage dating back over 2,700 years.
One of the main reasons why Syracuse is famous is its wealth of archaeological sites. The city is home to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, which includes the famous Greek Theatre, one of the best-preserved Greek theatres in the world, and the Ear of Dionysus, an artificial cave with a unique shape that amplifies sounds.
But it is not only ancient history that makes Syracuse unique. The city is also famous for its Baroque architecture, with many historic buildings reflecting this style. The Cathedral of Syracuse, for example, is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, built on an ancient Greek temple and still dominating the city's main square.
Production sectors in Syracuse: what to know
Syracuse's main economic activities range from agriculture to manufacturing, from tourism to energy.
One of the pillars of Syracuse's economy is agriculture. The city is famous for the production of citrus fruits, in particular the Syracuse lemon, known for its unique flavour and superior quality. Other important agricultural products include olives, grapes and vegetables.
Tourism is another key economic activity in Syracuse. Thanks to its historical and cultural heritage, the city attracts visitors from all over the world. This has led to the development of a thriving tourism sector, with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities.
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