Syracuse Car Hire

Guide to Syracuse

Geography

The city is located on Sicily's island of Syracuse, where it serves as both the provincial capital and the island's largest city. It is situated on the Ionian Sea's Gulf of Syracuse in Sicily's southeastern corner.

Climate in Syracuse

Syracuse has a Mediterranean climate with moderate winters and hot, dry summers. Snow and frost are uncommon.

Culture

The city-state was formed by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans. In the 5th century BC, it was equivalent in size to Athens, according to Cicero, who described Syracuse as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” It was the Byzantine Empire's capital from 663–669, until Palermo, the Kingdom of Sicily's capital, surpassed it in prominence. UNESCO has designated the city, together with the Pantalica Necropolis, a World Heritage Site.

Things to do in Syracuse

Take a day trip to Ortygia Island

Ortygia is a tiny island with a rich cultural history located in the heart of Syracuse's historic district. Ortygia Island was a natural fortification during the Ancient Greek era. Summer is Ortygia's busiest season, where cafes and restaurants are packed, and granita and gelato vendors are crowded. Ortygia is one of those locales where being lost is a good idea.

Stroll around the stunning Piazza del Duomo

You have to navigate numerous small streets to get there, but you’ll start to feel the excitement as soon as you see the oval-shaped piazza. From the UNESCO-listed Syracuse Cathedral to the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, every side is stunning. Make sure to swing by Syracuse Cathedral, a magnificent Greek Doric temple, with touches of Sicilian Baroque architecture. There's a modest admission fee, but it's worth it to see what's within.

Pay your respects at the Santa Lucia Alla Badia

Santa Lucia Alla Badia is a short walk south of the cathedral. There's a basilica dedicated to St Lucy, whose feast days are in May and December. Its current appearance originates from the 15th century, with the earliest sections still standing. The major attraction is the Caravaggio artwork of St Lucy's Burial. Take note that you cannot go near the picture and must observe it from afar. Getting a decent location requires arriving early. Cameras and phones are not permitted here, so keep them in your bag/pocket.

Eating out in Syracuse

Greeks introduced the rich tastes of the southern Mediterranean to Sicily, which was further refined by Arabs. Here are some of our top gastronomic picks in the city:

Regina Lucia serves great fresh seafood and is suitable for a romantic supper. Make sure to try the delectable potato gnocchi in a spicy shellfish sauce with tenerumi. Fabio and his Greek wife own Retroscena, which boasts a modern take on Sicilian classics. Pre-book a table to experience the modern Greek-inspired decor and creative local cuisine. Basirico is located in a 1300s mediaeval mansion. It is influenced by the locality and its history and you must try the excellent regional red wine while there. Ristorante Dioniso, near Porta Marina, is a great place to eat. To assure quality and freshness, Alfio, the proprietor, keeps his menu minimal.

Syracuse Transport

Airport

Catania Airport (CTA) is the main airport in Sicily and is an hour's drive from Syracuse.

Getting around Syracuse

While there are two ways to move around in Syracuse city, we propose the highly comfortable "Siracusa d'amare" eco-minibus instead of the public transit system (AST). The first line connects all of Syracuse's neighbourhoods as well as the seaside areas, while the second only connects Ortigia and the nearby archaeological and tourist attractions.

Many visitors travelling across Italy, however, still opt to hire a car for maximum flexibility, comfort, and convenience.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Syracuse

● A big number of users encountered rental cars in Syracuse for less than £50 per day.

● Booking your rental car in Syracuse in advance even if it's by at least 1 day before your trip ensures you'll get cheap car hire deals.

● Premium hire car models in Syracuse are cheaper and more popular than other vehicle types.

● Car Hire Companies: Syracuse has various car hire companies available to cater to your needs. It's recommended to research and compare different options to find the most suitable one for your budget and requirements.

● Car Hire Company: When selecting a car hire company, consider factors such as reputation, customer reviews, rental rates, and the variety of vehicles offered. Choose a reputable company that provides good customer service.

● Car Rental: Renting a car in Syracuse allows you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. It gives you the flexibility to visit attractions and places that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

● Syracuse Rent: Look for car rental agencies specifically located in Syracuse for a more convenient pick-up and drop-off experience. This way, you can save time and avoid additional transportation costs to and from the airport or other locations.

● Syracuse Airport: Syracuse has an airport, so if you're flying in, consider renting a car directly from the airport. Many car hire companies have counters at the airport, making it a convenient option to start your journey right away.

● Additional Fee/Extra Cost: Be aware that some car hire companies may charge additional fees or extra costs on top of the rental rate. These can include insurance fees, fuel charges, airport surcharges, or additional driver fees. Carefully review the terms and conditions and inquire about any potential extra costs before finalizing your booking.

● Public Transport: While renting a car provides convenience, it's also worth considering the availability and efficiency of public transport in Syracuse. The city has a reliable bus system that can be a cost-effective alternative, especially for shorter journeys within the city.

● Debit Card: Check the car hire company's policies regarding payment methods. Some companies may require a credit card for the security deposit, while others accept debit cards. Ensure you have the necessary funds available on your card and inquire about any pre-authorization holds that may occur.

● Car Rentals: Syracuse offers a range of car rental options, including small economy cars, larger sedans, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles. Choose a car that suits your needs, keeping in mind factors such as the number of passengers, luggage space, and the type of roads you plan to drive on.

● Additional Information: Prior to renting a car, gather all the necessary information about the rental process, including pick-up and drop-off procedures, required documents (such as a valid driver's license and passport), fuel policies, mileage limitations, and any restrictions on driving outside of Syracuse.

● Insurance: Car rental companies typically offer insurance options to cover potential damages or accidents. It's advisable to carefully review the insurance coverage provided by the rental company and consider purchasing additional coverage if needed. Check if your personal car insurance or credit card offers any rental car insurance benefits as well.