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Sampling the True Sicilian Lifestyle in Syracuse

Everything has its own pace in Syracuse.

Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean sea, one of the most beloved tourist destinations, known for fresh vegetables and fruits, delicious sweet cakes, and the Rosticcerias that dare to deep-fry anything you can think of. If you are planning to rent a car beware that people take traffic rules lightly, even the serious ones like red lights and one-way streets. These are sometimes 'optional' to Sicilian drivers. Keep your eyes open as well as an open mind for whatever can happen. If you decide to take the city bus, instead, beware that there are no timetables. Yes, the bus comes every hour, or every 30 minutes, but when exactly? The time is not written down since according to Sicilian traffic philosophy -'it´s impossible to predict the traffic situation. Just Relax and wait and see...' Have a Granita meanwhile, the way it was intended to be, made of fresh fruits, ice and sugar, a refreshing option while waiting. If you want to experience the true Sicily without the company of a crowds of tourists, Hostelsclub recommends the adorable harbor town known as Siracusa, or Syracuse (in English), still unexploited and favored by Italian tourists more than foreigners. Syracuse is only an hour away from Catania, the second largest city in Sicily after Palermo. Catania also has an international airport which makes Syracuse pretty easy to reach. In Syracuse´s old town, Ortigia (which is actually more of an island), you will find the perfect mix of medieval buildings, occupied by trendy bars and restaurants with reasonable prices. And if the locals hear you are foreigner don´t be shocked when they greet you with a big welcome and a genuine interest about who you are and where you are from. This is Sicilian hospitality! When it´s time to go to the beach. You can either stay at the cliffs in Ortigia, like the local young people do, but even better is to take the bus or drive 20 min to the famous beach, Fontana Bianca, as the name reveals, it´s a white sandy beach, with few people, beach bars, and clear blue water. The coast between Catania and Syracuse is known to be the best one in all of Sicily. This vacation doesn´t have to cost you much either. If you book your accommodation with Hostelslub you can live well, and still have money to spend on gourmet dinners of fresh fish followed by cocktail drinks all night long.

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