Guttuso Apartment

The Ancient Wonders of Syracuse

Small is beautiful here. Right in the heart of UNESCO-designated ancient city of Siracusa, walking distance to Ortigia island, this vacation home rental in Sicily is located among the most important archeological sites within Siracusa. With panoramic views of the city and out to sea, you'll enjoy all of the atmospheric charm of this ancient port town.

We like the smartly and creatively stylized interiors and the artistic graphics by early 20th-century Sicilian painter, Renato Guttuso.

Overlooking the city and the sea, this vacation home rental in Sicily immerses you into the UNESCO-designated heart of Siracusa near its historical center, the ancient island of Ortigia.

Located on the sixth floor, the all-in-one apartment is modestly sized but cleverly laid out and smartly stylized. The intimate setting includes living and dining areas and a basic kitchenette with two view balconies. Sliding doors divide the spaces to reveal an alcove bedroom that sleeps two, with space for two additional guests on the sofa bed. 

The  vintage 1950s/60s interiors have been restored, revealing original textiles and ceiling beams, a patchwork tiled floor, understated contemporary furnishings, and graphics and paintings by native 20th-century artist Renato Guttuso gives the space a lived-in, artist's studio feel.

This is a charming apartment from which you can enjoy the ancient wonders of Siracusa.

Optional services include: food and wine tastings from owners privately selected organic providers, meal delivery services, private tours and excursions. 

AROUND

Once the ancient capital of Greece, Sicily's south eastern port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological and UNESCO destination with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo's Temple and the Teatro Romana ruins. 

Its historic heart - the tiny island of Ortigia - is joined to the mainland by two bridges and is known for its Baroque palaces and churches and its maze of narrow medieval lanes that converge on the lovely Piazza Duomo and cathedral. 

There are a number of city beaches nearby with Ru Frati and its seafront bike path and park making an ideal destination for early morning or sunset ramblings. Further south, the pristine beaches and bays of Fontane Bianche, Cala Flies, Vendicari and the Pachino Marine Reserve offer some of the island's best. 

The UNESCO site of Pantalica and the  Cavagrande Cassibile reserve are perfect for day trekking, with deep canyons and natural lakes for swimming. Nearby Noto is also a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning, wall-to-wall Baroque architecture and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, all reachable within an hour or so.  

LOCATION

Siracusa, Italy. Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa (60km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April through December is ideal, but the region and the island are fascinating year round, especially in off season when you can explore without the crowds.