Ortigia: The Historical Center of Syracuse, Sicily

• Teatro Dei Pupi – This traditional Sicilian puppet show is definitely a must-see. Be sure to get the tickets with backstage access after the performance, where you can witness the intricate handcrafting of the puppets and see how the puppeteers bring them to life — and you might even get the chance to try your hand at operating one! Just a heads-up: the theater can get quite warm in the summer since it's not well ventilated. The show is in Italian, but they provide an English summary beforehand to help you follow the story.

• Rent a boat and explore the stunning sea caves along the coast and see the city from a whole new perspective.

• Explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, where you can discover the remnants of an ancient Greek theater, amphitheater, historic church and caves, nestled within a landscape of vibrant, green foliage.

• Unwind on the beach like a local, enjoying a picnic and a glass of wine or indulge in a more luxurious experience at the Zefiro Solarium.

Day trips:

Head to the famous town of Noto, a small UNESCO heritage town with just one main thoroughfare lined with local shops. Wander the narrow streets and marvel at the baroque architecture all around town.

• Fratelli Burgio – If you look online, you will find a different Salumeria that everyone goes to, but in my opinion, this one is way better, I will not mention the other one here, but it’s right next door, so what better way than to taste test yourselves! Definitely get the Mostrazzo, the burrata makes it!

• Ostricando - Head over to this seafood stall on the other side of Fratelli Burgio for the freshest daily catch. Their oysters are delicious, and their red shrimps are incredibly sweet.

• Schiticchio Pizzeria – Their fried pizzas are truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t miss the Canneto, featuring fresh ricotta, smoked provolone and crispy bacon. Or try the Favignana (not fried), topped with vibrant yellow tomato sauce, mozzarella, black pork shank, creamy burrata, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

• Ostaria – For a more elegant dinner, this restaurant has the most amazing dry aged steak cooked on a grill. They also have a huge wine cellar; their menu changes every couple of months, but everything was excellent.

• Cortile Verga - Excellent bar in a courtyard with unique drinks, perfect for an aperitif.