12 Best Sights in Siracusa and the Southeast, Sicily

One of Sicily’s best-kept secrets, the archaeological park of Akrai is home to what is said to be Siracusa’s first inland settlement, built to defend its overland trading route from other Greek colonies. You can access the site by a steep but steady 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive. Today, the site contains mainly ruins, but it is well worth visiting simply to see the Teatro Greco, originally constructed in the 3rd century BC to seat 600. Around the site, you'll also find two old stone quarries used to build the settlement, then converted into burial chambers as well as a remarkably well-preserved portion of the stone road into the area. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Etna rising majestically in the distance.

Locals consider this the most important church in Palazzolo Acreide, rebuilt and repaired after an earthquake ravaged the majority of the region in the 17th century. When you enter, usually a volunteer will be available to take you on a brief tour. The main focal points are the relics and the statue of St. Paul paraded through the town's streets between June 26 and June 29 each year. Entry is technically free, but be prepared to make a modest contribution toward the church's upkeep at the end of your tour.

It's best to hire a guide to explore the over 5,000 tombs covering limestone cliffs that make up this Iron and Bronze Age burial site. Located on a huge plateau over the Anapo River, the necropolis dates back to between the 13th and 8th centuries BC. If you decide not to hire a guide, be prepared to drive to get here. There are two main entrances: one near the town of Sortino, and the other from the town of Ferla. The entrance by Sortino involves a good walk down the sides of the gorge while the Ferla entrance is more of a gentle stroll along a well-beaten path. Set aside a minimum of two hours for your visit, but it is better to allocate at least half a day; be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and bring plenty of water.

This church and UNESCO World Heritage site dominates the main square in Palazzolo Acreide. The interior is worth a visit not only for its ornate decorations but also for the interesting information on the town's annual procession in celebration of the local saint.

Prior to his untimely death in 1979, poet Antonino Uccello made it his life's work to collect artifacts to re-create 18th-century rural Sicilian life, resulting in this small museum. The collection is interesting, but the majority of the information boards are in Italian. Sometimes the guides can also be a little too enthusiastic in making sure you don't linger during your visit.

Originally from the early 800s, today this castle is mostly in ruins, but if you follow the well-constructed paths that wind through it, you can still pass through some rooms and doorways and get a sense of what the castle once looked like. The views are lovely near the castle walls that extend above the cliffs, and you can see how castle defenders watched for enemies here. Access to the ruins is wheelchair-friendly, but some climbing of stairs is required to complete the tour of the entire site.

If the other palazzoli in Scicli simply hint at the luxury of the town's golden age, then this is a full-on assault on the senses. The exterior is covered by stone-carved statues, including representations of mythical creatures and enslaved people that serve as an essential reminder of the town's role in the region's slave trade.

Quite plain on the outside, it's easy to walk straight past this gem. But if you venture inside, you'll be overwhelmed by the opulence of the antique furniture, silk wallpapers, and frescoes that adorn the interiors. If you want to see how the high society of Scicli once lived, then this is the place.

This long-abandoned palazzo (originally built in the 18th century) has recently been restored by French journalist and filmmaker Jean-Louis Remileux. If you want an idea of what life was like for the nobility of Noto in days long gone by, call ahead to book a guided tour.

Designed by architect Vincenzo Sinatra in the 17th century, Palazzo Ducezio is still a sight to behold. You can visit both of its two floors, with the top floor offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The best time to visit is in the afternoon or evening when the local buildings take on a golden hue in the fading light.

While the whole of Noto can make you feel that you are on a film set, its central plaza will really do it. The Palazzo Municipo is home to three of the grandest buildings in Noto, including Palazzo Ducezio, now home to the local town hall, that forms the plaza's main part. If you climb to the top of the ornate staircase to the north you will find Basilica Cattedrale di San Nicolo while on the western side of the palazzo is Palazzo Landolina, which was once home to one of the most powerful families in Noto, the Sant'Alfano family.

This still working theater from the 19th century offers guided tours of its small, ornate interior. Check ahead as it often presents programs of classic and contemporary theater in Italian. It was named for silent film actress Tina Di Lorenzo.