{{filter.label}}
Holiday in Floridia
Floridia is a small town in the province of Syracuse, in southeastern Sicily, Italy. It was founded in 1628 by Lucio Bonanno Colonna, a nobleman from the powerful Colonna family. The town was established to support agricultural activities and provide homes for peasants and workers.
Over the centuries, Floridia played an essential role in Sicilian farming and trade, particularly in olive oil, citrus fruits, and wheat production. Despite its small size, the town has a strong historical connection to the Greek and Roman influence of nearby Syracuse, which was one of the most important cities of the ancient world.
Description of Floridia
Floridia is a charming Sicilian town with Baroque-style churches, narrow streets, and a welcoming atmosphere. Located about 12 km from Syracuse, it offers a more peaceful alternative to the busy city while still being close to major attractions like the Ortigia Island, the Greek Theater of Syracuse, and the beautiful beaches of the Ionian coast.
The town itself has a mix of historic architecture and modern influences, with piazzas, small family-run businesses, and traditional Sicilian markets. The surrounding countryside is filled with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.
Typical Food of Floridia
Sicilian cuisine is famous for its mix of Arab, Greek, Spanish, and Italian influences, and Floridia is no exception. Some traditional dishes you can enjoy include:
Pasta alla Norma – A classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata, and basil.
Arancini – Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù (meat sauce), cheese, or pistachio.
Caponata – A sweet and sour eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, capers, and vinegar.
Pane Cunzatu – A "seasoned bread" typically topped with tomatoes, anchovies, cheese, and olive oil.
Cassata Siciliana – A rich, ricotta-based cake covered in marzipan and candied fruit.
Granita and Brioche – A refreshing semi-frozen dessert (usually lemon, almond, or coffee) served with soft Sicilian brioche bread.
Local Olive Oil and Citrus Fruits – Floridia is known for its high-quality olive oil and citrus, which are widely used in local dishes.
Activities in Floridia and Nearby
Floridia offers a mix of cultural, nature, and food-related activities. Some of the best things to do include:
1. Explore Local Churches and Landmarks
Chiesa Madre di San Bartolomeo – The main church of Floridia, featuring beautiful Baroque architecture.
Piazza del Popolo – A central square where locals gather, surrounded by historic buildings.
2. Visit Syracuse and Ortigia (Just 15-20 minutes away)
Greek Theater of Syracuse – One of the largest ancient Greek theaters in the world.
Ortigia Island – A historic and charming district with narrow streets, Baroque buildings, and stunning sea views.
Ear of Dionysius – A famous cave known for its acoustic properties.
3. Nature and Outdoor Activities
Beaches of Fontane Bianche and Arenella – Beautiful sandy beaches with clear blue waters.
Cavagrande del Cassibile – A nature reserve with stunning canyons, natural pools, and hiking trails.
Vendicari Nature Reserve – A great place for birdwatching and relaxing on wild beaches.
4. Food and Wine Experiences
Olive Oil Tasting – Visit a local farm to taste Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.
Wine Tasting Tours – Discover local wineries in the surrounding countryside, famous for Nero d’Avola and Moscato di Noto wines.
Sicilian Cooking Classes – Learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta alla Norma or cannoli.
5. Local Festivals and Events
Feast of San Bartolomeo (August 24th) – The town’s patron saint festival, featuring religious processions, street food, and fireworks.
Sagra del Limone – A celebration of Sicily’s famous lemons, with tastings of lemon-based dishes and drinks.
Carnival of Floridia – A lively event with parades, costumes, and traditional Sicilian sweets.
Floridia is a hidden gem in Sicily, offering authentic local culture, history, and delicious food while being conveniently close to the more famous attractions of Syracuse. Whether you're looking for a relaxing countryside retreat or a base for exploring eastern Sicily, it’s a great place to visit.
Over the centuries, Floridia played an essential role in Sicilian farming and trade, particularly in olive oil, citrus fruits, and wheat production. Despite its small size, the town has a strong historical connection to the Greek and Roman influence of nearby Syracuse, which was one of the most important cities of the ancient world.
Description of Floridia
Floridia is a charming Sicilian town with Baroque-style churches, narrow streets, and a welcoming atmosphere. Located about 12 km from Syracuse, it offers a more peaceful alternative to the busy city while still being close to major attractions like the Ortigia Island, the Greek Theater of Syracuse, and the beautiful beaches of the Ionian coast.
The town itself has a mix of historic architecture and modern influences, with piazzas, small family-run businesses, and traditional Sicilian markets. The surrounding countryside is filled with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.
Typical Food of Floridia
Sicilian cuisine is famous for its mix of Arab, Greek, Spanish, and Italian influences, and Floridia is no exception. Some traditional dishes you can enjoy include:
Pasta alla Norma – A classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata, and basil.
Arancini – Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù (meat sauce), cheese, or pistachio.
Caponata – A sweet and sour eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, capers, and vinegar.
Pane Cunzatu – A "seasoned bread" typically topped with tomatoes, anchovies, cheese, and olive oil.
Cassata Siciliana – A rich, ricotta-based cake covered in marzipan and candied fruit.
Granita and Brioche – A refreshing semi-frozen dessert (usually lemon, almond, or coffee) served with soft Sicilian brioche bread.
Local Olive Oil and Citrus Fruits – Floridia is known for its high-quality olive oil and citrus, which are widely used in local dishes.
Activities in Floridia and Nearby
Floridia offers a mix of cultural, nature, and food-related activities. Some of the best things to do include:
1. Explore Local Churches and Landmarks
Chiesa Madre di San Bartolomeo – The main church of Floridia, featuring beautiful Baroque architecture.
Piazza del Popolo – A central square where locals gather, surrounded by historic buildings.
2. Visit Syracuse and Ortigia (Just 15-20 minutes away)
Greek Theater of Syracuse – One of the largest ancient Greek theaters in the world.
Ortigia Island – A historic and charming district with narrow streets, Baroque buildings, and stunning sea views.
Ear of Dionysius – A famous cave known for its acoustic properties.
3. Nature and Outdoor Activities
Beaches of Fontane Bianche and Arenella – Beautiful sandy beaches with clear blue waters.
Cavagrande del Cassibile – A nature reserve with stunning canyons, natural pools, and hiking trails.
Vendicari Nature Reserve – A great place for birdwatching and relaxing on wild beaches.
4. Food and Wine Experiences
Olive Oil Tasting – Visit a local farm to taste Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.
Wine Tasting Tours – Discover local wineries in the surrounding countryside, famous for Nero d’Avola and Moscato di Noto wines.
Sicilian Cooking Classes – Learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta alla Norma or cannoli.
5. Local Festivals and Events
Feast of San Bartolomeo (August 24th) – The town’s patron saint festival, featuring religious processions, street food, and fireworks.
Sagra del Limone – A celebration of Sicily’s famous lemons, with tastings of lemon-based dishes and drinks.
Carnival of Floridia – A lively event with parades, costumes, and traditional Sicilian sweets.
Floridia is a hidden gem in Sicily, offering authentic local culture, history, and delicious food while being conveniently close to the more famous attractions of Syracuse. Whether you're looking for a relaxing countryside retreat or a base for exploring eastern Sicily, it’s a great place to visit.
Click to show the map