‘Minareto’ has to be the best hotel in the finest location with stunning views across the harbour to Ortigia, Siracusa and Mount Etna beyond. The facilities are excellent and the private beach areas offer safe swimming in beautiful clear waters - great for snorkelling as there are so many fish. Wonderful, friendly staff and the most excellent breakfast. We were lucky to be upgraded to a room with a spectacular view. As a guide, ask for either rooms 231 or 232.
The restaurant menu for lunch and dinner is the same and somewhat unimaginative for Sicily and hugely overpriced, offering small portions and expensive wines - avoid! Similarly the bar!
Instead, a short walk along Via La Maddelena will lead to at least 3 more sensibly priced restaurants with great regional dishes. Go beyond the first, Villa Gaiangos - poor food/service. A little further, and the local shop, La Greca, is great for inexpensive food and wine.
The boat-taxi to Ortigia is dependent on sea conditions. At €40 return it’s good value. On days when it can’t operate, a return taxi fare shouldn’t cost more than €60.
There are plenty of towns and places of interest you can reach by hire car and/or bus excursions from the hotel. The Archaeological Park and Catacombs in Siracusa are easily accessible.
Getting there is easy: train from Catania Airport to Siracusa (1hr & 20mins) for €7, and then €30 for a taxi.
Despite its disappointing food and wine, Minareto is still the best for its location.
