Insider Tips from Casa Suli: Speak, Pack & Travel Like a Local in Siracusa

🇮🇹 Useful Phrases in Siracusa

A few words in Italian - or even better, in Sicilian - go a long way. Locals appreciate when visitors try, and you’ll quickly make friends over a coffee or market visit.

• Hello/Hi → Ciao (Italian) → Ciau (Sicilian)

• Good morning → Buongiorno → Bon jornu

• Good evening → Buonasera → Bona sira

• Goodbye → Arrivederci → Addiu

• Please → Per favore → Pi favuri

• Thank you → Grazie → Grazzi

• You’re welcome → Prego → Di nenti

• Excuse me/Sorry → Mi scusi → Scusassi

• How much? → Quanto costa? → Quantu custa?

• Where is…? → Dov’è…? → Unni è…?

• Water → Acqua → Acqua

• Wine → Vino → Vinu

• Coffee → Caffè → Cafè

• Beer → Birra → Birra

• Delicious! → Delizioso! → Squisitu!

• I don’t understand → Non capisco → Nun capisciu

• Help me → Può aiutarmi? → Mi poi aiutari?

• Yes → Sì → Sì

• No → No → No

💡 Casa Suli tip: Try ordering your morning cappuccino or evening glass of Nero d’Avola using the Sicilian version - you’ll see a smile every time!

👨‍👩‍👧 Tips for Traveling with Kids in Siracusa & Sicily

Sicily is one of the most family-friendly places in Italy - warm people, open spaces, and endless gelato stops.

• Parks & Walks: Ortigia’s Foro Italico is perfect for kids to run and play by the sea.

• Family Beaches: Arenella and Fontane Bianche have shallow waters and soft sand.

• Fun & Learning: The Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius in Siracusa are exciting outdoor history lessons.

• Treat Breaks: Stop for gelato or granita – kids love the flavors, and locals welcome families.

• Practical Tip: Avoid midday heat in summer; mornings and evenings are best.

• Car Safety: Car seats are mandatory in Sicily. Casa Suli provides one for free to make family travel easier.

🌞 Local insight: Many Sicilian families go out for evening walks (“la passeggiata”) around 8-9 PM - it’s cooler, lively, and perfect for kids.

🧺 What to Pack for Your Stay

Stay comfortable and ready for Sicilian adventures with these essentials:

• Light clothing for hot days, plus a light jacket for evenings.

• Swimwear & beach gear (towels, flip-flops, snorkel if you like).

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Ortigia and archaeological sites.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle - refill at fountains or buy bottled packs easily.

• Siracusa has several H24 shops open day and night. One nearby option: Via S. Metodio, 2, 96100 Siracusa (sells 1.5L, 2L, and 500ml bottles in packs - cheap and convenient!).

• Plug adapter: Italy uses type C, F, and L plugs (230V).

🧡 Casa Suli reminder: Travel light - laundry and essentials are available in the apartment, so you can save space for Sicilian souvenirs!