Things to Do at Fountain of Arethusa

The Fountain of Arethusa bubbles from a natural spring on Ortygia's eastern shore, where freshwater emerges just meters from the Mediterranean Sea in a phenomenon that has amazed visitors since ancient Greek times. According to mythology, the nymph Arethusa was transformed into this spring to escape the river god Alpheus, and the circular pool still contains papyrus plants that create a tropical atmosphere unique in Europe. The fountain area offers stone benches where you can sit and watch the spring water flowing while seabirds drink from the edges and tourist boats bob in the nearby marina. Viewing the fountain is completely free and accessible 24 hours, though the surrounding restaurants charge €15-25 (about $16-27) for meals with fountain views. Visit at sunset when the golden light reflects off the water and the ancient stones, creating the perfect atmosphere for contemplating this mythological site.

The fountain is located on Ortigia, the historic island that forms Syracuse's old town , so you'll need to cross one of the bridges from the mainland. If you're staying in Syracuse, it's easily walkable from most accommodations on Ortigia. From the mainland, you can walk across Ponte Nuovo or take a local bus. The fountain is just a few minutes' walk from the Duomo along Via Roma , and most visitors stumble across it while exploring Ortigia's narrow streets. If you're coming from further afield, Syracuse is well-connected by bus from other Sicilian cities, and the train station is about a 15-minute walk to Ortigia.