Syracusa - and finally heading for Greece

We left Licata at first light, heading for Porto Paulo on the southernmost tip of Sicily - motoring, as there was no wind at all.  Our first night on anchor was not particularly comfortable, we should have tucked in nearer the breakwater as there was a surprising amount of swell and anything on the boat that could rattle certainly did!

The next day's sail to Syracusa made up for it though - a beat, but a good 15 to 20 kts of breeze blew away some of the Licata cobwebs and the natural anchorage here is very well protected even in strong winds.

Syracusa caters for tourists - the Old Town on the island of Ortygia is connected by several bridges and has plenty of charm, street markets, cafes and restaurants.

Heading into the harbour - the anchorage in the distance, passing the yacht ACE.  It can apparently be rented for €1m per week.

Old Town Ortygia - alternative plant pots.

One of the bridges connecting the Island to the mainland - and a bit of local art.

Piazza del Duomo, the 18th Century Cathedral in Ortygia, Syracusa.

Spiderman - more Local Art

A local busker - there were several very young musicians plying their trade in the town.

The highlight was the market - especially the many fish stalls:

I do NOT want to catch a Tuna this size!

Not sure what kind of fish they are, but these guys were experts at filleting them - no knives were used.  Very tasty.

No visit to Syracusa would be complete with out visiting the Historic sights

The Roman Theatre - looking very unloved.  There was a €10 entrance charge, but not a single bit of information could be found at the site, in any language!  Our guide book tells us that it dates from the 1st to 5th Centuries BC and was used for chariot racing.

The Greek Theatre - again no information at the site - but on alternate years it is used for the production of classical plays during the summer months, and for this it is covered in wooden staging - which is what you can see now.

But - the real highlight for us was the quarry:  Dating back to Roman times, it consisted of enormous caves created by the quarrying.  The shapes of the building blocks clearly visible in the ceiling and the walls.

On close examination, Ian can be seen in the quarry. I know he's only little …

So - tomorrow we set off for Greece, heading for Pilos, which should take us two to three days.