is the event free?
no, La Barca Boats are ticketed events.
1st August: 18h — 21h
2nd August: 18h — 21h
1st August: 18h — 21h
2nd August: 18h — 21h
where can I buy tickets for the boat parties?
buy tickets
where is the boat?
La Barca
Foro V. Emanuele II
96100 Ortigia SR, Italy
Foro V. Emanuele II
96100 Ortigia SR, Italy
what’s the best airport to fly into?
the closest and easiest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is about an hour by car or transfer from Ortigia and offers the widest range of international and domestic flights.
you can also fly into Comiso Airport (CIY), a smaller airport located about 45 minutes from Ortigia. it offers direct flights from several Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Pisa, Turin, and Verona, as well as a limited number of international routes such as Paris, Lille, Tirana, Prague, and Katowice (some routes are seasonal).
we recommend checking Skyscanner or your preferred airline to find the best connections from your city, as flight schedules may vary depending on the season.
you can also fly into Comiso Airport (CIY), a smaller airport located about 45 minutes from Ortigia. it offers direct flights from several Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Pisa, Turin, and Verona, as well as a limited number of international routes such as Paris, Lille, Tirana, Prague, and Katowice (some routes are seasonal).
we recommend checking Skyscanner or your preferred airline to find the best connections from your city, as flight schedules may vary depending on the season.
how do I get from Catania airport to Ortigia?
by car:
the easiest option is to take a taxi or private transfer from the airport to Ortigia, which takes about one hour. Taxis will be waiting outside the arrivals area, or you can book an Uber. it’s a good idea to rent a car at the airport, and you can easily book one through Booking.com.
by bus:
the main direct bus from Catania Airport to Syracuse is run by Interbus. once you arrive in Syracuse, Ortigia is a short taxi or local bus ride away. check times and book here: Interbus.
by train:
you can also take a train, but you’ll first need to get from the airport to Catania Centrale train station by bus or taxi (about 15 minutes). from there, catch a train to Stazione Ferroviaria di Siracusa, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. you can check times and buy tickets here: Trenitalia.
the easiest option is to take a taxi or private transfer from the airport to Ortigia, which takes about one hour. Taxis will be waiting outside the arrivals area, or you can book an Uber. it’s a good idea to rent a car at the airport, and you can easily book one through Booking.com.
by bus:
the main direct bus from Catania Airport to Syracuse is run by Interbus. once you arrive in Syracuse, Ortigia is a short taxi or local bus ride away. check times and book here: Interbus.
by train:
you can also take a train, but you’ll first need to get from the airport to Catania Centrale train station by bus or taxi (about 15 minutes). from there, catch a train to Stazione Ferroviaria di Siracusa, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. you can check times and buy tickets here: Trenitalia.
can I drive and park in Ortigia?
Ortigia is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) which means most of the island is car-free during certain hours, often until 2 AM each day.
if you are driving, you will need to park outside the ZTL and walk into Ortigia. there are several public car parks and street parking areas near the bridges that connect Ortigia to Syracuse. we recommend checking parking locations in advance and allowing extra time to find a spot, especially during the festival weekend.
if you are driving, you will need to park outside the ZTL and walk into Ortigia. there are several public car parks and street parking areas near the bridges that connect Ortigia to Syracuse. we recommend checking parking locations in advance and allowing extra time to find a spot, especially during the festival weekend.
where should I stay?
Ortigia is the historic centre and you can walk the island easily. You could also stay in nearby towns like Syracuse or Noto if you want a quieter option, but you will need a car or transfer each day.
we recommend checking Booking.com or Airbnb for the best places to stay.
we recommend checking Booking.com or Airbnb for the best places to stay.
what payment methods do you accept?
cash or card.
what’s the vibe & community?
ortigia music is an all-inclusive festival and we are committed to creating a welcoming, safer space for everyone. we have zero tolerance for any kind of anti-social behaviour, discrimination or harassment. our community takes pride in welcoming people from all walks of life and we want everyone to feel seen, heard and respected.
intimidation and discrimination in language, gestures or actions are not allowed. this includes racism, sexism, queerphobia, ableism or any other form of hate or prejudice. boundary-crossing behaviour such as unwanted comments, physical contact, harassment or violence will not be tolerated.
we expect everyone — visitors, crew, volunteers, security, artists, photographers, videographers and partners — to look out for one another and help us keep this a safe space. Anyone who does not follow this code of conduct may be warned or asked to leave the festival.
if you ever feel unsafe or see something that does not feel right, please let a member of our team know immediately. we are here to help and to keep this community safe for all.
intimidation and discrimination in language, gestures or actions are not allowed. this includes racism, sexism, queerphobia, ableism or any other form of hate or prejudice. boundary-crossing behaviour such as unwanted comments, physical contact, harassment or violence will not be tolerated.
we expect everyone — visitors, crew, volunteers, security, artists, photographers, videographers and partners — to look out for one another and help us keep this a safe space. Anyone who does not follow this code of conduct may be warned or asked to leave the festival.
if you ever feel unsafe or see something that does not feel right, please let a member of our team know immediately. we are here to help and to keep this community safe for all.
emergencies
if you need medical help please go straight to our team representatives recognisable by the ortigia music badge or t-shirt.
if you need a pharmacy, there are several in Ortigia and Syracuse. for anything more serious, the closest hospital is Ospedale Umberto I in Syracuse, about 10 minutes away by taxi. Bring your ID or passport with you if you need hospital care, and we strongly recommend having good travel insurance.
in an emergency, you can also call Italy’s emergency services on 112.
if you need a pharmacy, there are several in Ortigia and Syracuse. for anything more serious, the closest hospital is Ospedale Umberto I in Syracuse, about 10 minutes away by taxi. Bring your ID or passport with you if you need hospital care, and we strongly recommend having good travel insurance.
in an emergency, you can also call Italy’s emergency services on 112.
search policy
for everyone’s safety, security might check bags when you arrive. if you’re found carrying anything illegal or unsafe, it will be confiscated and you may be removed from the festival or handed over to the police if needed.
please don’t bring any of the following: fireworks, laser pens, flares, alcohol, illegal drugs, legal highs (including nitrous oxide), animals (except guide dogs) or anything that could be used as a weapon.
please don’t bring any of the following: fireworks, laser pens, flares, alcohol, illegal drugs, legal highs (including nitrous oxide), animals (except guide dogs) or anything that could be used as a weapon.
who do I contact for lost & found?
[email protected]