Siracusa Style Guide: What to Wear in Sicily in Summer
EST. READING TIME: 6 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Starch White
Cut-Out Tops
Simple Sundresses
Long Loose Skirts
Slide-On Sandals
Stylish Sunnies
In desperate need of a day sunbathing under the Sicilian sun in Syracuse? Here, Mediterranean coastal fashion charms with a touch of understated elegance elevated by the strong presence of artisanal craftsmanship. Embodying a physical connection to Sicilian heritage, hand-embroidered details, intricate lace, and local jewelry are paired with patterns inspired by the sea, baroque architecture, and traditional ceramics.
Lightweight, breezy fabrics are often worn in neutral, earthy tones complimenting the golden hue of limestone, which makes up the foundation of most architecture in nearby Ortigia Island. Cut-out tops, simple sundresses, and long loose skirts are ideal for the warm weather yet still convey a vibrant, sophisticated flair. The fashion in this ancient area generally leans toward relaxed effortless silhouettes, so avoid wearing anything too form-fitting or couture. All-in-all, this destination’s style profile reflects a seaside effervescence imbued with the tranquility of a simple fishing town which has existed for millennia past.
Summer Climate in Syracuse
July in Syracuse, Sicily brings predominantly dry, sunny conditions during the height of summer. The days are long and filled with sunshine, making it an ideal time for beach lovers and travelers eager to explore this beautiful coastal city. The warmth is intense, especially in the afternoons, but the sea breeze offers a bit of relief along the coastline of Ortigia Island. Evening strolls and outdoor dining are comfortable, with spirited Sicilian nightlife in full swing well into the night!
During July, daytime temperatures in Syracuse range from 86°F to 95°F (30-35°C), similar to other southern Mediterranean locations like Taormina. Nighttime temperatures drop to a comfortable 70°F to 77°F (21-25°C). The sun's midday intensity is strong, so staying hydrated and finding breaks in shaded areas by the coast or inside cafés will ensure you can last the whole day while spending your precious travel time sightseeing! The cobblestone streets and historical sites can feel even hotter underfoot, so airy, open-toed shoes and loose, flowing outfits are key to stay cool.
Rain is rare in Syracuse during July, with only 1 to 2 rainy days throughout the month—and even these are typically brief and unfortunately don’t offer much relief from the heat. The real challenge is the midday heat, which can push temperatures into the upper 90s°F (35°C+), with occasional heat waves sending the thermometer past 100°F (37°C to 40°C). The humidity is lower compared to mainland cities like Rome, but it’s still enough to make the afternoons feel a bit sticky.
Despite the heat, July offers clear skies and dazzling sunshine, perfect for hitting the beaches and exploring ancient sites like the Neapolis Archaeological Park. With more than 14 hours of daylight — from sunrise around 5:45 AM to sunset after 8:30 PM — there’s plenty of time to take in all of Syracuse’s beauty. Be mindful of the hottest part of the day, as locals often take a break cooling down with granita in one of the many cafés to avoid the blistering midday sun. Consider doing the same to fully enjoy your summer stay in this stunning Sicilian city!
What to Wear in Sicily?
Starch White
Think crisp, white fabrics made of lightweight materials which stand out beautifully against Syracuse’s sun-soaked, weathered limestone architecture. Local Sicilians are known for their effortless sense of style—balancing elegance and practicality—and starch white pieces fit perfectly into that earthy aesthetic.
A classic white dress or tank top offers a clean, polished look that can be dressed up or kept simple, making it a versatile staple for your summer travel wardrobe. These pieces also help in reflect sunlight, keeping you cool while exuding an air of sophistication.
Pair them with neutral accessories for a timeless look, ensuring you’ll radiate against the golden tones of Syracuse’s ancient streets.
Cut-Out Tops
Chic cut-out tops add a modern twist to your outfit while helping you stay cool in the scorching heat of a Sicilian summer. Whether your top features a subtle slit in the front or a stylish open back, these designs create a flattering silhouette while allowing for increased airflow.
Cut-out tops strike the perfect balance between trendy and functional fashion, making them an interesting accent piece to incorporate when your look requires a subtle spark of visual interest.
Pair them with high-waisted skirts or tailored shorts to craft a sleek look which keeps you comfortable while showing off just the right amount of skin in a tasteful, sophisticated way.
Simple Sundresses
Don’t leave home without at least one breezy, simple sundress that offers an effortless all-in-one outfit—since easy attire you can throw on in a snap is ideal for a day of exploring Syracuse’s historic streets!
These tasteful dresses keep you cool in the summer heat while maintaining an understated look. With their relaxed fit, simple sundresses make it easy to transition from sightseeing to a casual dinner without having to go back and change at your accommodations, ensuring you stay stylish yet comfortable throughout the entire day in this sun-soaked city.
Bonus points if your dress incorporates hand-embroidered details or intricate lace reminiscent of the area’s pervasive artisanal craftsmanship.
Long Loose Skirts
Flowing, long loose skirts perfectly complement a teeny tank top, creating an aesthetic of carefree feminine elegance.
These casual skirts provide a graceful silhouette while offering plenty of movement and breathability, making them ideal for particularly hot afternoons.
Whether you choose soft pastels or bold patterns inspired by traditional tile ceramics, a long skirt adds a touch of easy breezy charm to your outfit.
Paired with a fitted top to create a silhouette with just the right amount of balance, ensuring you remain cool yet fashionable wandering through the picturesque streets of Syracuse.
Slide-On Sandals
Slide-on sandals are the perfect footwear choice for navigating the rocky, cobblestone streets of Ortigia. Blending comfort and practicality, these open-toed shoes ensure are ideal for an environment like this where you don’t have to worry about sand or debris getting stuck under your feet.
Whether you opt for leather, woven, or minimalistic strap designs, slide-on sandals should be your go-to choice for both casual walks and seaside stops—especially since the historic sites in the area can feel even hotter underfoot when the midday sun is blazing overhead! Pair them with your long loose skirts and simple sundresses for an altogether relaxed, effortlessly chic outfit as you explore the charming corners of Syracuse.
Stylish Sunnies
Stylish sunglasses will not only complete your look, but also offer essential protection from the bright Sicilian sun. With light intensifying as it reflects off the ocean waves and tan limestone architecture of Syracuse, a pair of stylish sunnies is a must-have for any summer visit. Whether you prefer classic aviators, bold cat-eye frames, or oversized round lenses, choose a pair that complements your face shape while keeping your eyes shielded from the intense glare. As with most accessories, there’s essentially three schools of thought to consider here: color coordinate with your ensemble for monochrome matching, wear a neutral pair to add a cohesive element which doesn’t draw too much attention, or make your sunnies the main moment with a contrasting pop of color!
How I Styled Syracuse Outfits
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Taking the most last minute Europe trip of my life—I put in my PTO request on a Monday then flew out that Thursday!—I visited Syracuse for one day in July 2024. Given the impromptu nature of this trip, I literally did not purchase one new clothing item, which is quite shocking since all my disposable income goes to taking trips and then buying new outfits to match the destination aesthetic. As such, this time around I had to work with items I already had in my closet when considering what to wear in Sicily in July, including:
My only full day in Syracuse entailed a full itinerary of lounging by the ocean in a bikini, but for our love boat excursion and ensuing dinner at Area M I got properly dolled up and wore:
A white corset dress from the sale rack of my favorite Manhattan Beach boutique, Musette, which regrettably lacks an online storefront—but you can find a nearly identical dress here ($52.99, paid link). Although the original price was around $90, I scored this princess, ballerina-inspired sun dress for only $35—which is relatively simple aside from the lace lining. The starch white colorway popped against my newfound tan and the nude seats of this boat, meaning it would’ve been perfect against the golden limestone architecture of Syracuse as well if we had made it over during the daytime!
Although not pictured in this photo, I opted for my low Tan Nubuck Steve Madden Women's Effie Heeled Sandals (~$65, paid link) from Amazon. The nude coloring kept these slide-on heeled sandals relatively understated so my starch white dress could shine as the sole statement piece, and the square heel was sturdy enough that I could easily board the rocking boat!
Last but not least, I accessorized with a pair of sharp black Prada PR A09SF butterfly sunglasses ($531) for a put-together pair of shades which kept my eyes safe from the sun. My Freshwater Cultured Pearl Chain Necklace ($44) from Madewell was the ideal statement accessory worn to pop against my relatively neutral outfit as an ode to luxe living.
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