Enrico Gambadoro is the founder of Ortigia Sound System Festival.

Enrico Gambadoro

Sicily is known for its food, and located in the eastern side is the idyllic Ortigia Island – the area's historical heart, lined with Baroque and Greek architecture. The languid pace, azure waters and local Sicilian fare – such as linguine with sea urchin, for example – make it a peaceful and restorative location for some zen.

During the summer the electronic and experimental festival Ortigia Sound System unfolds across several locations on the island. Gambadoro helms the event, hosting a range of local and international selectors who fill Ortigia's architectural and open-air spaces with eclectic sonics. If you're in the area and wondering how to make the most of your time there, scroll down for Gambadoro's picks.

Ortigia

Bar Artale is one of the oldest bars on the island of Ortigia. A stone's throw from the Cathedral of Syracuse you can taste excellent granitas and a fine selection of traditional pastries. Definitely try the almond granita and cassatelle!

Marco Cappuccio grew up in the family fish market. Cappuccio, an institution in Ortigia’s market, as well as being an excellent musician, offers a selection of fresh, high-quality fish. The tuna hamburger is one of the cult dishes of this iconic street food spot in the island.

Chiodo was, in the past, a beautiful interior design workshop. Over the recent years it has been transformed into a bistro, open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant recalls its background despite the change, thanks to refined interior and furnishings. Dishes to try include red prawn and mango tartare and the ceviche with catch of the day.

The spaghetti with urchins from the Pesce Azzurro Trattoria, over the years, has become one of the staple stops for the Ortigia Sound System audience. In this trattoria run by the landlord called 'Sergio known as the Turk' you can try some of the dishes of the seafood tradition, such as sarde alla beccafico and the red prawns.

Enoteca Solaria over the last few years has become an institution for natural wine, not only in Syracuse but throughout Sicily. The two owners have a great passion for organic wines. The beautiful wooden interior offers a selection of wine of the highest quality.

Malamore represents a unique rarity on the island of Ortigia. It is, in fact, a small record shop with lots of gems. Run by a team of DJs and entrepreneurs including Lucio Acquilina (half of Neapolitan group Nu Genea). In addition to records, you can drink an excellent selection of local beers, both draught or canned.

Divino Mare is located in the heart of the Ortigia market, and in recent years has established itself as a place for experimentation and research in the field of food and wine. At Divino Mare you can relax simply by ordering a bottle of wine and tasting some tapas. Must try: the fried fish and tuna belly skewers.

Boats is a cocktail bar located opposite the splendid ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Top quality and research make this venue one of the essential hedonistic stops of the Ortigia tour. For cocktails let yourself be guided by the skillful hands of the bartender, but we can always recommend the Pisco Sours.

As well as being one of the festival's most iconic venues, during the rest of the year the boat becomes a viable platform for events of various types and genres. Various activities organised during the season: parties, tastings, dinners and much more. In addition, the bar is always open from sunset onwards so you can have a beer or a cocktail by the sea.

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A Guide to Ortigia Island by Festival Founder Enrico Gambadoro

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