This Day Trip in Sicily Feels Like Stepping Into Ancient Greece (Without the Crowds)

Start your Agrigento day trip at the Valley of the Temples, where some of the best-preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece stretch across a sun-soaked ridge above the sea. Walking among the towering Doric columns, it’s easy to forget you’re in Sicily at all—this is the ancient world at its most vivid, and without the crowds you might expect.

By afternoon, trade history for coastline with a visit to the striking Scala dei Turchi. These brilliant white cliffs, shaped like a sweeping staircase, spill down into the Mediterranean and offer a completely different side of the region—wild, windswept, and perfect for slowing down after a morning of exploration.

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Our one day itinerary includes:

• Morning: Arrival and the Valley of the Temples
• Midday: Garden of Kolymbetra
• Afternoon: Scala dei Turchi
• Evening: Historic Agrigento

Morning: Arrival and the Valley of the Temples

Begin your exploration at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the heritage of the city of Akragas, with numerous temples to explore. Akragas was founded in 580 BC by Geloi settlers, and became one of the monumental cities in Greek Sicily. Some temples are incredibly well preserved, while others are in ruins. See Travel Tips below for details on how to get there, tickets, and more.

Suggested Itinerary

If visiting the park independently, there is a QR code in the ticket office to download the park map. You’ll also see maps posted throughout. You can choose to download an audio guide as well for additional cost. Head out and explore the temples. I’d suggest saving the Kolymbetra Gardens for mid-day or the afternoon, as it provides a great break from the heat. Take your time to wander, absorb the atmosphere, and imagine the bustling life that once filled these ruins. It is a roughly 5 km (3.1 mile) walk to explore the whole park.

The best way to visit the park is with a guide, as there is so much history you can learn from the guides. You have a few options to choose from.

• The park offers guided tours from 10 am to 3 pm. Ask about this at the Temple of Giunone ticket office.
• Group tours may be a good alternative, especially if you would like to include transfers from Palermo. The e-scooter tour was a unique alternative to the roughly 5k of walking you do to explore the temples.
• Private tours, such as this one, provide the most customized experience.

Midday: Garden of Kolymbetra

For a lunch break, we’d recommend staying within the park (unless you have finished exploring by then). One good option is to bring along a picnic lunch, and take this into the lush and shady Garden of Kolymbetra. This lesser-known gem is a lush oasis in the heart of the archaeological park. Once a water reservoir for the ancient city, it’s now a garden filled with fruit trees, ancient olive groves, and aromatic herbs.

A few tips for visiting Kolymbetra:

• The gardens require a separate ticket. This can be bought as a bundle at the entrance. If you haven’t purchased a ticket at the entrance, there is a cashier at the entrance to the gardens.
• At the gardens cashier, they also have samples of local products that they are selling, such as olive oils and pistachio products, that are quite tasty. The pistachio creme is worth a try (we ended up bringing home a few jars of this).

You’ll find picnic tables when you wander down the path towards the center of the gardens. This is a great spot to unwind and take a break from the heat. If you don’t bring along a picnic, there is a restaurant in the park as well, and there are a few spots where they have tasting menus if you don’t mind a lighter lunch.

Afternoon: Scala dei Turchi

For the remainder of your afternoon, take a break and visit the Scala dei Turchi, or Turkish Steps. Nestled along the southern coast of Sicily, the Scala dei Turchi is a geological formation renowned for its striking white cliffs, made of soft limestone and sculpted by wind and waves into smooth, stair-like layers that cascade down to the azure Mediterranean Sea. You are able to explore and climb on the steps.

The Scala dei Turchi also holds a place in local lore, named after the Turkish pirates who once moored their ships here. This spot offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and a serene atmosphere, making it an unmissable destination for those exploring the charms of Sicily.

An alternative is to take a boat tour at the Scala dei Turchi.

Evening: Historic Agrigento

On your way back to Agrigento, stop at Lido Azzurro, one of the best spots to enjoy an aperitivo and a sunset. Head back to the city and spend some time wandering through the historic center of Agrigento. The city’s historic center, with its narrow streets and Baroque churches, provides a stark contrast to the ancient temples. One of the highlights is the Cathedral of San Gerlando, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area from its steps. For dinner, try out La Terrazza dei Templi in Agrigento, with excellent food and views over the Valley of Temples.

Agrigento is more than just a day trip destination; it’s a journey through history and a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient Greeks in Sicily. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of nature, or simply in search of beauty, Agrigento promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it on your next trip to Sicily.

If you are planning a trip to Sicily, you may like our other Sicily guides:

• How to Find Safe Havens for Sicily Bike Travel
• How to Plan a Perfect Eastern Sicily Travel Itinerary
• One Day in Syracuse, Sicily
• Favignana Day Trip: Exploring the Butterfly Island
• Egadi Islands, Italy: Levanzo Day Trip
• Day Trip Mt. Etna: An Adventure Like No Other
• How to Plan your Week in Western Sicily Away from the Crowds

Travel Tips

How to Get to Agrigento

For those flying in, the nearest airports are in Palermo and Catania. From either airport, you can rent a car for a scenic drive through the Sicilian countryside, with Agrigento about a 2-hour drive. If you haven’t driven in Sicily before, read our post on Renting a Car in Sicily: Things to Know Before You Go.

Alternatively, Sicily’s reliable rail and bus networks offer convenient options for those preferring public transportation. Trains to Agrigento depart regularly from Palermo’s Central Station, offering a journey that takes approximately 2 hours and immerses you in the island’s picturesque landscapes. From Catania, taking a bus is much faster, typically taking under 3 hours.

Tips for Your Valley of the Temples Visit

• How to Get There: It is a very quick drive from town in Agrigento to the east or west entrance. If you prefer public transport, buses 1-3 run frequently from town. You can check the bus schedule and routes here.
• Opening Hours: The site is open every day year round, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. Kolymbethra Garden has shorter opening hours that vary throughout the year. It’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds and the heat.
• Tickets: You can buy tickets online or in person. If you are visiting during high season, buying tickets online is preferable to avoid the lines at the entries. Entrance to the Archaeological Park is 10 euros, or 5 euros for those with reduced rates. There are other ticket options, including the archaelogical museum, audio guides, etc. Children under 18 years old are free, and the first Sunday of the month is free for all.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, some on uneven terrain and cobblestones.
• Stay hydrated: Sicilian sun can be intense, even in spring or fall. Though you can buy water in the park, we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle along. There are water fountains around the park where you can re-fill these.

How to Get to Scala dei Turchi

The best way to get to the Scala dei Turchi from Agrigento is by car. It is a 15-20 minute drive. You’ll see 4 labelled parking lots when you arrive. Enter through the Lido Scala dei Turchi and head down the path to the beach. You’ll reach the Scala dei Turchi after about 5 minutes.

Where to Stay

If you’d like to extend your day trip in Agrigento, we’d recommend staying in the historic area of Agrigento.

• Luxury: Villa Athena Resort
• Mid-Range: La Pagliera
• Budget: Oneira Rooms

Best Times to Visit

The ideal time for day trip to Agrigento for those looking to escape the crowds is during the shoulder seasons, typically April to early June and September to October. The weather remains pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches. Late spring brings the beauty of blooming wildflowers and a vibrant green landscape, while early autumn offers the harvest season, with fewer tourists and a more authentic experience of local life.

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