Italy / Sicily / Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)
A Ridge of Greek Temples Facing the Sea
A hill town on Sicily's south coast above the Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved groups of Greek temples anywhere (UNESCO): the Temple of Concordia, almost intact, and the temples of Juno, Heracles and Olympian Zeus strung along a ridge that faces the sea, with the Kolymbethra garden in a ravine below and the Pietro Griffo archaeological museum. There is little shade: walk it early or late, and allow for the heat in summer; the temples are floodlit after dark. The white marl cliff of the Scala dei Turchi is 15 km west, seen from the beach (climbing on it is not allowed). Trains and buses from Palermo take about 2 hours, and SAIS coaches from Catania airport about 2 h 40. No airport of its own.
Highlights
- Temple of Concordia
- The temples at sunset or floodlit after dark
- Temple of Juno on the ridge
- Kolymbethra garden
- Pietro Griffo archaeological museum
- Scala dei Turchi white cliff
- Via Atenea in the old town
Things to do
- Valley of the Temples: Concordia, Juno, Heracles and Olympian ZeusMorning · 3h 30m
- Pietro Griffo archaeological museumAfternoon · 1h 30m
- Kolymbethra garden in the ravineAfternoon · 1h
- Scala dei Turchi and its beach at sunsetEvening · 2h
- Old town and Via AteneaAfternoon · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August regularly bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C to Rome, Florence, the south and Sicily. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, carry water (Rome's street fountains are drinkable), and book rooms with air-conditioning. Churches still require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf.