In Agrigento you’ll find one of the Mediterranean’s greatest archaeological parks: the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between the lively promenade of Via Atenea, pretty churches, and perfectly preserved Doric temples, you’ll experience 2,500 years of history in a compact space. Photogenic finale: coastal views at the snow-white Scala dei Turchi.
Top Highlights of Agrigento
Valley of the Temples
Duration: approx. 3–4 hrs.
The best approach is to enter at the East Gate and stroll gently downhill through the park to the west exit. Highlights in order:
- the Temple of Juno with a sweeping panorama
- the Temple of Concordia, the star of the valley
- the Temple of Heracles
- remains of the colossal Temple of Zeus (Olympieion)
- and the columns of the Temple of the Dioscuri (Castor & Pollux).
For a detailed route, read our article on the Valley of the Temples.
When is the best time to visit? Morning or late afternoon—avoid the hot midday sun.
Sources
Official park: La Valle dei Templi
Old Town Stroll
Agrigento is overshadowed by the world-famous Valley of the Temples. Many hop back in the car right after. A pity, because up on the hill an old town awaits that, despite crumbling façades and patina, oozes character: narrow lanes, Baroque churches, street art, and now and then a hint of sea in the distance. We think this walk is worth it.
Start: Porta di Ponte & Via Atenea
Begin at Porta di Ponte, the gateway to the old town. Just beyond lies Via Atenea, Agrigento’s main promenade. Cafés, old shops, small palazzi, and side courtyards instantly invite you to wander. The cafés and pasticcerie also tempt you to linger over an espresso—perfect for arriving and catching the rhythm of the city.
Right by Piazza Purgatorio stands the church of San Lorenzo (Purgatorio). Unassuming outside, refined within: stuccowork in the style of the Serpotta school, full of lively details. Also on the square is the entrance to the Ipogeo del Purgatorio, a historic tunnel system. Guided tours don’t run daily, but if timing works, it’s a short, fascinating glimpse into the city’s underworld.
Detour: Scalinata degli Artisti (Via Neve)
Just a minute from Via Atenea, Via Neve climbs upward. On its steps—the Scalinata degli Artisti—local artists have painted the walls and stairs. Colorful patterns, quotes, motifs: a lovely contrast to the sand-colored houses around and a photogenic pit stop. Then head back to Via Atenea.
Town Hall Square & Pirandello Theater
Follow Via Atenea to Piazza Municipio. The town hall was once a monastery; today the Teatro Luigi Pirandello sits within. If you like, peek into the courtyard or plan a short theater tour. The square opens out here before the lanes grow steeper again.
Short climb: Via Bac Bac
To the right of the area around San Giuseppe begins the traditional climb to the upper old town: Via Bac Bac. In a few minutes the lane winds up the slope. It gets quieter here, the houses crowd closer together, with small stair passages in between. Simply charming.
Santa Maria dei Greci
At the top awaits one of the city’s special buildings: the medieval Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci, set on the foundations of a Doric temple. Some ancient elements are still visible. Inside, a cool, hushed atmosphere prevails.
Highlight: Cathedral of San Gerlando
A few steps further, the Cathedral of San Gerlando rises at the city’s highest point. From the forecourt, views open across rooftops, the coast, and—on clear days—down to the temple landscape. Austere outside, rich in detail within: if time allows, visit the nave with its painted wooden ceiling and peek into the side chapels. In good weather, the view from above over rooftops and hills to the sea is worth it.
Right opposite are the Diocesan Museum (MUDIA) and the historic Biblioteca Lucchesiana—ideal add-ons if the opening hours suit.
Descent to the Monastero di Santo Spirito
On the way back you can detour to the Monastero di Santo Spirito, where Baroque stucco and traditional almond pastries await.
Morning hours generally match church opening times best; midday is often siesta.
Finale with a view
To round things off, stroll to Viale della Vittoria, the classic passeggiata. Under the pines, the view opens over the city toward the temple landscape—especially atmospheric in late afternoon. A gelato on a bench, a breeze from the sea, the gaze into the distance: there’s no better way to end this walk.
Sweet break
- Le Cuspidi is a local gelato institution (pistachio!)
- Monastero di Santo Spirito (famous for traditional monastery almond pastries)
Note: Comfortable shoes for cobblestones and inclines
Scala dei Turchi
Access & tickets for the Scala dei Turchi
The good news: as of 2025 the white cliffs are open again!
Current status (2025)
Entry to the protected area is now limited and managed via an online ticket with a time slot. From 10:00–19:00 there are time slots for 35 people each, for 60 minutes. The last slot before 19:00 is only 30 minutes—enough for lovely sunset photos.
Due to high demand, tickets sell out quickly. For visitors there’s a “Blue Pass” for €5. In bad weather or with strong surf, access may be closed at short notice.
From the available info it isn’t clear whether you can enter before 10:00—probably not. But the Sicilian blogger thehistoriantraveller recommends arriving as early as 5:00 a.m. for photos (at your own risk).
Important: You don’t need a ticket for the viewpoints above—and that’s often where sunset is at its best.
Respectful behavior
After some unpleasant incidents, a clear request to help preserve this place for the future:
- Walk barefoot on the cliffs. The rock is very soft and shoes can leave marks and dirt
- Don’t engrave symbols or names in the rock. It’s incredible this even needs saying
- Don’t break off pieces of rock—one reason there are more barriers today
- Take your trash with you
- Climbing the steep cliffs is prohibited
When can I get the best photos?
We hope the new ticket system improves the situation for everyone and keeps it pleasant all day long. Naturally, the light is best in the early morning and in the evening.
Photo alternatives
Travel Tips
Travel info
Best time to visit the Valley of the Temples
Since there’s little shade, a trip to the Valley of the Temples is best in spring or autumn (April to June and Sept. to Oct.). It’s warm, with lovely light and moderate visitor numbers. In spring, the flowers bloom beautifully.
- July–August: very hot; avoid the midday heat and plan early morning or late afternoon visits
- Winter: mild and quiet, but changeable, and with shorter days
How much time should you plan?
Since Agrigento is farther from the larger cities of Palermo and Catania, plan at least one overnight. Depending on your itinerary, two nights can be worthwhile.
Parking
Valley of the Temples
There are large paid car parks at both main entrances: East (Tempio di Giunone) and West (Porta V/Zeus area).
- Temple of Giunone Parking — Via Panoramica dei Templi (for cars)
- Porta Quinta — Sant’Anna Parking — Via Caduti di Marzabotto: for cars and camper vans; bus stop
- Contrada Cugno Vela Parking — Villaseta: parking for tour buses
Parking fees: motorbike €2, car €3, camper van €5
Note: Parking on the roadside is prohibited—it’s enforced.
Old Town
In and around Porta di Ponte/Via Atenea you’ll find designated blue lines (paid parking).
Convenient options are
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (blue-marked zones)
- Atenea Parking near the ZTL barrier
- Parcheggio Pirandello by the train station.
Watch for local signage and ZTL rules (limited traffic zones).
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