To catch a glimpse of true and naturally beautiful Sicily, one has to journey to Agrigento. The temples of Agrigento need little introduction and are indeed the reason that many people come to Sicily. They are possibly one of the island's most photographed and recognised landmarks, and something you probably should tick off when you come here.

Agrigento dominates the top of the hill set amidst rivers St.Anna and San Biagio and is located on Sicily's south coast. Agrigento was the Greek city of Akragas that was founded in 581 BC. The modern city is where the original acropolis was built. The southern part of the city houses the temples and is a few kilometers away.

How to get to Agrigento

Agrigento is the capital of the province and is a good connection point for transport throughout the region and around the island. Trains link the city to Palermo (160 km ) and Catania ( 2 hours journey) and buses ply routes all over the island. The local urban service is particularly useful and you will need it to get out to the temples, down to the seaside and back to town.

Things to do and see in Agrigento

The Valley of Temples houses the remains of Doric Temples that were built in the fifth century BC just outside of town. World renowned, the crumbling ruins are fun to clamber over, piece together in your mind and marvel at. You could easily spend the better part of a day here. They are also superbly located on a hillock above the sea. Make sure you make the effort to view them lit up at night also.

If you are basing in Agrigento to see the temples then use whatever time you have left to explore its medieval core. While it's not as exciting as other Sicilian centres you could spend an interesting few hours here. Take the opportunity to wander through to Piazza Pirandello, named for Agrigento's Nobel Prize winning author Luigi Pirandello, where you may be able to peak inside the Municipio building to see the old theatre. You may also like to visit the Chiesa S M Greci in the old Greek quarter, the old library on Via Duomo, the ruins of the Arab Castle or the artifacts in the Museo Civico.

Do climb one of the narrow streets boarded with stone built ancient houses till you reach the top, where the Norman Cathedral stands guard over the town. You will be presented with beautiful views of the whole town and as far as the Mediterranean Sea extends.

If you like beaches, one of Sicily's best lies just 35km from Agrigento. Eraclea Minoa is splendid and pristine and remains quiet even during the busy summer season. There is also an archaeological site nearby.

If you would like to bring home a little memory of Agrigento, search for " scacciapensieri" which is a Sicilian musical instrument played with mouth.

The climate is very mild, so the weather in Agrigento is always good, although summers can be very hot with temperature around 40 degrees. It's definitely worth still coming despite this but if you can come a little out of season it will be far more enjoyable.

Accommodation and restaurants in Agrigento

Given its popularity Agrigento has plenty of accommodation options. The cheapest are the campground on the coastline to the south of the city. In the city centre itself are hotels and b&bs of varying qualities. Perhaps the most unique places are Forresteria Baglio della Luna and the accompanying Hotel Domus Aurea.

The centre of the city is Via Atenea, where usually the locals gather in the evening to chat, stroll or just to sip the famous Italian espresso.Trattorias, bars and cafes abound in Agrigento but Baglio della Luna's elegant menu and view of the Temples can't be beaten in the evening. We can promise you one thing, dining in Agrigento will be never forgotten!

Share

Find a Hotel

Select Region

Select Area

Check-InCheck-Out

Rooms

Guests

Check Availability > More Search Options

Check Availability - Instantly search all the major websites
Make Enquiry - Contact hotels directly when no internet prices are available

Sicily Photos

more media >>