Sciacca Information

Sciacca, in the south western part of Sicily, is a beautiful spa town in the province of Agrigento set in a rolling landscape and dramatic rugged terrain of nearby mountains. Nestled amidst Selinunte and Agrigento this medieval town inspired the Romans to build their spa and steamy mud baths there around the 7th century. Sciacca has a fantastic atmosphere which is enhanced with an Arabic flavour. A busy fishing port, it has splendid beaches, a divine seafood cuisine and a place where you can nurture your body, and all of these are captured in Sciacca.

How to get to Sciacca

There is no train station in Sciacca, but there are regular buses to and from Agrigento (1 hour) as well as to the capital of Sicily, Palermo, which is 2 hours away. There are also good links to Trapani and Marsala.

Things to do and see in Sciacca

Sciacca is a lively sea side town with a mixture of Norman and Arabic culture. Sciacca's layout is rather interesting starting from the seafront and culminating at the top of the hill with its great panoramic views. Sciacca is not a typical tourist place, as you will experience the normal life of the locals, which is untainted by mass tourism. However there are certainly many sights to visit that will fill up your day. The defining feature is the Cathedral of St. Maria which dates back to the12th century, and then rebuilt in the 17th century. Another great example of human enginuity is the Palazzo Steripinto complemented with crenellation and built in a Sicilian- Catalonian style with its unusual façade made from small diamond blocks. There are many lovely churches such as St. Margherita that dates back to 14century with its well preserved Gothic Portal. St Michele church, situated on the hill was re-done in the 17century and the Basilica Chiesa Del Charmine with its famous rose window and incompleted baroque doors. For stunning sea views head off to Piazza Scandaliato, where from its great long terrace, if it is a clear day ,the view extends as far as the North African coast. Sit down in one of the local cafes sheltered by trees, order an espresso and relish the moment.

East of Sciacca at high tide, where the sea splashes against the limestone hill of Monte Calogero, rises the church of Santuario di San Calogero and underneath it lies the natural steamy caves Stufe Vaporose di San Calogoro know also as Monto Cronio that are well worth visiting.

The last but certainly not the least place worth seeing is Castello Incantato, which is a garden/park filled with very eccentric sculptures of heads and figures impersonating enemies of a local sculptor Filippo Bentivegna, who liked to call himself "His Excellence". We definitely recommend this interesting attraction which is easily reachable by bus or short drive away east of Sciacca.

Clearly there is nothing you would like to do more than relax after a busy day spent climbing steps ,sightseeing and shopping, so there are many spa areas to help you relax. Nuovo Stabilimento Termale a rose coloured spa has many treatments on offer as well as the Terme Selinuntine which specializes mainly in curing and treating medical problems. Close to Sovareto is a thermal pool complex and its friendly staff will cater for all your needs.

As in all parts of Sicily , the locals( the Saccanzi) love and organize many religious festivals and sprightly parades and processions throughout the year. The Carnevale di Sciacca also know as Mardi Gras is perhaps the most famous, colourful and popular. It usually takes place the first week of February where allegorial floats are carried through the streets of Sciacca.

While you are in Sciacca spare some time and visit Caltabellotta, a beautiful town perched on a craggy spur of rock 950 metres above the sea. Set right on the top of the rock are the ruins of the Norman Castello. Chiesa Madre, a baroque church, is seated below the rock face.

Sciacca is not only famous for its hot springs, but also for stunning beaches with sheer clifs, white sand and still unspoiled and relatively uncrowded. Try the beach at Contrada Mazzo di Sciacca and Cape San Marco.

The latest addition to golf scene of Sciacca is Verdura Golf and Spa Resort.

Accommodation and restaurants in Sciacca

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the main street lined up with cute looking shops selling the traditional and brightly coloured Sciacca ceramic art Majolica that will make either a great gift or a lovely souvenir to remind you of your trip to Sciacca. Bustling and brilliant is the market that takes place every Saturday morning in a part of Sciacca called San Michele. It is a fabulous place that is just buzzing and you can buy anything you want starting from delicious local cheeses, olives, fresh and juicy fruit, vegetables, fresh seafood and fresh meat as well as clothes and jewellery. Restaurants in Sciacca are mouth watering. Down at the port there are great seafood restaurants with locally sourced fish like langoustine or swordfish on the menu. Daily specialities, pasta and pizza can be enjoyed in the trattorias based around the old town.

There is a nice selection of hotel's and b&b's in Sciacca. There is also a nearby campsite with a great location right on the beach, which apart from the usual facilities has also a few apartments available for rental.

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