Agrigento Vacation Packages & Tours

Located near the southern coast of Sicily, the hilltop city of Agrigento is known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples. It was established by the Greeks and lies just a few miles from the sea, with its magnificent 5th-century BC architecture revealing its great prosperity. At its peak, it’s believed to have been home to a population of 300,000 and was enclosed by around eight miles of fortification walls, including nine gates. The vast archaeological site lies on the outskirts of the city while the stunning stepped white cliff known as Scala dei Turchi overlooks sandy beaches nearby. Agrigento’s historical center sits on top of a hill and hosts a maze of narrow streets that are enjoyable to wander, with multiple significant monuments to discover. Its multicultural history can be seen in the Arab courtyards, Norman churches, and palaces, and baroque Spanish-influenced architecture.

Best Hotels in Agrigento

Agrigento is a relatively small city, so you won’t find a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from when considering your accommodation options. Instead, it’s best to consider what you plan to do and choose a property right in town, one that will put you close to the Valley of the Temples, or by the beach. With many coming to the province of Agrigento to attend the Sciacca Carnival, one of Sicily’s largest and most important, it can make more sense to stay in Sciacca for some. Along the coast, there are a wide range of options, including resorts with pools and sea views. You’ll find quaint B&Bs, charming guest houses, apartment rentals, and many different hotels, from mid-range to luxurious, as well as a hostel. There’s something for nearly every price range, with the more off-the-beaten-path accommodations generally cheaper. If you go in the off-season, you can expect discounted rates throughout the region.

Valley of the Temples
Just four miles southeast of Agrigento’s center, the archaeological wonder of the Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century BC. The most popular attraction in the region, viewing it is reason enough alone to make this city your base for at least a few days. It contains a series of remarkably well-preserved Doric temples, and tombs, with three temples in its eastern group standing together and illuminated after dark. The main reason they’ve managed to stay in near-perfect condition some 2,500 years after they were built is that the soft clay beneath them acts as a protective shock absorber for earthquakes. The most well-preserved is the Temple of Concordia, built around 425 BC in classical proportions. It ranks among the most perfect temples in the Greek world along with the Hephaisteion in Athens. Other temples are scattered among citrus and olive trees.
Kolymbetra Garden
The Garden of Kolymbetra is a “hidden” garden that’s been linked to the Garden of Eden in some historical texts. Part of the Valley of the Temples, it’s an oasis sandwiched between sandstone cliffs that descend to a river valley. The working historic garden features restored citrus groves, almond trees, olive trees, and other trees and plants that form a rare open-air agricultural and archaeological museum. Its aim is to show how food plants and citrus trees were cultivated over 2,000 years ago. The microclimate is ideal for them to thrive and it also creates a lush and fragrant scene for those who visit. You’ll even see the unique system of ancient underground aqueducts that are used to bring in water for irrigation. It’s an extraordinary place, encapsulating the flavors, aromas, and colors of Sicily while telling the story of ancient Akragas, now known as the city of Agrigento.
Archaeological Museum ‘Pietro Griffo’ of Agrigento
Located on the outskirts of Agrigento, this intriguing archaeological museum is one of the best in all of Sicily. It contains significant archaeological finds from the Agrigento and Caltanissetta provinces, dating from prehistoric through Roman times. They include ancient finds from the necropolis at Montelusa, the area’s oldest known graves, and from the ancient Greek city of Gela. Finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages are included too. Some of the highlights include pottery from Italy and Athens, Greece that date from the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, a 5th-century BC Greek crater from Gela that depicts an Amazon battle, a marble statue of an ephebe dating from around 480 BC, and gargoyles with lion’s heads from multiple temples. It also includes a two-story room entirely devoted to the buildings of the massive temple of the Olympian Zeus. You’ll see one of the original 38 Atlas figures along with a model and reconstruction drawings.
Agrigento Old Town
Agrigento’s Old Town dates back to the 9th century and visitors will see influences from its many rules, starting from the end of the Roman Empire. That includes a magnificent cathedral, Norman churches and palaces, and spectacular baroque architecture lined along atmospheric cobblestone streets and alleyways. Monastero de Santo Spirito, the Holy Spirit Monastery famous for its sweets home-baked by nuns who still reside here, is a must-visit. Start from Atenea, the main street, and follow signs leading to significant landmarks.
Scala dei Turchi
Other than the Valley of the Temples, Scala dei Turchi may be the top attraction in the area, located just a short drive west of Agrigento near Porto Empedocle in Realmonte. The name translates to the ‘Stairs of Turks” with the sloping staircase of striking white rock leading down the coast edged by dazzling turquoise water. There are two gorgeous beaches, with the further of the two ideal for tranquil swims and quiet contemplation as it doesn’t get nearly as many visitors.
Farm Cultural Park
Located just five miles from Agrigento in Favara, a town that was nearly abandoned, it was saved after its center was transformed into an outdoor art gallery. One of the most important and largest open-air exhibitions of contemporary art in Sicily, it features street murals, much of which is political in nature or fantastical, along with sculptures and installations. It brought new life to the formerly depressed area, providing a venue for artists with film screenings, workshops, and other cultural events hosted here too.

When to visit Agrigento

The best time to visit Agrigento depends on the type of travel experience you’re looking for and what you plan to do. The summer is the busiest and hottest time to come, with many arriving this season to enjoy the beautiful beaches and the clear turquoise water for swimming. If your main goal is to visit attractions like the Valley of the Temples while avoiding the thickest crowds of the year and the scorching heat with more pleasant weather, come in the spring or early fall, from around late March through early June or late September through October. If you want to combine time at the beach that includes swimming with sightseeing, early fall is your best bet as the sea will still be warm. The most budget-friendly trip can be enjoyed from November through early March, outside of the Christmas holidays, but you’ll need to prepare for some wet, cool weather.

Check out our guide on when to visit Agrigento.

Agrigento Vacation Packages & Tours

Best Hotels in Agrigento

Things to do in Agrigento

Valley of the Temples

Kolymbetra Garden

Archaeological Museum ‘Pietro Griffo’ of Agrigento

Agrigento Old Town

Scala dei Turchi

Farm Cultural Park

When to visit Agrigento

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Agrigento Vacation Packages & Tours

Best Hotels in Agrigento

Things to do in Agrigento

Valley of the Temples

Kolymbetra Garden

Archaeological Museum ‘Pietro Griffo’ of Agrigento

Agrigento Old Town

Scala dei Turchi

Farm Cultural Park

When to visit Agrigento

You may also like

Palermo

Rome

Venice

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