Based on Public Facts and Information about Agrigento
Agrigento is a historic city located on the southern coast of Sicily, Italy. It is located on a plateau that provides a spectacular view of the sea. The city was named after the two nearby rivers, the Hypsas and the Acragas. Historical accounts suggest that Greek colonists from Gela in eastern Sicily, along with colonists from Crete and Rhodes, established the city around 582-580 BC. Agrigento was the final major Greek colony to be established in Sicily.
It is famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek ruins in the world.
Discover Agrigento Visually in the Following Video Guide by Expoza
Complete All in One Guide to Agrigento to help you Self Plan your Trip:
Getting There: Agrigento is located about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and 170 km (106 miles) west of Catania. The best way to get there is by car or bus, although there is also a train station in the city. If you are flying into Sicily, the nearest airports are Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Palermo and Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Catania.
Agrigento is easily accessible by rail, with connections to Palermo and Caltanissetta, which serves as the hub for further travel to Siracusa, Catania, Messina, and the mainland. The Railway Station, known as the Stazione Centrale, is situated in the heart of the city.
The local bus service in Agrigento is operated by the AMAT company, with several routes connecting the city and its surroundings. The official website for AMAT is listed below, where you can find schedules and fares. To Know more on Online Tickets and Daily Schedule for Bus to Agrigento from Palermo, You can Visit the following Websites:
Local Transportation: Agrigento is a relatively small city, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area or visit nearby beaches, you may want to rent a car. There are also local buses that run throughout the city and the surrounding area.
Best Things to Do in Agrigento
- Valley of the Temples: The Valley of the Temples is the main attraction in Agrigento and should not be missed. It is a vast archaeological park that contains the ruins of seven ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Heracles. The temples are in remarkable condition and are surrounded by beautiful gardens and olive groves. Make sure to allocate a few hours to explore the Valley of the Temples. For More details about timings and tickets, Check this Official Website of the Valley of the Temples.
- The Archaeological Museum: Located in the heart of Agrigento, the Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of ancient Greek Artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. The museum is a great way to gain insight into the history and culture of the ancient Greeks who once lived in Sicily.
- Explore The Old Town: The Historic Center of Agrigento is a charming maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with colorful houses and small shops. Take a stroll through the old town to soak up the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems, such as the 13th-century Cathedral of San Gerlando and the medieval Church of Santa Maria dei Greci.
- Relax at the Beaches: Agrigento is located near the coast and has some beautiful beaches that are well worth a visit. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Scala dei Turchi, a unique white cliff formation that overlooks the sea, and Punta Bianca, a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters. More Details Below.
- The Local Cuisine: Sicilian cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood, hearty pastas, and delicious desserts, and Agrigento is no exception. Some of the local specialties to try include the seafood couscous, pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce), and cannoli (a pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream).
- Nearby Attractions: Agrigento is located in a beautiful region of Sicily, and there are several nearby attractions that are worth visiting. Some of these include the charming town of Sciacca, the stunning white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, and the ancient Greek ruins at Selinunte. More Details Below.
Overall, Agrigento is a fascinating and beautiful city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, local cuisine, or relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone in Agrigento.
Discover Valley of the Temples in the Following Video by Rick Steves
Main Squares in Agrigento
There are several public squares in Agrigento worth visiting, each with its own unique charm and character. Here are some of the best:
- Piazza Pirandello: This elegant square is named after the famous Italian writer Luigi Pirandello, who was born in Agrigento. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful buildings, including the Teatro Luigi Pirandello and the Palazzo Celauro.
- Piazza Santo Spirito: This charming square is located in the heart of Agrigento’s medieval quarter and is adjacent to the Civic Museum and the Abbey of Santo Spirito, as well as a number of cafes and restaurants.
- Piazza San Francesco: This picturesque square is located near the Church of San Francesco and the Monastery of the Capuchin Friars. It is surrounded by elegant buildings and is a great spot to relax and people watch.
- Piazza della Vittoria: This square is located at the top of the Via Atenea, the city’s main shopping street. It is a great place to take in the views of the surrounding countryside, and it is home to the impressive Monumento ai Caduti (Monument to the Fallen).
Best Day Trips from Agrigento
Agrigento is located in a beautiful part of Sicily with plenty of opportunities for day trips to explore the surrounding area. Here are some of the best day trips from Agrigento:
- Selinunte: Selinunte is an ancient Greek archaeological site located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, about 95 km from Agrigento. It is home to several well-preserved temples and is one of the largest archaeological sites in Europe. The site is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Scala dei Turchi: Scala dei Turchi is a unique geological formation located on the coast about 15.3 km west of Agrigento. It is a white cliff made of limestone that overlooks the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The formation is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the beautiful scenery.
- The Roman Villa del Casale: The Roman Villa del Casale is an ancient Roman villa located about 100 km east of Agrigento. It is home to some of the most well-preserved Roman mosaics in the world, depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, and nature.
- Sciacca: Sciacca is a coastal town located about 62 Kms southwest of Agrigento. It is known for its thermal baths, beautiful beaches, and historic center with narrow streets and old buildings. Sciacca is also home to several ancient churches and a castle.
- Licata: Licata is a coastal town located about 44 Kms southeast of Agrigento. It is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing port, and historic center with several churches and palaces. Licata is also home to the Castle of Falconara, a medieval fortress with stunning views of the sea.
- Palermo: Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and is located about 130 km (81 miles) northwest of Agrigento. It is a vibrant and lively city with a rich history and culture, and is home to several impressive landmarks such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, and the Norman Palace.
These are just a few of the many day trips you can take from Agrigento. With its central location and excellent transportation links, Agrigento is the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Sicily.
Best Beaches in Agrigento
Agrigento is located on the southwestern coast of Sicily and is home to several beautiful beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in Agrigento:
- Scala dei Turchi: Scala dei Turchi is a unique beach located about 13 Kms west of Agrigento. It is known for its white limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the beautiful scenery.
- San Leone: San Leone is a popular beach located about 8 Kms south of Agrigento. It is a long sandy beach with shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. San Leone is also home to several restaurants and bars, making it a great place to spend the day.
- Punta Bianca: Punta Bianca is a secluded beach located about 25 km west of Agrigento. It is a small beach with crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and taking in the stunning views.
- Siculiana Marina: Siculiana Marina is a beautiful beach located about 22 Kms west of Agrigento. It is a long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Siculiana Marina is also home to several restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Foce del fiume Platani: Foce del fiume Platani is a beautiful beach located about 15 km (9 miles) east of Agrigento. It is a long sandy beach with clear blue waters and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Foce del fiume Platani is also a great place for hiking and birdwatching.
