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The valley of temples in Agrigento Sicily

Agrigento is a city on the southern side of Sicily. With beautiful coastal landscapes and beaches, along with ancient Greek relics, this beautiful part of the island is not one to be missed for those who love stepping into history. Our guide shares with you how to get to Agrigento, what to do once you’re there, where to stay, and most importantly what to eat!

Table of Contents:

Where is Agrigento?

Agrigento is located on Sicily, an Italian island off the south west coast. It sits in the south, facing the Channel of Sicily. It is opposite  Palermo in the North, Trapani in the West, and Caltanissetta in the East.

When is the Best Time to Visit Agrigento?

Choosing the best time to go to Agrigento, whether for an Italian family vacation or for a long weekend getaway, depends on a few things: the weather in Sicily, the price, and the crowds.

  • Spring & Autumn – These are the best months to enjoy milder temperatures with fewer crowds. Visit between either April and May, or September and October.
  • Summer – Summer is when it gets the hottest in this Sicilian destination, and with the good weather comes lots of crowds. 
  • Winter – The quietest and cheapest time of year to visit is November through to March. You can expect colder temperatures and some tourist attractions may be shut.
Vacationers enjoy the pale sand beaches and good weather of Agrigento

How to Get to Agrigento

For those travelling within Italy, you’ll be able to fly to Agrigento’s airport, which has the International Airport Code of ICAO. However, those coming from abroad will need to fly to another Sicilian airport before then travelling via bus or train to the city.

Are There Direct Flights from London to Agrigento?

Whilst there are direct flights from London to Scicily, Agrigento airport only handles domestic flights. You’ll need to visit another nearby airport, such as Palermo, to then travel to your final destination.

The stair of turks in Agrigento

4 Best Things to Do in Agrigento

Agrigento is an ancient city first founded by Greek colonists in 582 BC, this means that there’s lots of historical sights to take in on your visit. Here are our top picks to fill your time:

  1. Visit the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most popular attraction in this area. The park holds the ruins of multiple Greek temples dedicated to Hera, Concordia, and Zeus. 
  2. The Regional Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo – Discover the rich history of Agrigento with this museum that has artefacts from the valley as well as other ancient sites in the area. 
  3. Stroll Through Agrigento Old Town – The city is made up of charming small streets and narrow alleyways. You’ll also see the gorgeous Cathedral of San Gerlando. Pop into one of the city’s lovely cafes for a coffee and pastry and to enjoy the view.
  4. Visit the Beach at the Scala dei Turchi – Looking to soak up some sun? Head for the Stair of Turks, a large white rock formation that looks out over the mediterranean sea. There is also a beach located here so you can dip into the ocean to cool down.

Best Hotels in Agrigento for Every Budget

The city’s hotels range in price from low to mid-range, meaning there’s accommodation no matter your budget. Here are a few of our top picks:

  • Hotel della Valle – A gorgeous hotel with gardens, a spa, an outdoor pool, and restaurant and bar. 
  • Dimora dei Templi – A charming B&B complete with a terrace that has views over the Valley of the Temples. 
  • Colleverde Park Hotel – A beautiful Sicilian hotel with a lovely outdoor restaurant, 2 bars, and a garden.

3 Best Restaurants in Agrigento

Whether you’re on a gastronomy tour of Italy, or simply looking for a nice spot for dinner, Agrigento has it all. Here are some of the top reviewed restaurants in the city:

  • Nuccio Ristorante – The best reviewed restaurant in the city, it boasts beautiful views, tasty Italian seafood, and excellent service.
  • Pititto Ristorante – This wonderful Sicilian restaurant has a charming atmosphere with their menu focusing on regional cuisines. 
  • Terracotta cucina naturale – If you’re looking for somewhere a little different head here. Not only is it a restaurant and bar, but also a bookshop and cafe.
Beautiful pale yellow buildings of Agrigento old town

Is Agrigento Featured in Any Movies or TV Shows?

Due to its stunning architecture and landscape, Sicily has been featured in many TV shows and films. Agrigento has been home to one film and one TV show:

  • Inspector Montalbano – This is an Italian detective show with scenes in the fictional town of Vigata being filmed in locations around the city.
  • The Vanishing of Pato – A film based on a historical novel set in Agrigento, released in 2010.

Experience All That Italy Has to Offer

Looking for more inspiration for this gorgeous region of Sicily, make sure you follow Virtual Wanderlust on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to inspire your next trip. From the Italian islands you may have missed, to what to know about Mount Etna before you go – we’ve got the inspiration for you.

Ash

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