Valley of the Temples & Turkish Steps Day Trip with Lunch from Catania

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

Agrigento was founded in 582 BC as Akragas by Greek colonists and grew into one of the richest cities of the Greek world; an ancient poet called it the most beautiful city of mortals. Its sanctuaries were built along a ridge facing the sea, and today the Valley of the Temples is a vast archaeological park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, with some of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere.

On this Agrigento day trip from Catania you have about 2 hours in the park on a self-guided visit. The entrance ticket and an on-site guide are not included, so you can buy your ticket at the gate and explore at your own pace, or hire a local guide there. The walk along the main path is mostly level, but there is little shade.

Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Concordia, built around 440 to 430 BC, is the star of the Valley of the Temples. It survived almost complete because in the 6th century AD it was turned into a Christian church, which saved its columns and roof line from being dismantled. With its golden stone, 34 Doric columns and intact pediments, it is one of the finest Greek temples standing today.

Stand at the front for the classic photograph, then walk around it to see how the light changes on the columns. Nearby, the ancient city wall is cut with burial niches from the early Christian period, and olive and almond trees grow among the ruins. In late winter, when the almond trees blossom, the whole valley turns pink and white.

Temples of Juno, Heracles and Olympian Zeus

At the eastern end of the ridge stands the Temple of Juno, raised on a high base with a wonderful view over the valley; some of its columns still show red marks from an ancient fire. Walking west, you reach the Temple of Heracles, the oldest in the valley, of which a line of columns has been raised again.

Beyond it lie the fallen ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once one of the largest Greek temples ever built, where giant stone figures called telamons helped support the structure. A little further, four elegant columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux have become a symbol of Agrigento. With 2 hours you can see the main temples comfortably; bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.

A rustic Sicilian lunch

After the visit, a short drive brings you to a local café for about an hour of lunch and rest. The rustic menu features stuffed sandwiches with typical Sicilian produce or a selection of tavola calda, the island's tradition of hot savoury snacks and dishes such as arancini, filled rice balls, and baked specialities, served with water.

It is a simple, authentic meal in the way Sicilians eat when they are on the move, and a chance to talk with your driver about the region. If you have dietary needs, tell us when you book so we can let the team know in advance. After lunch, the coast is only about 20 minutes away.

Scala dei Turchi, the Turkish Steps

The Scala dei Turchi near Realmonte is one of the most photographed places on the coast of Sicily. Wind and waves have shaped a cliff of soft white marl into smooth natural steps that rise above the turquoise sea, glowing almost white in the sun. Its name recalls the raiders, called Turks by local people, who are said to have sheltered here in past centuries.

You have about an hour of free time at the beach below the cliff to swim, walk along the sand or simply take photos. To protect the fragile rock, climbing the cliff is restricted; from June to September a guided climb of about 30 minutes is sometimes possible, run by the local municipality with limited places and a separate ticket. Bring swimwear and a towel, then relax on the drive back to Catania.