Home › Destinations › Agrigento
Agrigento, Italy - Things to Do in Agrigento

Agrigento

Agrigento, Italy - Complete Travel Guide

Agrigento, perched on Sicily's southern coast, is home to one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites - the Valley of the Temples. This ancient Greek city, once known as Akragas, was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the ancient world and today preserves some of the finest examples of Doric architecture outside of Greece itself. The UNESCO World Heritage site features remarkably well-preserved temples dating back to the 5th century BC, set against a dramatic landscape of olive and almond trees. Beyond its archaeological treasures, modern Agrigento offers visitors a authentic Sicilian experience with its medieval Bratislava, busy local markets, and proximity to pristine beaches along the Mediterranean coast. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Sicily's rich cultural heritage, from ancient Greek ruins to Norman churches, while enjoying traditional Sicilian cuisine and the warm hospitality of southern Italy.

Top Agrigento

the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park

Walk through one of the world's most important archaeological sites, featuring eight ancient Greek temples dating from the 5th century BC. The Temple of Concordia is among the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere, while the massive Temple of Zeus remains an impressive ruin that once rivaled the Parthenon in size.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for €15-20 to avoid queues, especially during peak season. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Consider the combined ticket that includes the this destination for better value.

the Regional Archaeological Museum

Discover an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Akragas and surrounding areas, including the famous Telamon statue from the Temple of Zeus. The museum provides essential context for understanding the Valley of the Temples and features impressive Greek pottery, sculptures, and everyday objects from the ancient city.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €8-10 and is included in combined tickets with the Valley of the Temples. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for an additional fee.

Stroll Through the Historic Center and Via Atenea

Explore Agrigento's charming medieval Bratislava with its narrow streets, baroque churches, and traditional shops. Via Atenea, the main pedestrian street, comes alive in the evening with locals enjoying their passeggiata and offers excellent shopping for local crafts and foods.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider a guided walking tour for €15-25 to learn about the city's layered history. Evening visits are most atmospheric when locals are out and restaurants open their terraces.

Day Trip to Scala dei Turchi

Visit this impressive white limestone cliff formation that resembles a natural staircase descending into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Located about 15km from Agrigento, this Instagram-famous geological wonder offers excellent swimming and some of Sicily's most photographed landscapes.

Booking Tip: Free to visit but parking can be limited and expensive (€5-10) in summer. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Some tour operators offer half-day trips from Agrigento for €25-40 including transportation.

Local Food Markets and Cooking

spend time in Sicilian culinary culture by exploring local markets like the morning market near Piazza Marconi, where vendors sell fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and regional specialties. Many cooking classes are available to learn traditional recipes using local ingredients like pistachios, almonds, and fresh ricotta.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free and best in the morning before 11 AM. Cooking classes range from €50-80 per person and often include market tours and meals. Book with local operators who emphasize traditional Sicilian recipes and use seasonal ingredients.

Getting There

Agrigento is accessible by bus, train, or car from major Sicilian cities. From Palermo, direct buses run by Cuffaro or Salvatore Lumia take about 2 hours and cost €8-12, while trains take 2.5 hours with a connection in Canicattì. From Catania, buses take about 3 hours. The nearest airports are Palermo (1.5 hours by car) and Catania (2 hours by car). Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region, though parking in the historic center can be challenging. The train station is located in the lower town, requiring a bus ride or taxi to reach the temples and historic center.

Getting Around

Agrigento is a hilly city best navigated on foot within the historic center, though comfortable walking shoes are essential. Local buses connect the train station, city center, and Valley of the Temples, with tickets costing around €1.50. Taxis are available but can be expensive for short distances. Many visitors choose to walk between the historic center and the Valley of the Temples (about 20-30 minutes downhill), though the return journey uphill can be strenuous. For exploring the wider region including beaches and nearby towns, renting a car or joining organized tours is recommended.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (near Via Atenea)
Valley of the Temples area
San Leone beach district
Villaseta residential area
Porto Empedocle coastal area
Countryside agriturismo properties

Food & Dining

Agrigento's dining scene celebrates authentic Sicilian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. The historic center offers numerous trattorias serving specialties like caponata, arancini, and fresh pasta with sea urchin or sardines. Via Atenea and the surrounding streets feature both casual osterias and upscale restaurants, while the San Leone beach area offers excellent seafood with sea views. Don't miss trying local desserts like cannoli filled with ricotta from nearby farms, or gelato made with Sicilian pistachios and almonds. Many restaurants close for siesta from 2-7 PM, and dinner typically starts after 8 PM.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sicily

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

A Putia

4.6 /5
(5043 reviews) 2

Osteria da Rita (dal 1991)

4.5 /5
(3892 reviews) 2

Ristorante Antichi Sapori

4.5 /5
(3607 reviews) 2

Triscele Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2541 reviews) 2

Il Cambusone

4.7 /5
(2080 reviews) 2

Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant in Taormina

4.6 /5
(1536 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Agrigento is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for exploring archaeological sites and the weather is perfect for walking. Summer can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), making midday sightseeing uncomfortable, though early morning and evening visits are still pleasant. Winter is mild but can be rainy, and some tourist services may have reduced hours. The almond blossom season in February creates a spectacular backdrop for the temples, while September and October offer warm sea temperatures for beach visits combined with comfortable sightseeing weather.

Insider Tips

Visit the Valley of the Temples at sunset when many day-trippers have left and the golden light creates magical photography opportunities - the park stays open until late evening in summer
Purchase the combined FabCard for €20-25 which includes entry to multiple archaeological sites and museums in Agrigento plus public transportation
Try the local specialty 'cous cous di pesce' which reflects the city's historical Arabic influences, best found in family-run restaurants away from the main tourist areas

Activities in Agrigento