Things to Do at Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)

The Valley of the Temples isn't actually a valley at all - it's a ridge overlooking the Mediterranean where ancient Greeks built some of the most spectacular temples outside of Athens. Dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC, this UNESCO World Heritage site gives you a genuine sense of what it might have felt like to approach ancient Akragas, one of Sicily's most powerful Greek colonies. The golden limestone temples, set against rolling hills dotted with almond trees, create one of those views that actually lives up to the hype. What makes this place particularly compelling is how well-preserved everything is. The Temple of Concordia is so intact it was used as a Christian church for centuries, while others lie in romantic ruins that sparked the imaginations of 18th-century Grand Tour travelers. You'll find yourself walking the same paths where ancient Greeks made offerings to their gods, and honestly, the setting is so dramatic you can almost understand why they chose this spot to honor the divine.

Agrigento sits 2 hours by car from Palermo or Catania. The drive through Sicily's interior is quite beautiful, winding past rolling hills and ancient olive groves. Buses run regularly from both cities if you're using public transport, though they take much longer. The temples are 3km from town. Local buses connect them to Agrigento's center, or you can walk if the hills don't bother you. Most visitors rent a car-smart choice, since it gives you freedom to explore the countryside and other archaeological sites without checking bus schedules.