what to do in agrigento, sicily?

Unraveling the Beauty of Agrigento: A Must-Visit Destination in Sicily

What to do in Agrigento, Sicily? The city is known first and foremost for the Valley of the Temples. However, there are also many other things to see and do. 

Agrigento is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history and breathtaking beauty. The city is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient ruins in the world.

It's a place that has captured the hearts of many writers, poets, and artists. All of them were inspired by its stunning landscapes, spectacular beaches, and charming medieval alleys.

Agrigento has architectural wonders, picturesque countryside, and vibrant culture. From the ancient temples to the bustling markets, the city will leave you enchanted.

Agrigento leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime. Join me as we unravel the beauty of Agrigento. You will discover why it's one of Sicily's most unique and captivating destinations.

Agrigento is well connected with the main cities of Sicily, such as Palermo and Catania.

Is Agrigento Worth Visiting?

When thinking about what to do in Agrigento, many think about the Valley of the Temples. True, it is worth a visit in itself. The temples are unique in the whole world.

However, in addition to the ancient temples, there are many other things to do in the city. Like the archaeological museum and a charming medieval old town.

I liked the atmosphere of the old town very much. The area is easy to walk about. There are plenty of good restaurants and cafés.

There are also plenty of fine sandy beaches near Agrigento. To the west of Agrigento, you will find beautiful nature reserves.

Andrea Camilleri, the creator of Inspector Montalbano, was from the province of Agrigento. You can visit the places that inspired his books in Porto Empedocle. As well as in other places around the area. 

The birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Luigi Pirandello is also nearby. The house is now a museum open to the public.

What to do in Agrigento Province?

The province of Agrigento borders the province of Palermo to the north and Trapani to the west. The area is known for its beaches, vineyards, and nature reserves.

In addition to its beautiful nature and fine sandy beaches, the region is also known for its writers. It is home to some of Italy's best authors.

The most famous of the modern writers is Andrea Camilleri (1925-2019), known for his Montalbano novels. Other writers from Agrintento include the philosopher Empedocles (494-434 BC), Luigi Pirandello (1867-1936), and Leonardo Sciascia (1921-1989).

Sciascia's books describe the social atmosphere in Sicily in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his book "The Day of the Owl" (1961). In it, Sciascia describes the mafia's grip on local life.

Andrea Camilleri made Sciascia a favorite author of Inspector Montalbano in his books.

History of Agrigento

Greek colonists from Gela founded Agrigento in the 6th century BC. That makes it one of the oldest cities in Sicily.

The city grew fast. Soon it became one of the most important centers of Greek culture in the Mediterranean.

Akragas was its name in ancient times. It was famous for its wealth, power, and beauty.

The city's heyday was in the 5th century BC, when tyrant Theron transformed it into a major center of art and culture.

The city was also a center of philosophy, science, and literature. It was home to some of the greatest thinkers of the time.

Agrigento's importance declined in the following centuries. It was eventually conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.

The city was later ruled by the Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Each left its mark on its culture and architecture.

Today, Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

In the Middle Ages, the name of the town turned to Girgenti. That is what Sicilians still call it. For the rest of the world, it became Agrigento in 1927.

Greek Ruins at the Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)

The Valley of the Temples is the most famous attraction in Agrigento. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

It's a vast area of ancient ruins. It includes several temples, sanctuaries, and other buildings. They date back to the 5th century BC.

The most impressive of these is the Temple of Concordia. It is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.

Other notable temples include the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Heracles, and the Temple of Zeus.

30,000 Carthaginian slaves built the temples. Now the place is a peaceful world of its own. It is a good place not just for the temples, but for its location between the sea and the modern city.

The Valley of the Temples is a stunning sight to behold. For centuries visitors have been in awe of its grandeur and beauty.

The temples are set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. Truly a breathtaking experience.

There are also several walking trails. They allow visitors to explore the area and take in the stunning views.

There are two main entrances, one at each end. You can buy tickets from them both. As in all museums in Italy, children under 18 and pensioners are admitted free of charge.

Buses 1, 2, and 3 run from Piazzale Rosseli to the temples. On the way, buses stop at the archaeological museum.

You can time your visit to the museum for the hottest part of the day. There is air conditioning inside. The temples are best visited either early or later in the day.

Reserve at least a couple of hours for a tour of the site. Half a day would be perfect.

Archaelogical Museum of Agrigento

The Archaeological Museum of Agrigento offers the keys to a better understanding of the Valley of the Temples. It shows you what the temples were like in the past. It also tells about the culture that built them.

The museum is located halfway between the city and the temples. Buses to the temples also stop here.

The museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in ancient history.

It is home to a vast collection of artifacts that date back to ancient times. They include pottery, statues, and other objects. All from the Valley of the Temples and other nearby sites.

The museum also has a collection of ancient coins and jewelry. Together they give visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.

The museum is especially famous for its collection of ancient Greek vases - some of the finest in the world.

What to Do in Agrigento Old Town?

The Old Town of Agrigento is a charming and picturesque area. It consists of a maze of medieval alleys that stand on a hillside. So it takes a little climbing to get around it.

At the top of the hill sits the Duomo. A little further down stands the church of Santa Maria dei Greci. It is one of the city's most beautiful sights.

The church was once the site of a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. You can still see the remains of the temple through the glass floor.

There are also stone benches under the floor. That's where dead Christian monks were once seated, waiting for their mummification.

The temple is just one of many historic buildings buried under the city. The entire old town stands on top of the ancient acropolis.

The old town of Agrigento has many restaurants and cafés. These can be found on Via Atenea or in the surrounding area. The choices are varied, as are the prices. Choose what suits you best.

Oh, and if you suspect your relatives or friends have fallen into purgatory, head to the church of San Lorenzo. That is a place to pray for their release to heaven.

Agrigento Festivals

Whatever time of year you go to Sicily, there are always some festivals going on. In Agrigento, the most important festivals take place in spring and summer.

The most famous and traditional is the Agrigento Almond Blossom Festival. It takes place in spring when almonds blossom in the surrounding countryside.

You should check the exact timing on the festival's pages. Usually, it's late in February or early March.

The Almond Blossom Festival begins with the lighting of the Friendship Torch in front of the Temple of Concordia. One theme of the festival is to celebrate the friendship between different cultures.

The Almond Blossom Festival gathers performers and participants from all over the world.

The festival was founded in 1934 to celebrate the beginning of spring. It includes music, dancing, traditional costumes, and parades.

Two other internationally renowned festivals also focus on the Valley of the Temples. One is about music the other focuses on films.

The Agrigento Film Festival takes place at the end of July. It focuses on short films and documentaries from around the world.

The music festival is called Festivalle. It takes place in early August. It offers a wide variety of musical styles. The festival is hugely popular, so you should book your tickets well in advance.

So, if you are wondering what to do in Agrigento, and it's festival time, wonder no more!

Apart from its festivals, Agrigento is also known for its Christmas market. It is one of the most popular in Sicily.

The Christmas market spreads all over the city. You find elves, reindeer, and Santa Claus in the Valley of the Temples. In the city, there's a variety of events for children and adults alike. A variety of products are on sale around town.

Beaches near Agrigento

The province of Agrigento has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Sicily. It is full of beaches, fishing villages, and nature reserves.

The nearest beaches to Agrigento are in San Leone, three kilometers from the town center. In addition to the beaches, you'll find bars and restaurants there. And a promenade. It's also a nice place to hang around after sunset.

From San Leone, you can take day trips to other beaches. Such as Scala dei Turchi and Punta Bianca.

If you follow the coastline west of San Leone, you will come to Porto Empedocle. There you can get into the mood of books about Inspector Montalbano. Their author Andrea Camilleri used these places as an inspiration for the fictional town of Vigata.

To the west of Porto Empedocle are two more sandy beaches, Punta Piccola and Punta Grande. After that, you'll come to the "Turkish Steps," aka the Scala dei Turchi.

This white stone cliff is one of the main attractions of the area. A well enough place to enjoy the sun, admire the sunset or swim in the ocean.

Weather in Agrigento

As elsewhere in Sicily, summers in Agrigento are hot, and winters are cooler. Here in southern Sicily, the Sirocco winds from the Sahara can add to the heat in summer.

In winter, it is cloudier and windier. The average temperature in winter is around 10°C (50°F). In summer, the average temperature is 26°C (78°F).

The winter months get all the rain. In the summer, it rarely rains.

You should take the weather into consideration when thinking about what to do in Agrigento. 

Visitors to the temples should be aware of the power of the Sicilian summer sun. A midday walk on the unshaded hill can be quite a sweaty affair.

In summer, temperatures never drop below 20°C (68°F), with highs reaching up to over 40°C (104°F).

How Many Days Should You Stay in Agrigento?

Now that you know what to do in Agrigento, it's time to evaluate how long you should stay there. 

Many people come to Agrigento for the Valley of the Temples. A single day is enough to see it.

However, I'd advise you to spend at least one night in the city. That way you can see all the main attractions: the temples, the archaeological museum, and the old town. 

You should remember that life only starts in the evening in Sicily. 

The historic center has a cozy atmosphere in the evenings. In the medieval alleys, you will find good restaurants and cafés to spend the evening.

Alternatively, you can choose to stay in the nearby countryside. The countryside is in itself one of the attractions of the province.

You can spend an afternoon in the temples, an evening in the city, and then return to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside.

Day trips are also organized from the main towns to Agrigento. At least from Palermo and Catania. Probably from other places, too.

In summer you can also enjoy the nearby beaches.

What to Do in Agrigento: The Conclusion

Agrigento is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is famous for its ancient temples and the vibrant streets of the Old Town - among other things.

Agrigento is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history, art, and culture.

Its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals leave you enchanted and inspired.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the most unique and captivating destinations in Sicily.

See More:

Best Beaches in Sicily

Festivals in Sicily

Weather in Sicily Around the Year

Best Time to Visit Sicily

Main Cities in Sicily

History of Sicily

Sicilian Culture

(Page last edited: November 5, 2023.)

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