Agrigento: Discover One of Sicily’s Hidden Gems
Agrigento is one of Sicily’s hidden gems. It offers historical and cultural riches as well as culinary delights in a breathtaking natural setting where visitors can travel more slowly.
Agrigento, the 2025 Italian Capital of Culture, is on Sicily’s southwestern coast. Only two hours by car from Palermo and 2.5 hours from Catania, Agrigento sees far fewer tourists than either of these cities.
For visitors, this means fewer crowds, less traffic, more affordable accommodations, and a more authentic Italian experience where you’ll be more likely among locals rather than other tourists.
Although many people arrange day trips to Agrigento, we suggest you spend at least two or more nights exploring this fascinating province. (By the way, both the province of Agrigento and its capital city bear the same name.)
9 Memorable Experiences in Agrigento
Here are nine not-to-be-missed experiences waiting for visitors in Agrigento:
1) Explore The Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most popular tourist attraction in Agrigento and one of the most popular attractions in Sicily. It draws some one million visitors each year so don’t be surprised if you see many tourists here. (Tip: The best time to visit is spring or fall. There are also fewer visitors in the late afternoon and evening when the ruins are beautifully lit.)
Although called a valley, the archaeological site is actually a hilltop park on a high ridge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It features the well-preserved ruins of seven ancient Doric-style Greek temples dating back to the 5th century BC. One iconic temple, The Temple of Concordia, was rebuilt using its original stones.
Multilingual guides are available to enrich a visit by providing insights into ancient Greek history, architecture and culture. We were fortunate to tour the temples with an archaeologist/guide.
2) Wander The Streets of the Historic Center
The historic center of the capital city blends classic Italian tradition with contemporary culture. The walkable center of cobblestone streets reveals Baroque architecture and and Norman palaces. Visit the many monuments and churches, especially the Cathedral of San Geraldo, constructed in 1301.
Two not-to-be-missed photo ops in the city include the bronze statue of Andrea Camilleri, the famous novelist and playwright who wrote the Il Commissario Montalbano series, and the contemporary sculpture of Domenico Modugno, who wrote the popular Italian tune “Volare” – Nel blu, dipinto di blu. (If you click the link, you can hear the familiar song sung by Dean Martin).
Montalbano fans will also want to see Porto Empedocle, Camilleri’s hometown in the province that many say inspired the fictional town of Vigata (a commercial port on the coast of the Strait of Sicily).
Because the city of Agrigento is on a steep hill, it offers a natural terrace with panoramic sea views.
3) Take A Break and Enjoy Sicilian Foods
Because Agrigento is a real city, you can find fine-dining ristorantes, trattorias, pizzerias, and bars (along with small shops and boutiques).
If you want a snack, stop at a local pasticerria for a cannolo or an arancina. In western Italy (for example, in Catania), this beloved street food is called an “arancino” but in Agrigento and other parts of eastern Sicily (Palermo and Agrigento), the feminine form “arancina” is preferred.
These deep-fried rice balls are made with different fillings, but the most common ones are meat sauce, peas, mozzarella cheese, and ham.
4) See the Turkish Steps
Be sure to visit the Turkish Steps in one of Agrigento’s many seaside towns, Realmonte. The natural rock formation resembles white steps descending from a high cliff into the ocean.
Visitors have been prohibited from walking on the steps because of environmental concerns and the risk of landslides, but admiring their beauty from atop is an astounding experience.
5) Enjoy A Day At The Beach
The coast of Agrigento offers long stretches of sandy beaches and clear blue waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Some beaches are developed (with amenities), others are natural.
You can stay at a seaside property or simply visit a beach for several hours. One possibility is staying at the four-star Hotel Costazzura Museum & Spa in the upscale beach town of San Leone, just south of Agrigento.
6) Experience True Farm-to-Table Foods
Agrigento is an agricultural region where every meal seems like it is farm-to-table. You’ll see vineyards, orange groves, and olive trees as you drive the winding roads through the hills and valleys of Agrigento.
In addition to the fresh produce, meats, seafood, and traditional Sicilian dishes, Agrigento boasts three PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) food products: Oranges from Ribera (called the City of Oranges), Sicilian Val di Mazara extra virgin olive oil, and pistachio nuts from Raffadali.
A stay at one of the nearby agriturismos offers an immersion into the farm life of Sicily.
7) Taste Sicilian Wines
Wineries and vineyards dot the landscape, offering opportunities to taste Sicilian wines, which are growing in esteem and popularity.
For example, Feudo Montoni is an organic farm and winery in Cammarata (a mountainous area in the central part of Agrigento) that produces ten wines from native Sicilian grapes. The winery offers both tastings and cooking classes by appointment.
8) Relax and Recharge At A Destination Spa Resort
There are two beautiful five-star waterfront resorts in Agrigento, only 30-45 minutes from the city.
Adler Spa Resort in Siculiana only opened in 2022. This contemporary resort is adjacent to the unspoiled Toree Salsa Nature Reserve. Its unique design is an example of bioarchitecture, creating sustainable structures in harmony with nature.
Verdura Resort is a Rocco Forte property in the scenic port city of Sciacca, known for its ceramics and coral jewelry. It’s a favorite among golfers, having been named Golf World’s number-one golf course in Italy.
9) Take Advantage of Special Events in Agrigento
This year, Agrigento will showcase its cultural and natural heritage through special events, including concerts, exhibitions and contemporary art installations.
Every March, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples welcome spring’s arrival with an Almond Blossom Festival. The festival brings artists, musicians, folk groups, chefs and local food producers together to celebrate Sicilian culture and the beauty of the flowering almond trees.
IF YOU GO
The Province of Agrigento
Map of the Provinces of Sicily
For additional information about visiting Agrigento:
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