Travelers often ask me if Agrigento is worth visiting. My answer is always a resounding yes! Seamlessly blending the old with the new, Agrigento boasts an eclectic mix of ancient Greek ruins, charming medieval architecture, and contemporary street art.
Although it’s a haven for culture connoisseurs, there are plenty of other exciting things to do in Agrigento. The chalk-white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi and the serene shores of Marinella Beach prove that this southern Sicilian city is also a paradise for visitors who prefer the great outdoors.
Showcasing the best of old-world and modern-day Sicily, it’s hard to believe that Agrigento was almost entirely abandoned on numerous occasions. Its resilience during difficult times is part of the reason why I have such an affinity for this picturesque city.
If I haven’t convinced you just yet, read on to find out why I think Agrigento is worth a visit during your Sicilian trip.
Where is Agrigento?
Agrigento lies along Sicily’s southwestern edge, just a short drive from the glittering Mediterranean Sea surrounding the island.
Nestled between the Italian island’s rugged coast and majestic Monti Sicani mountain range, Agrigento is encircled by diverse, awe-inspiring landscapes.
How to Get to Agrigento
You’ll have a couple of options for traveling to Agrigento. Over the years, I’ve reached the city from various corners of Sicily by pretty much every form of transport, so I’ve included a rundown of each below.
By Flight
The closest airport to Agrigento is Comiso, 120 km east of the city. By bus, this journey takes around two and a half hours, though you can also take a taxi if you’d prefer a quicker and more comfortable ride. I tend to stick to the bus; unsurprisingly, it’s considerably more affordable!
Palermo Airport is slightly further away, but it’s much more connected to other European cities than Comiso. For this reason, this might be a more suitable option for you, depending on where you’re visiting from. From Palermo, you’ll choose between a two-and-a-half-hour train ride, a three-hour bus journey, or a drive of a little under two and a half hours.
By Train
Agrigento Centrale, the city’s main railway station, operates several train routes to other Sicilian hotspots. I’ve always found the train from Palermo to Agrigento convenient, as there are departures almost hourly most days.
It’s possible to take the train to Agrigento from cities like Catania and Syracuse. However, this will typically involve one or two changeovers, which I find add significant time to your journey. Check out the up-to-date schedules on the Trenitalia website.
By Bus
Multiple companies run buses to and from Agrigento, linking the city with Sicilian cities like Palermo, Catania, and Caltanissetta. I’ve used FlixBus and SAIS Autolinee and found them efficient, reasonably priced, and comfortable.
Depending on where you’re traveling from, you might need to switch buses along the way, so keep this in mind if you’re coming from the likes of Syracuse or Messina.
By Car
The most scenic and adventurous option is to drive to Agrigento, which is a fantastic alternative if you’re hoping to explore a couple of destinations in Sicily. Traveling Sicily by car is my favorite way to get around, as it affords you complete freedom and is often quicker than public transport.
How Many Nights in Agrigento Do I Need?
It’s worth visiting Agrigento for around two nights, particularly for first-timers. That being said, if you’re short on time, you can tick off many of the top things to see in Agrigento in a day, or those of you with more flexibility can uncover the city at a slower pace of three days.
Speaking from experience, I think two nights is just enough time to take in a mix of historical sites, natural wonders, and the enchanting Centro Storico, Agrigento’s old town and historic center.
If you’ve got a little more time to spare, I recommend hopping on a boat tour to admire Agrigento from the water.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Agrigento?
As with most of Italy’s beloved spots, June through August is the most popular time for tourists to visit Agrigento. These months bring hot weather and coincide with European school holidays, meaning Agrigento is at its most crowded.
From a local perspective, I would avoid these months and plan your trip for April, May, September, or October. These months usually have warm, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and, more often than not, accommodation prices are cheaper than the peak season.
November to March is the quietest time of year. If you don’t mind exploring Agrigento in chillier conditions and are keen to keep your costs low, visiting during these months is worth considering.
Where to Stay in Agrigento
When deciding where to stay in Agrigento, you’ll need to think about whether you’d be more eager to lap up the culture in the Historical Center or take in the seafront vistas along the coast in San Leone or Porto Empedocle.
I’ve detailed my three top picks to help you decide which is best for your Agirgento vacation.
Historic Center
I love the hustle and bustle of a busy town center, so the Historic Center, or the Centro Storico as we Italians call it, is generally my go-to.
A superb base for avid sightseers, the Historic Center comprises narrow laneways and centuries-old structures that instantly take you back in time. Among these winding, hilly streets are many delightful restaurants, lively bars, boutiques, and Agrigento’s tourist information centers.
Compact and quaint, the Historic Center is super walkable and best explored on foot.
San Leone
If you’d rather spend most of your time along the seaside lounging along the golden beaches, you might be more drawn to the gorgeous town of San Leone.
This dreamy spot sits at the foot of Agrigento, around a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. Between its pristine waters, top-quality eateries, and seafront hotels, this is the perfect place for a relaxed retreat.
Unfortunately, public transport between San Leone and the Old Town is limited. Because of this, I’d advise renting a car to discover the highlights of Agrigento from here unless you’re happy to take taxis between the various sights.
Porto Empedocle
Porto Empedocole is one of my favorite places in western Sicily, and it happens to be just a 10-minute drive from Agrigento. Much like San Leona, Porto Empedocole is nestled along the coast, but its beaches are even more sublime than its southern neighbor.
Perfect if you want somewhere that’s a balance of lively and laidback, Porto Empedocole has a diverse fusion of buzzing cafes and chilled-out beaches like Marinella.
Luckily, Porto Empedocole is connected to Agrigento by public bus, making it a more favorable option for those without a car.
What to See in Agrigento
There are some truly extraordinary things to do in Agrigento, and below are some of the spots that you can’t leave Sicily without seeing!
Valley of the Temples
The monumental Valley of the Temples is at Agrigento Archaeological Park. Here, some of the most remarkable ruins from the island’s occupation by the ancient Greeks are found. The Temple of Concordia and Temple of Heracles, in particular, left me speechless.
Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento
Dig deeper into the island’s storied history with Greece at this impressive museum. As a native of Sicily who’s frequented dozens of the island’s museums, I can confirm that this is among the most informative and captivating of them all. Inside, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.
Agrigento Cathedral
The Agrigento Cathedral is perched above the Old Town, and its brick facade has overlooked the city since the 11th century. Once you venture inside, you’ll be astounded by the elaborately designed ceilings, intricate artwork, and spectacular organ. For some stellar views over Agrigento, climb up to the top of the bell tower as the sun starts to go down.
Scala dei Turchi
Scala dei Turchi translates to Stairs of the Turks, and once you lay eyes on these stepped white cliffs, you’ll see how fitting this name is! This marl rock has been eroded over millions of years to form the most striking natural formation, made even more breathtaking by the surrounding turquoise waters.
Beware that it is now forbidden to climb on the Scala by the local authority, in order to preserve it from erosion and other kind of physical damage. So please, enjoy the view of the Scala dei Turchi, but don’t try to walk on it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Visit Agrigento on a Day Trip From Palmero?
Agrigento is a two-hour drive from Palermo and is also linked to Sicily’s capital by a two-and-a-half-hour train. While it’s possible to visit as a day trip, I’d suggest giving yourself around two days to avoid rushing between the sights.
Is Agrigento Safe?
Agrigento is generally considered very safe. However, like any city, it’s important to take standard precautions, be aware of pickpockets, and avoid walking alone at night.
Can You Swim in Agrigento?
Agrigento is a short drive from the coast, and the crystal-clear waters make for some fabulous swimming, safe spots.
Now You Know Agrigento Is Worth Visiting; Book That Trip!
As you can see, I’m a massive fan of Agrigento and think it’s totally worth visiting! Everyone should take some time to venture to Sicily’s southern coast and explore this mountaintop settlement. I promise you won’t be disappointed.