Best Things to Do in Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento is a hilltop city on Sicily's southern coast, anchored by the Valley of the Temples — one of the best-preserved ancient Greek archaeological sites outside Greece itself. Its dramatic setting, excellent archaeological museum, and proximity to Sicily's south coast beaches make it one of the island's most rewarding destinations. This guide covers the best things to do in Agrigento.
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Agrigento stands on a ridge above the Valley of the Temples, a 1,300-hectare archaeological park containing some of the best-preserved Greek Doric temples outside Greece. Founded as Akragas by Greek colonists in 582 BC, it became one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient Mediterranean. The things to do in Agrigento are dominated by the archaeological park, which merits at least a full day: the Temple of Concordia (among the most intact Greek temples in the world), the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Heracles, and the extraordinary Kolymbetra Garden (an ancient fish pond turned almond-and-citrus orchard managed by FAI, the Italian National Trust). The Archaeological Museum (Pietro Griffo) gives context with an exceptional collection of pottery, coins, and the telamon from the destroyed Temple of Zeus.
Best time to visit
March through May and September through November are ideal. Spring brings almond blossom in the valley (the Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore almond festival runs in February and early March, with folk dancing and music). Summer is very hot (35-40°C) but the site is manageable early morning. The Valley of the Temples is dramatically lit for evening visits in summer; night-time opening runs June through September. Winter visits are quiet and mild (15-18°C) with the archaeological park largely to yourself.
Getting around
Agrigento city center and the Valley of the Temples are connected by local bus from Agrigento Centrale station (every 30 minutes). The valley itself is walkable but extensive; comfortable shoes are essential. Most visitors arrive by train from Palermo (2 hours) or by car. Day trips from Palermo are popular but rushed; staying overnight allows the evening lighting and a more leisurely pace. The nearby beach resort of San Leone (5 km south) has public beaches and additional seafood restaurants.
What to eat and drink
Agrigento’s food is classic western Sicilian: pasta with sardines and wild fennel, fresh tuna in various forms, caponata (sweet-sour aubergine), cannoli, and the almond-based sweets that show the Arab influence on Sicilian pastry. The Kolymbetra Garden in the valley produces almonds and citrus sold at the site. Restaurants in the city center and at San Leone beach are generally reliable. Trattoria Concordia opposite the temples is a standard for a post-site lunch.
Neighborhoods to explore
Valley of the Temples – The main event: the eastern zone (Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno) is the best-preserved; the western zone (Temple of Zeus ruins, the telamon giants, the Kolymbetra Garden) requires more imagination but is equally interesting.
Agrigento Historic Center – The hilltop old town with a Norman cathedral and medieval streets. Less visited than the valley but worth an hour’s walk.
San Leone – The beach suburb 5 km south, with a sandy beach, summer bars, and fresh fish restaurants on the Lungomare.
Scala dei Turchi – A white marl cliff 15 km west of Agrigento, one of Sicily’s most photographed natural formations, with a beach below. Best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Agrigento?
The best things to do in Agrigento are visiting the Valley of the Temples (at least a half day; a full day is better), exploring the Kolymbetra Garden inside the archaeological park, visiting the Regional Archaeological Museum, and making the short drive to the Scala dei Turchi cliff. If food is a priority, the almond sweets and Sicilian pastries at the old town pasticcerie are excellent. The Enchanted Castle of Sciacca (30 km west) is a remarkable folk-art curiosity for those with a car.
How do I get to Agrigento?
By train from Palermo (2 hours, frequent departures from Palermo Centrale). By car from Palermo is approximately 2 hours via the SS121 or the faster toll-free A19 and SS640. From Catania, allow 2.5-3 hours. Day tours from Palermo are offered by multiple operators and cover the Valley of the Temples as a 10-12 hour day trip.
How long do I need in Agrigento?
One full day for the Valley of the Temples and museum. Add a second day for the Scala dei Turchi, San Leone beach, and a slower exploration of the old town. Most visitors on a Sicily circuit allow one overnight in Agrigento, which is sufficient if you arrive in the evening and leave the following afternoon.
Is the Valley of the Temples worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the Mediterranean, arguably better preserved than most sites in mainland Greece because of the remoteness of southern Sicily and the quality of the stone. The Temple of Concordia, built around 440 BC and repurposed as a Christian church in the 6th century (which helped preserve it), is among the five most intact Greek temples in the world.
What is the Kolymbetra Garden?
The Kolymbetra ("pool" in Greek) was originally a giant fish pond fed by an underground aqueduct, constructed by Carthaginian prisoners of war in the 5th century BC. It silted over in the medieval period. FAI (the Italian National Trust) restored it in the 1990s, replanting with ancient varieties of almond, citrus, pomegranate, and olive trees. It is now one of the most beautiful enclosed garden spaces in Sicily and is included in the Valley of the Temples ticket. The almonds, olive oil, and citrus products are sold at the site.