Gela

Gela is one of the oldest towns in Sicily boasting a range of historic monuments such as an acropolis dating back to the 5th century BC, a fantastic archaeological museum and a collection of Greek temples and ruins which vividly illustrate the town’s captivating past. Gela also has a sandy beach and there is a long row of bars and pizzerias along the front.

Agrigento

Agrigento is a wonderful Sicilian town and provincial capital. Defined as 'the most beautiful city among mortals’, the ancient 'Akragas' was founded in 581 BC and it briefly became one of the most important cities of Magnae Graecia situated 230m above sea level, on a plateau overlooking the sea, with two nearby rivers and a ridge to the north offering a degree of natural fortification. It was the birthplace of many historians and today rich in both history and culture.

Located just outside of Agrigento, the Valley of Temples is arguably one of the most beautiful and historically interesting locations in Sicily, characterised by the remains of ten temples dating back to the 5th century BC and the Temple of Concordia being one of the best preserved temples of the Greek civilization today. It became part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 being one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, one of the main attractions in Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy.

Palma di Montechiaro

Located in the province of Agrigento, the town of Palma di Montechiaro was founded in 1637 by the Tomasi di Lampedusa family. It has some sights to visit including the castello, Benedictine monastery, Ducal Palace, Palazzo degli Scolopi, ruins of the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Luce and Archaeological Park of Zubbia.

Butera

Butera is an inland medieval hill town with a number of historical sites. Those with an interest in art and architecture should visit the 9th - 2nd century BC necropolis as well as the town’s ancient churches, such as the Church of Saint Francis and Church of San Rocco, both with a selection of artwork. The 14th century Castle of Falconara is also included in a number of the cultural tours, built under Martin I and used today for special occasions such as weddings. 

Realmonte

Best known for its archaeological sites, roman villa, Costabianca Theatre, ‘Cathedral of Salt’ and stunning coastline and beaches with Scala dei Turchi ‘Turkish Steps’ having a particularly striking natural staircase, with broad steps and terraces sloping down the white limestone cliffs to the crystalline seawater below. 

Scala dei Turchi

The dramatic cliff of white marl plunging into the blue sea of Realmonte makes a popular literary and filming location, as well as one of the most visited sights in the area of Agrigento. An application has been made for it to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

Siculiana

Siculiana’s 13km long coast line is largely unspoiled, a protected Regional Nature Reserve that has been established in the locality of Torre Salsa for its natural beauty and environmental interest. 

Siculiana Marina is a suburban seaside village of Siculiana, once important for maritime trade in the Mediterranean, with a prominent commercial Marketplace emporium which is now a popular summer resort. The Caricatore (loading dock) was still active up to the end of 19th century and the ruins Castello Chiaramonte, near the coast, is a prominent feature of the landscape. Within the town, the Baroque church Santuario del Santissimo Crocifisso is a well-known landmark and inside the revered Black Crucifix.

MONTALLEGRO

Montallegro is a town in the Province of Agrigento, an excellent area for exploring the most beautiful places of the southern side of Sicily. Montallegro itself has a selection of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and pizzerias. It is close the sandy beaches of Bovo Marina (7km) and Eraclea Minoa (8km) also known for its ancient Phoenician settlement with sandstone theatre and Roman villa with mosaic relics. The nature reserve of Torre Salsa is 6km) and Foce del Fiume Platani 13km. Further south are the cliffs of Scala dei Turchi (18km) and the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento (34km). To the north are the fishing port of Sciacca (35km) and Selinunte Archaeological Park (66km).

RIBERA

Awarded the Slow City designation in recognition of its sustainable lifestyle, Ribera is beautifully situated on a high plateau 230m above the sea. The mild climate and abundant water provide a fertile soil for growing the succulent Washington Navel oranges for which Ribera is renowned. Local attractions include the Anguilla necropolis, Foce del Fiume Platani Nature Reserve and Monte Sara area.

SECCAGRANDE

Seccagrande is a small hamlet near Ribera in the province of Agrigento. The beach is made up of pebbles and sand the the seawater is clear blue. On the seafront there are bars and restaurants to taste the local specialties or for an evening aperitif while admiring the sunset. Full of charm and history, Ribera is a medieval village with interesting cultural attractions. The area stands out for the copious production of strawberries, grapes, almonds, olives, fruit, and excellent oranges, exhibited during the annual Orange Festival. There is a weekly market on Thursdays.