Photo: Evan Erickson · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples.
A hill town looking down on the Valley of the Temples, a ridge of golden Greek temples among almond and olive trees, among the best-preserved outside Greece. Hot and exposed: go early or late.
Places to see
- Temple of ConcordiaSight · One of the most complete Greek temples anywhere, all its columns standing, golden at…Free
Temple of Olympian ZeusSight · The scattered ruins of what would have been the largest Doric temple ever, with a copy of…Free
Temple of JunoSight · A half-standing temple at the east end of the ridge, with views over the valley and the…≈ A$26
When to go
- Jan15° / 8°Often wetQuiet
- Feb15° / 8°Often wetBusy
- Mar17° / 9°Some rainBusy
- Apr20° / 11°Some rainBusy
- May24° / 14°Mostly dryBusy
- Jun28° / 18°Mostly dryBusy
- Jul31° / 21°Mostly dryBusy
- Aug32° / 22°Mostly dryBusy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The old town. Medieval lanes on the hill, with the cathedral and good-value rooms.
Flying in
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO): Bus to Palermo Centrale, then a train or bus to Agrigento, about 3 h, ≈ A$28.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Agrigento; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$3. The old town sits on the hill; buses run down to the Valley of the Temples (about €1.50, check), otherwise a 3 km walk. Inside the valley it's all on foot.
Tourist tax
Agrigento's city tax: usually about €1.50–2 a person a night in hostels and B&Bs, more in hotels, for the first nights; under-14s don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
Day trips
Palermo, about 2 h 10 min by train. Markets, street food and Arab-Norman churches.
