Things to do in Porto Empedocle

The 3.5-hour itinerary will show you the Scala Dei Turchi and all the beauties of the coast: coves and beaches. The departure and return will be in the beautiful port of San Leone. Soon after the departure you will see the mouth of the legendary Akragas River and the view of the valley of the temples from the sea. After Porto Empedocle we will reach the Scala dei Turchi in a few minutes with its particular shiny water where you can swim and snorkel right in front of this majestic white marl cliff. Moving further west we will reach Capo Rossello, the lighthouse that dominates the coast and the bay of the Madonnina, in front of these places we will make the second stop for swimming. The last stop will be before returning and we will also visit the Saracen tower and the Siculiana beach. An intense tour, half a day with 3 stops for swimming and a complete visit of the entire coast of Agrigento!

Let be surrounded by architectural treasures, the Valley of the Temples is amongst the most evocative sites of the Greek world and one of the most important complexes outside the Greece. We will visit the temples which stand on the high ridge overlooking the sea, walking the Sacred Way, and discovering the magnificence of the Concordia Temple, which was converted in a Christian church in the 6th century and because of that spared from much of the devastation which afflicted the site over the centuries. You will walk between the Temple of Zeus ruins, the largest temple built by the Greeks, destroyed to build the harbor of the near town of Porto Empedocle. Named as one of the 10 wonderfully unique beach by Tripadvisor, Scala dei Turchi’s cliff rises between two fine sandy beaches, and to access it you have to proceed along the coast and climb into an ascent similar to a large natural limestone staircase. The Scala dei Turchi has a wavy and irregular shape, with lines that are not rough but sweet and roundish. The name comes from the past raids of Saracens pirates, named conventionally by locals as “Turchi" (Turkish), these pirates in fact found this site as a safer landing place for their ships, saving them from the beating of the hammering African winds, compared to the rest of the southern coastline.

The guided tour of the oldest and most characteristic area of Agrigento, known as the Valley of the Temples, will take you to travel back in time among the Doric temples of the Hellenic period, visiting one of the largest and most spectacular archaeological areas in the world. We start immediately by visiting the Temple of Hera Lacinia or Juno erected 120 meters high in 450 BC. on the hill of the Rupe Atenea with Doric columns; the temple in which he used to celebrate the wedding is dedicated to Juno because inside it was kept a painting that probably depicted the goddess protector of women and fertility. A few steps away we find one of the symbols of Agrigento, the majestic Temple of Concordia, the second best preserved temple in the world after the Parthenon in Athens. Dating back to 430 BC. today it is in an excellent state of conservation thanks to the transformation of the temple into a Christian church. In the front part of the temple we can admire the suggestive bronze statue of Icarus, donated by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, representing the fall of Icarus who disobeying his father and flying too close to the sun, burned his wax wings and fell into the Mediterranean. We continue the guided tour exploring the oldest of the Doric temples of Agrigento, the Temple of Hercules or Heracles for the Greeks, which owes its name to a bronze statue of Hercules, the strongest and most valiant of the Gods, inside the temple . During the visit you will see prickly pear trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the valley. We then arrive at the Temple of Jupiter or Zeus, originally one of the largest temples of classical antiquity which over time was damaged due to earthquakes and therefore used as a quarry for the construction of the Porto Empedocle pier. Among the ruins of the temple we will see the reconstruction of one of the Telamons over 7 meters high, stone sculptures of giants placed outside the temple to protect the divinity, which with its majesty gives us an idea of the beauty of the temples originally. Tickets entry not included (it's possible buy them on the spot in the tickets office)

4-hour tour aboard a catamaran. The tour starts from the port of Porto Empedocle towards Scala dei Turchi; the first stop will take place here, where you can dive right in front of the wonderful white marl. Subsequently we follow the coast of Capo Rossello, passing by the Madonnina beach and then arriving at the Le Pergole lido where we will make a second stop. A small aperitif will be offered between the two stops. The tour is for a maximum of 10 people, it always has a skipper and on board you will find SUP boards and masks. We recommend that you bring a beach towel and sunscreen with you! Departures are every day, in the morning or afternoon (weather conditions permitting) Travel from your accommodation, round trip, is included!

An exciting journey to discover the Agrigento coast, where the crystal-clear sea meets imposing cliffs and ancient Saracen towers. An E-BIKE tour designed for those who want to experience the authentic beauty of Sicily, immersing themselves in extraordinary landscapes of nature, history, and adventure. ** Snorkeling on request is included with equipment and will only be possible in favorable weather conditions. Alternatively, we will visit other places by E-BIKE** You will travel along scenic roads that wind through the green countryside and the blue Mediterranean Sea. Old paved side roads and dirt tracks will lead you to the wonderful Scala dei Turchi. The tour continues to enchanting beaches and sheer cliffs where you can swim and snorkel if the weather permits (almost every day in summer!) (masks and jackets included!). Along the way, Capo Rossello and its ancient lighthouse offer breathtaking views, while the old watchtower on Monte Rosso reminds us of the past of this fascinating and mysterious coast. Thanks to our E-BIKES [E EXPL 700 ROCKERIDER!], every climb becomes accessible and every kilometer is an experience of pure freedom. You can choose the level of assistance, pedaling in maximum comfort or challenging the slopes for a more dynamic experience. The route, approximately 30 km long, is suitable for everyone and lasts a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes, including stops (about 2 hours on the bike). When possible, you can enjoy a refreshing swim and go SNORKELING. BRING YOUR SWIMSUIT and a BEACH TOWEL! An adventure that offers authentic emotions, far from stress, surrounded by the silence of nature and the breath of the sea. Get on your bike and experience Sicily in a new, slow, and engaging way. Type of road: Asphalt, quiet and charming coastal roads far from the chaos EBIKE difficulty: Easy Sporting difficulty: Easy-medium -> it is still a physical activity, albeit a light one What we will do: Explore the coast on the latest generation of MTB EBIKES. Stops: Scala dei Turchi and BEACHES where you can swim, SNORKEL, and relax. What we will see: Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, cliffs, hidden beaches, nature, sea, and countryside. Suitable for: Those who want to visit the Scala dei Turchi; those who want to discover the most beautiful coastline of Agrigento; those who want (when possible) to swim at secret beaches; nature lovers; those who want to enjoy a simple and rewarding sporting activity such as cycling! Our powerful and safe E-BIKES will allow you to cycle easily along the entire route. We provide transfers to/from: Agrigento city and surrounding areas (to be requested separately). During the summer, we will provide: masks & jackets for snorkeling!

Morning hours: 10:00 – 14:00 Afternoon hours: 15:00 – 19:00 Fresh water, tea and snacks will always be present on board free of charge for all customers on the excursion. It is possible with reservation to have an aperitif on board (Euro 10.00 supplement per person, to be booked in advance on the day of the excursion, to be paid locally) The navigation will start from San Leone (AG), immediately after boarding in the tourist port we will make a beautiful coastal navigation enjoying the landscapes of our territory. The Scala dei Turchi is certainly one of the most important stops to visit on the sea. We will pass in front of the legendary Akragas river, between culture and nature the tour will begin which will make us pass in front of the sites strongly linked to our history. Soon after we will arrive at the Maddalusa beach and the Chaos bay, so dear to our writer Pirandello. Passing Porto Empedocle we will enter the most exciting part of the excursion. In 10 minutes we will sail along the coast of the city arriving in Realmonte, we will be greeted by the fantastic Scala dei Turchi, now the waters will change. This is how the whole coast will appear crystalline, clear and shiny. A nice dip in these waters that move from the African continent to our beloved city and some beautiful photos with the Scala dei Turchi will be just one of the memories of this day. Moving further west, Capo Rossello and the lighthouse will show us the bay of the Madonna and the Rocca Gucciarda which tells a legend well known in the city. A dip in the warm waters of the area will be regenerative, it will also be possible to visit areas with shallow water for children. But the tour does not end here! We will also visit the area of fallen stones and the cappellaccio, seeing the beach of Siculiana and Giallonardo. The excursion is usually carried out with a large dinghy, the 12-seater tecno with 150 hp. in the case of fewer than 4 people, the vehicle can be replaced with a 6-metre boat.

Enjoy a scenic drive into the countryside to Agrigento on this full-day excursion from Palmero, with stops to see ancient temples. Visit the scala dei turchi beach and learn about the country's rich history before being transferred back to Palermo. The excursion includes a short stop for a coffee en route to Agrigento, before arriving at the Valley of the Temples. You can further explore the Hera, Concordia and Apollo temples and Hardcastle villa, with a guidebook that will provide more information about the sites. You’ll have free time to decide on a place for lunch, before your driver takes you to the Scala dei turchi Beach. After the Photo stop you'll be driven back to Palermo.

Departing from Palermo, gear up for a full-day trip to Agrigento and the Scale of the Turks. Head first to the Temple Valley in Agrigento, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the finest of all ancient Greek sites, including the Doric Temples and the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas.  Among the many stairways you know, this is definitely one of the most unusual. You have probably already realized that this is not a real ladder, but a spectacular stretch of coast, that, thanks to its peculiarity and history, has become an icon of the Sicilian seaside tourism.  This white cliff is located along the stretch of sea between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle and its rock is made of a soft limestone and a blinding white marl. The sea, taking advantage of this sparkling white, will be showing off its deep blue. The more daring can trek the stairway to the beach to the west, and will then be rewarded with a less frequented place for bathing.

The guided tour of the oldest and most characteristic area of Agrigento, known as the Valley of the Temples, will take you to travel back in time among the Doric temples of the Hellenic period, visiting one of the largest and most spectacular archaeological areas in the world. We start immediately by visiting the Temple of Hera Lacinia or Juno erected 120 meters high in 450 BC. on the hill of the Rupe Atenea with Doric columns; the temple in which he used to celebrate the wedding is dedicated to Juno because inside it was kept a painting that probably depicted the goddess protector of women and fertility. A few steps away we find one of the symbols of Agrigento, the majestic Temple of Concordia, the second best preserved temple in the world after the Parthenon in Athens. Dating back to 430 BC. today it is in an excellent state of conservation thanks to the transformation of the temple into a Christian church. In the front part of the temple we can admire the suggestive bronze statue of Icarus, donated by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, representing the fall of Icarus who disobeying his father and flying too close to the sun, burned his wax wings and fell into the Mediterranean. We continue the guided tour exploring the oldest of the Doric temples of Agrigento, the Temple of Hercules or Heracles for the Greeks, which owes its name to a bronze statue of Hercules, the strongest and most valiant of the Gods, inside the temple . During the visit you will see prickly pear trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the valley. We then arrive at the Temple of Jupiter or Zeus, originally one of the largest temples of classical antiquity which over time was damaged due to earthquakes and therefore used as a quarry for the construction of the Porto Empedocle pier. Among the ruins of the temple we will see the reconstruction of one of the Telamons over 7 meters high, stone sculptures of giants placed outside the temple to protect the divinity, which with its majesty gives us an idea of the beauty of the temples originally. Tickets entry NOT INCLUDED (it's possible buy them on the spot in the tickets office)

Starting from the pier of San Leone, you will arrive in front of the famous Akragas river, which gave its name to an ancient Greek city. Passed the bay of Kaos of Porto Empedocle, in a few minutes, you will reach Realmonte, where you will be welcomed by the unmistakable Scala dei Turchi, with its majestic elegance. In this fascinating place, you can take advantage to take a bath in the clear waters and enjoy the tranquility that only places like this can offer. You will continue the tour towards the south-western coast of Agrigento, reaching the Giallonardo beach, an enchanting destination, characterized by fine golden sand, on which stands a high and jagged coastline. The last stop of the trip will take you to Torre Salsa, WWF oasis, an uncontaminated area located in the heart of the reserve, where you will admire the homonymous watchtower, which dominates the promontory. After a last refreshing bath, you will return to the pier of San Leone.