palermo to agrigento tour

The Perfect Palermo to Agrigento Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on January 18, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning a Palermo to Agrigento day trip is one of the top things on many visitors to Sicily’s to-do lists. Known for being home to the incredible Valley of the Temples, Agrigento is a beautiful place to visit and the area has even more to offer than the ancient temples at the archaeological site.

It’s no secret that Sicily is home to some incredible ancient Greek and Roman ruins — from the theatre in Taormina to the sites at Segesta and Selinunte — there are so many fascinating structures to take in on this Italian island. However, there is none that is more famous than the Valley of the Temples located just outside of the town of Agrigento.

Situated on the south coast of Sicily, Agrigento makes for a good day trip from Sicily, but the beautiful area surrounding is great to explore for more than a day if you can spare. And whether you want to visit Agrigento on an organised tour or independently, this is the guide for you.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Agrigento from Palermo

Agrigento is located about 130 kilometres away from Palermo and, while it is a bit of a trek from the Sicilian capital, it is definitely doable as a day trip.

You can easily visit Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples independently, but if that is too much stress on your Sicilian holiday, there are plenty of organised tours from Palermo, as well.

It’s worth noting that Agrigento is located a bit closer to Palermo than it is to Sicily’s second-largest city of Catania , however, it is also possible to do a Catania to Agrigento day trip, as well. Just note that travel times will be increased a bit.

By Organised Tour

For those who don’t want to deal with the logistics, planning and hassle of going on an Agrigento day trip independently, then your best bet is to go by organised tour. As one of the top day trips from the Sicilian capital, there are countless options available to those who decide to go for this route.

For example, this full-day tour and this full-day tour are excellent options if you want to spend the whole day exploring some of the top sites in Southern Sicily. It includes transport to and from Palermo, a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples and a stop at the Villa Romana del Casale.

If you simply want an easy transfer to Agrigento, then this full-day tour from Palermo is an excellent option. It includes transport to and from Palermo and will take you directly to the Valley of the Temples. You can also opt for a guided tour of the site if that interests you.

Alternatively, you can also take a private tour if you prefer to join an organised group.

If you want to visit Agrigento independently, then by far the easiest way to do this is via your own personal vehicle. Renting a car in Sicily is an excellent option if you want to venture to places that are a bit further afield and you can find good deals for car hires on Rentalcars.com .

The drive from Palermo to Agrigento is about 2 hours and it is pretty straightforward. Once at the Valley of the Temples, there is ample parking available at the archaeological site.

Having your own car makes it much easier to follow the rest of this itinerary, as well, but keep in mind that finding parking near the Scala dei Turchi can get tricky in the high season due to the sheer demand of the place.

If you want to go independently but aren’t keen to hire a car, then getting to Agrigento via train is going to be your best bet. Countless daily trains from Palermo to Agrigento will get you to your destination in about 2 hours. You can view schedules here.

Make sure you get off at Agrigento Centrale station rather than Agrigento Bassa station if you want to easily make it to the Valley of the Temples.

Once you arrive in Agrigento, you can then take local bus number 1 or 2 from the central station directly to the Valley of the Temples. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver and it is a good idea to ensure you have a bit of cash on hand to do this.

If you’re more interested in visiting Agrigento via bus, you are going to find that relatively difficult. There are no consistent coaches that run from Palermo to Agrigento so your best bet is to take the train. Regional trains are affordable so this is a great way to reach the famed archaeological site.

Agrigento Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re travelling independently and with your own car, then follow this itinerary to get the most out of Agrigento and its surrounding area.

Though the two may seem to be synonymous, there isn’t much in the town of Agrigento itself when it comes to tourist sites. The main draw is, obviously, the Valley of the Temples and some other attractions on the coast nearby.

Valley of the Temples

Of course, the reason to do a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo is to visit the incredible Valley of the Temples. This archaeological site is considered to be one of the best collections of ancient Greek temples in the world and is very much a top attraction in Sicily.

There are countless temples to enjoy and see in this archaeological park and they are all relatively easily accessible via a paved pathway. Contrary to a few other archaeological parks in Sicily (notably Selinunte and Segesta), the Valley of the Temples isn’t quite as hilly and the sites aren’t located too far away from each other.

Keep this in mind as there is a taxi service available for €3 to shuttle you between sites – and the drivers post themselves in the car park before you reach the entrance. They can be pushy and make it seem as if you need to purchase this service in order to experience the park – if you’re able-bodied and are able to walk a few kilometres on relatively even and flat ground, you do not.

Entry into the park is €12 per person if you’re interested in visiting the temples only. There are some combined tickets available if you also want to visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology while visiting. You could also opt to go on a guided tour of the site .

While the site actually contains the remains of seven temples, there are four that are the most intact and worth seeing. The most famous and the one that is considered to be one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world is the Temple of Concordia, which is truly spectacular.

The other temples worth seeing include the Temple of Heracles (Hercules), the Temple of Dioscuri and the Temple of Juno (Hera). All of these temples were believed to have been constructed in the 5th Century BCE.

Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the Valley of the Temples and it’s best to head here in the morning – both to beat the crowds and the heat. If you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring this archaeological site, then consider heading to Tipiko restaurant in Agrigento for a delicious sandwich.

Scala dei Turchi

If you’re driving yourself, the next stop on your Palermo to Agrigento should be the beautiful Scala dei Turchi. Translating to the “stairs of the Turks” or “Turkish steps” in English, these are incredible white cliffs that cascade into the Mediterranean off the coast of Realmonte, about fifteen to twenty minutes driving from the Valley of the Temples.

This is an incredibly popular stop to make in the area and it can be very difficult to find parking in order to go down to the cliffs themselves and climb over them.

What we recommend doing is stopping off at the viewpoint to get a good look (the Belvedere – Scala dei Turchi) before heading to our next destination. You won’t get the chance to climb over the cliffs, but you will avoid a significant number of tourist crowds.

Lido Rosello

End your Agrigento day trip at one of the most beautiful beaches in the region – Lido Rosello. This soft sand beach is the perfect stop and it is a bit off the tourist trail especially considering its location right next to the Scala dei Turchi.

The beach is free to enter and there are free parking areas around, as well. The water is shallow and calm, making it a great place to splash around even if you’re not a strong swimmer!

What makes this beach a fantastic place to visit is that you can get a perfect view of the Scala dei Turchi from below. Simply walk along the beach until you hit some rocks and you will be graced with a gorgeous view with a fraction of the crowds!

Where to Stay Near Agrigento

If you decide to spend the night near Agrigento rather than simply going on a day trip, then you’re going to need to find a place to rest your head. If you’re wondering where to stay near Agrigento, then have a look at these suggestions:

Hotel Exclusive – This hotel located in the centre of Agrigento is an excellent choice for those looking for a clean, convenient and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. They have several rooms available suitable for both families and couples and there is also breakfast served daily.

Doric Boutique Hotel – If you’re looking for a bit of luxury while visiting this area of Sicily, then this hotel is a great option. They have a great location close to the Valley of the Temples with lovely rooms to choose from and there is a restaurant, bar and spa/wellness centre on site.

A Cantunera LittleHouse – For those looking for their own space while visiting Agrigento are sure to love this two-bedroom house. It is well located to explore the area and it comes fully furnished and well-equipped with everything you may need for a great stay.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Agrigento hotels!

Planning an Agrigento day trip from Palermo is one of the top things to do while visiting Sicily and it’s really not hard to see why. The Valley of the Temples is an incredible place to explore and the area surrounding is absolutely beautiful, as well.

Are you planning to visit Agrigento? Have any questions about visiting? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you Maggie, l appreciate all the information regarding the trip from Palermo to Agrigento. We are in our early 70 and consider ourselves quite fit and planning on visiting the temples on November 12th,2023, do you know how l could get the information on their opening hours? Thank you again, and all the best to you. Patricia

Hi Patricia, according to the official website, the site is open from 8:30-20:00 from Monday-Sunday but the office closes one hour prior to the site closing 🙂

Hullo Are there any towns along the railway to Agrigento worth having a stop over at? Thank you

thanks so much for your article which made it easy for me to plan a trip to Agrigento from palermo by train.

So happy to hear this helped!

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Deluxe day trip to Agrigento e Valle dei Templi from Palermo with dinner

Visiting Agrigento and the Temple Valley will provide you incredible cultural and historical information about this region and you will discover step by step the cultural background of the Sicilian people.

About this tour:

Flexible reservation

Limited availability

Avoid the waiting queues

• Depart comfortably from Palermo on board our top notch vehicles
• Admire the majestic Temple Valley with a knowledgeable guide
• Live a special day experience on your trip to Sicily
• Enjoy the personalized attention of a deluxe service
• Taste the best specialties of Sicilian cuisine with the included dinner

A day trip to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into Sicily's rich history and culture. Located on the southern coast of the island, the Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains some of the most impressive ancient Greek ruins in the world.

A special day experience to Agrigento from Palermo

Your tour will start in the centre of Palermo, where you will be picked up by your driver, ready to depart with a comfortable minivan or minibus for a pelasant journey to Agrigento. As Agrigento used to be one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, this region is characterized by a smooth blending of Italian and Greek culture, and even in the modern city, you will notice traces of this Greek cultural heritage. After the comfortable journey from Palermo by minivan, you will enjoy a guided visit of Agrigento “Valle dei Templi” area.  

As you explore the Valley of the Temples , you'll be awed by the sheer scale and beauty of the ancient structures. From the majestic Temple of Concordia to the towering Temple of Olympian Zeus, each site tells a unique story about the ancient Greeks who once inhabited this area.

Admire the Temple Valley with a guide

The remains of the seven temples are built in Doric style, keeping an imposing appearance even now when many of them are ruins. The Temple of Hera Lacinia was built in the 5th century BCE, and it has been used mainly for the celebration of weddings, but it was burned by the Carthaginians in 406 BCE. The Temple of Concordia, constructed in the 5th century, was turned into a church in the 6th century CE and, at the moment, it is the best-preserved temple in the Valley. The Temple of Heracles, built in the 6th century BCE for worshiping one of the most important deities in the ancient Akragas, was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake. The Temple of Olympian Zeus dates from 480 BCE and it celebrates the city-state's victory over Carthage. You will definitely notice its large scale atlases. The Temple of the Dioscuri: Castor and Pollux was constructed in 495 BCE and keeps only four columns of that time, being now the symbol of modern Agrigento. The Temple of Hephaestus dates from the 5th century BCE and, most probably, this temple was once the most astonishing building in the Valley. But unfortunately, now it's the most eroded one.

Enjoy a special typical dinner 

After this unforgettable experience, as the sun begins to set, you'll head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious dinner at sunset , the perfect way to end your day trip. The dinner typically consists of a selection of traditional Sicilian dishes , prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, so be ready to savor every bite you take before getting back to Palermo! 

Overall, a day trip to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples with dinner at sunset is an experience that combines the best of Sicilian history, culture, and cuisine. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites, while also enjoying the warm hospitality and delicious food of the Sicilian people.

Important Information

We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.

Please note that this tour might be run on Mercedes luxury 8-seater vans or Mercedes luxury minibuses according to the tour occupancy and always providing the highest possible quality.

We strongly suggest good walking shoes (no flip-flops!) as well as hat and sunscreen.

Rain Policy

This tour runs on rain or shine.

Meeting Point

The meeting point is at our TOURIST HUB & COOKING SCHOOL in Palermo.

Starting from

price per person

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All the Experiences

Meet the ancient Greek culture cornerstone of Sicily: Agrigento!

• Enjoy a comfortable travel from Palermo
• Learn about the Valley of the Temples on a guided tour with an expert guide
• Make the most of personalized attention in our deluxe service
• Enjoy Sicilian delicacies as dinner is included!
• Soak up the fascinating history and culture of Sicily!

Tue, Thu, Sat, at 2.00 PM

APRIL 1st to OCTOBER 31

Description

Visit one of Italy’s most incredible archaeological sites, the Valley of the Temples, in one day with this full-day trip departing from Palermo.

There are few better ways to learn about the history and culture of Sicily than visiting the Valley of the Temples and the town of Agrigento - both of which you will do on this fascinating full-day trip from Palermo.

Agrigento was once one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, if not the most important. The region boasts a blend of Italian and Greek culture and there are nods to Greece’s heritage and influence even in the modern city. You’ll travel there from Palermo by a comfortable minivan which will take you to the Valley of the Temples, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable tour. 

There are seven Doric temples in the valley and despite many of them being ruins, they are still a breathtaking sight. Built in the 5th century BCE, the temple of Hera Lacinia was burned down after 100 years, while the Temple of Concordia, the best preserved in the valley, was converted into a church in the 6th century. There’s also the Temple of Heraccle, The Temple of Zeus, The Temple of the Dioscuri: Castor and Pollux, and the Temple of Hephaestus. You’ll learn more about the temples from your expert guide on a guided tour around these fascinating ruins.

All of that exploring sure works up an appetite. And what better way to round off your trip to Agrigento than a traditional and mouth-watering meal ? You’ll be taken to dinner in a special location, where you’ll get to sample local dishes and excellent wines. All of that before you’re comfortably returned back to Palermo.

• Transportation IN/OUT Palermo by luxury Mercedes Minivan or Minibus
• English speaking driver/tour leader
• Entrance tickets and guided visit of Agrigento Archeological Park
• Typical Sicilian dinner with wine
• Water bottle

Meeting Point

TOWNS OF ITALY Palermo TOURIST HUB & COOKING SCHOOL

in Via Volturno 44, 90138.

We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility. Please note that this tour might be run on Mercedes luxury 8-seater vans or Mercedes luxury minibuses according to the tour occupancy and always providing the highest possible quality. We suggest good walking shoes (no flip-flops!) as well as hat and sunscreen.

Rain Policy

This tour runs rain or shine.

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Immerse yourself in history

REGULAR DAY TOUR

From   palermo.

Piazza Armerina and Agrigento

Eur 98 Departure: Wednesday and Sunday

Language: English, Italian, Spanish

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DESCRIPTION:

Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 BC (BCE) by a group of colonists from Gela, who themselves were the immediate descendants of Greeks from Rhodes and Crete. The area was inhabited much earlier; a female skull (that of the "girl of Mandrascava") found near Cannatello is half a million years old. A Mesolithic village at Point Bianca, farther down the coast toward Montechiaro Castle, dates from 6000 BC. The Sicanians may have descended from that civilization. Akragas was renamed Agrigentum by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Arabs, only to be christened Agrigento in 1927, but the place is the same.

Greatly enlarged by Berbers beginning in the ninth century, the medieval city of Agrigento is not without a certain charm. High in the historical center of the city, the Romanesque Gothic cathedral, built during the fourteenth century, still displays some of its medieval character, as does the thirteenth-century Church of San Nicola (St Nicholas). Unfortunately, the Saracen fortress believed to have stood at Agrigento has not stood the test of time. The Greek temples, theatres and ruins, and even the archaeological museums, are located outside the city proper.

Akragas, named for the nearby river, flourished under Phalaris (570-554 BC), and developed further under Theron (488-471 BC), whose troops participated in the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, defeating the Carthaginians. Agrigento was destroyed several times during the Punic Wars, suffering particularly extensive damage during a siege by Roman forces in 261 BC, but always rebuilt. The Greek poet Pindar (518-438 BC) described Akragas as "the most beautiful city of the mortals." Akragas' most famous citizen was the philosopher and scientist Empedocles (490-430 BC).

In the Valley of the Temples are the ruins of numerous temples but also necropoli, houses, streets and everything else one would expect to find in an ancient city. There is a small amphitheatre, as well as several auditoria, and a fine archeological museum. Unfortunately, most of the temples at Agrigento are in ruins, with pieces strewn about, and several appear to have never even been completed. Part of the Temple of Hera (Juno), built around 450 BC, is still intact. Its style has been compared to that of the temples at Paestum, near Salerno. The Temple of Concord (named retroactively), built around 440 BC, is in far better condition, and at night the illuminated temple is a sight to behold. A number of telamons (large segmented stone columns in the form of human figures) have been preserved.

Ancient Agrigento's importance declined under the Byzantines and Saracens, who encouraged settlement of the medieval city (present-day Agrigento) several kilometers from the Valley of the Temples. The Normans, however, recognized its importance, and it was during the Norman rule that beautiful churches were constructed in and around the city.

The ancient city's architectural character seems more Greek than Roman. What's missing are the thin, reddish bricks so typical of Roman sites like Solunto and Taormina. Despite its location virtually in the shadow of a modern city, the Valley of the Temples is surrounded by olive groves and almond orchards that render its ambience altogether natural, though a number of illegally-built houses mar the landscape. The almond blossom festival held in February is a spectacular event full of folklore.

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Private Tour of the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento

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Min: 1 Person

Offers details

Enjoy an unmissable trip to the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento for a day of history and culture . You will be free to organize your day as you prefer, in total autonomy . This excursion is indeed completely private : you will have a private driver at your disposal, who will take you on a discovery of the magnificent Valley of the Temples. Declared a UNESCO "World Heritage Site " in 1997, the Valley of the Temples is one of the most complex archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, immersed in a rural landscape of rare beauty, where you will find hundred-year old olive and almond trees. You will see the ruins of Akragas , one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, founded in 582 AD by settlers from the towns of Gela and Rodi. You will also have the chance to visit the city of Agrigento, founded by Greek settlers in 581 AD. In the Valley of the Temples, you will admire some of the most beautiful Greek temples in Sicily: Hera Temple (Juno), of Concordia, Heracles (Hercules), the temple of Zeus (Jupiter) and that of Castor and Pollux. Your driver will take you to the archaeological park's entrance, leaving you free to enjoy the Valley of the Temples at your own pace. He will wait for you at the exit when you finish your tour. The entrance fee (10€ per person) is your responsibility. The tour is exclusive . You will not share the vehicle with other passengers. With 1-4 guests, the driver will use a car . For groups of 5-8 people the tour will take place with a minibus . Pick-up : included from your accommodation in the municipality of Palermo. Departure : 9:00. Return : 18:00.

What is included

• task_alt Pick-up from your accommodation in the municipality of Palermo.
• task_alt Transfer to the Valley of the Temples.
• task_alt Return to your accommodation.
• remove_circle_outline Everything that is not specified in the "included".
• You are advised to wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing in all seasons. In the summer bring a hat, water and sun lotion.

How to reach us

• Pick-up from your accommodation in the municipality of Palermo.

Booking terms and conditions

• To make a reservation a prepayment of 20% of the total is required. The outstanding balance must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Terms of use

• In the case of adverse weather conditions, you will be able to arrange another date depending on your availability.

Cancellation policy

• Withdrawal allowed up until 72 hours before the service. The amount paid at the time of booking may be reimbursed under no circumstances.

Sicily / Palermo

1-day tours in sicily, cities of art in sicily.

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• Service Select date first chevron_right Select the service. Select the service 1- 4 pax 5- 6 pax 7- 8 pax
• Times 09:00 chevron_right Select the time. 09:00

Min. 1 Person

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Transfer Palermo Agrigento

Joining the transfer tour from Palermo to Agrigento (and viceversa) you can decide whether to make a stopover into Segesta, visiting its doric temple and theatre and then into the gorgeous medieval town of Erice, or to visit small typical villages you’ll meet along the way, enjoying an off-the-beaten-track experience.

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Private Transfer Tour from Agrigento to Palermo: off the beaten track scenic drive

• Transfer Tour

Private Transfer Tour from Agrigento to Palermo: stopovers into Segesta and Erice

Private transfer tour from palermo to agrigento: off the beaten track scenic drive, private transfer tour from palermo to agrigento: stopovers into erice and segesta.