Discover Agrigento Area

Agrigento and surroundings 

Agrigento is a captivating hilltop city and comune in southern Sicily, Italy. Renowned for its ancient Greek ruins, particularly the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agrigento is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece

History

Agrigento's rich history dates back to the 6th century BC when it was founded by Greek colonists as Akragas. The city flourished as a major commercial and cultural center, renowned for its wealth, power, and impressive architecture. However, its glory days waned during the Roman conquest in the 3rd century BC, and the city faced subsequent periods of decline and foreign rule. Despite these challenges, Agrigento has preserved its remarkable heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its glorious past.

Key attractions include:

• The Valley of the Temples: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Greece at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among the awe-inspiring ruins of temples dedicated to Zeus, Hera, Concordia, and Hercules, marveling at their architectural mastery and historical significance.
• Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum: Delve deeper into Agrigento's rich history at the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum. Admire an extensive collection of artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and coins, that chronicle the city's evolution from its Greek origins to the Roman era.
• Giardino della Kolymbetra: Wander through the beautiful botanical garden located within the archaeological park.
• Centro Storico: Explore the charming historic center of Agrigento, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings. 
• Cathedral of Agrigento: Admire the impressive architecture of this medieval cathedral.

Food

Agrigento's cuisine is a symphony of flavors, reflecting its diverse cultural influences. Savor mouthwatering dishes like:

• Maccu di fave: A typical peasant dish, a soup of broad beans that are mashed into a tasty cream while cooking. 
• Cavatelli al cartoccio: Cavatelli al cartoccio is reminiscent of the famous pasta with aubergines. The cavatelli are prepared with tomato, basil, salted ricotta and caciocavallo cheese and baked together with aluminium foil.
• Minestra di San Giuseppe: the traditional soup is made with broad beans and pulses, but there are several variations, including pasta. Cuttlefish soup: a delicious soup cooked in the Agrigento area, especially in the coastal area. It is made with peas, potatoes, parsley, and cuttlefish that are caught in these areas.
• Taganu d'Aragona: an ancient Easter dish of peasant origin. Its ingredients are pasta, eggs, cheese and pork. The Sicilian word ‘Tiganu’ indicates the earthenware pot in which it was once prepared and Aragona indicates the country of origin of the dish. Ingredients used to be sealed in clay pots, which were then broken at the end of cooking to extract the dish
• Sogliola alla saccense This is a typical dish in particular of the municipality of Sciacca, where the entire cuisine is characterised by fish-based recipes, as it is a coastal municipality. Sole is the queen of the dish, flavoured with Sicilian citrus fruits and baked in the oven.
• Frutti di Mare: Enjoy the bounty of the Mediterranean with a platter of fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, and octopus, grilled or prepared in flavorful sauces.

Beaches

Agrigento boasts a stunning coastline with diverse beaches catering to various preferences: 

• Admire the Scala dei Turchi: Take a trip to the Scala dei Turchi, a mesmerizing natural wonder near Realmonte. These unique white marlstone cliffs, resembling a giant staircase, offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Relax at the San Leone Beach: Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, and water sports at San Leone Beach, Agrigento's most popular seaside destination offering sandy shores, clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants and savor the vibrant atmosphere 

Tourist Information

• Getting There: Agrigento is easily accessible by air, with the nearest airport being Falcone Borsellino Airport in Palermo. Train and bus connections are also available from major Sicilian cities.
• Getting Around: The city center is easily walkable, while buses and taxis are readily available for exploring the surrounding areas.

Tips

• Plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid peak crowds and enjoy milder temperatures.
• Purchase a combined ticket for the Valley of the Temples and the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum to save time and money.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and uneven terrain.
• Savor the flavors of Sicily by indulging in local delicacies and enjoying leisurely meals at traditional restaurants.

Where to stay: discover our Villas in the Agrigento Area

Menfi

Menfi, a charming town located in the province of Agrigento, is a hidden gem in Sicily. Renowned for its history, stunning beaches, and world-class wines, Menfi offers a unique blend of culture and relaxation.

History

Menfi has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. Its strategic location made it an important trading post, and the town bears witness to various civilizations that have left their mark, including Phoenicians, Saracens and Spaniards

What to Do

• Explore the historical center: Wander through the narrow streets of the old town and admire the beautiful architecture.
• Visit the Torre Anticorsara (Porto Palo di Menfi): This ancient watchtower offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
• Discover the archaeological sites: Menfi is located near several important archaeological sites, including Selinunte and Segesta.
• Visit the Foce del fiume Belice Oriented Nature Reserve: Ochre-coloured sand and dunes that change shape and arrangement with the wind
• Relax on the beach: The town boasts several beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Wine tasting: Menfi is famous for its production of high-quality wines, especially Grillo. Visit local wineries and indulge in a wine tasting experience. 

What to See

• Palazzo Baronale Pignatelli and Palazzo Ravidà 
• A tower (Torre Federiciana), which is the remains of a medieval castle (Castello Svevo) built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in 1238, perhaps over an Arab fortification.
• Chiesa Madre ("Mother Church"), built in the 18th century but destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. It was later rebuilt.
• Church of St. Joseph (1715).
• Porto Palo: A picturesque fishing village with a charming harbor

What to Eat

Menfi's cuisine is a delightful blend of traditional Sicilian dishes and fresh seafood. 

• Fresh fish: Enjoy the freshest seafood at one of the many restaurants along the coast.
• Carciofo Spinoso (Artichoke Thorny): It is harvested from December to April and, in addition to its unmistakable taste, is also used as a medicinal plant as it is rich in lignin. 
•  Vastedda della Valle del Belice: a type of cheese produced from sheep's milk, with a typical small, round shape that makes it resemble a flatbread. It is a highly digestible cheese, with a very fresh taste and rich in lactic ferments, so much so that it deserves the D.O.C. designation.

Wine

Menfi is located in the heart of the Grillo wine region. This white grape variety produces crisp, refreshing wines with floral and citrus notes. Wine is one of the main production activities in the area: with over 6000 hectares under cultivation, Menfi is considered one of the largest vineyards in Europe: in 2023 Menfi was awarded „Italian City of Wine“

Beaches

Menfi is blessed with several stunning beaches, including:

• Porto Palo: A long sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for families.
• Spiaggia di Menfi: A smaller beach with a more secluded atmosphere.
• Spiaggia delle Solette: A long sandy beach with crystal clear water  

Where to stay: discover our Villas in Menfi