UNESCO-listed Doric temples including the Temple of Concordia, a museum and a historic hilltop city.
Agrigento is on Sicily's south coast about 130 km (81 miles) south of Palermo, and its Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous archaeological area on the island. The ancient Greek city of Akragas was founded about 580 BC, and a ridge of well-preserved Doric temples stands on the site. The best preserved is the Temple of Concordia, dating from about 430 BC and nearly intact, followed by the Temple of Juno with its fire-blackened columns, and the fallen giant of the Temple of Olympian Zeus with its colossal telamon figure. The Temple of Castor and Pollux is the symbol of the town. The park also contains the Giardino della Kolymbethra, a FAI-managed garden in the valley, and the nearby Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum holds finds from the area. The modern city on the hill has a medieval centre and Via Atenea. Coaches from Palermo take about 2 hours; Cuffaro and Lumia operate on the route, with fares to be confirmed. A car on the SS121 and SS189 takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Seeing the temples at sunrise or in the late afternoon avoids heat and crowds. Summer midday is very hot, and visitors should bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes.
| Distance | 130 km (81 miles) south of Palermo |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 hours by coach |
| Getting there | Coach from the Palermo Autostazione (Via Paolo Balsamo) to Agrigento, about 2 hours; operators include Cuffaro and Lumia; check timetables and fares at booking |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi, Via Panoramica dei Templi, 92100 Agrigento AG |
How to get there
- Coach from Palermo Autostazione to Agrigento, about 2 hours (Cuffaro, Lumia; verify timetable)
- Trenitalia train from Palermo Centrale to Agrigento Centrale, about 2 hours; check trenitalia.com
- Driving: SS121 and SS189, about 1h 45min
Location
Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi, Via Panoramica dei Templi, 92100 Agrigento AG
37.2900, 13.5920 View on map
Highlights
- Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere
- Temple of Juno and the fallen Temple of Olympian Zeus with its telamon
- Giardino della Kolymbethra, an irrigated garden in the valley
- Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum
- Medieval old town and Via Atenea
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; shade is scarce
- Check the current ticket price and opening hours at the official site before travelling
- Allow at least four hours in the park
- Consider a coach for the trip, as the drive is long
When to visit
March-June and September-November; summer is hot.
Accessibility
The main temple path is partly paved but uneven; the park is large and sloped, with limited accessible routes.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Agrigento from Palermo?
About 130 km, about 2 hours by coach or about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
Can Agrigento be done in one day from Palermo?
Yes, but with a long travel day; an overnight stay allows more time.
Which is the best temple?
The Temple of Concordia is the best preserved.
Are guided visits available?
Local guides and audio guides are available; confirm options at the park.