How to Spend 1 Day in Agrigento

Agrigento’s biggest draw is the Valley of the Temples, home to some of the most spectacular ancient Greek ruins in the world. With a full day to dedicate to this area, you can admire these and other archaeological ruins, sample the local cuisine, and even set sail along the Sicilian coast. Here’s how to spend one day in Agrigento.

Dotting the hillside outside of what was once the Greek city of Akragas, this group of seven Doric temples dating from the Magna Graecia now comprise the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples. Get an early start to join a guided walking or bike tour to this 3,200-acre (1,295-hectare) UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about the history and architecture of the Temple of Juno Lacinia and the Temple of Concordia, both constructed in the fifth century BC, along with five other temples built between the fifth and sixth century BC. Alternatively, spend your morning connecting with locals during a farm cooking class and lunch, and turn your sights to the ancient world in the afternoon.

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After spending your morning traveling back in time to Magna Graecia, take a trip to ancient  Rome with a tour of the Villa Romana del Casale in nearby Piazza Armerina. This ancient Roman hunting lodge and thermal baths contain the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world, dating from the fourth century and perfectly preserved by a 12th-century landslide before being excavated in the 19th century. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins include 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters) of spectacular mosaics, including the “bikini girls” and mythological scenes.   

End your time in Agrigento with a sunset sail on the Mediterranean to admire the coast of Sicily  with the conquering eye of the ancients. Choose a cocktail sail, or enjoy dinner onboard featuring fish caught locally and served dressed with island olive oil, lemons, and salt. If you prefer to stay on land, opt for a home dinner experience with a local chef. Dine on pasta tossed with the catch of the day, sip Sicilian wine, and enjoy learning about local history and culture from your host.