The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the most extraordinary places in the Mediterranean: a hillside of Greek temples overlooking the sea, still standing after two and a half thousand years. But it is also a vast archaeological park, fully exposed to the sun, with two entrances a long way apart and a fair amount to work out before you arrive. Here is a practical, honest guide to planning your visit and enjoying the temples without rushing.
When to go
The Valley can be visited all year round, but the weather makes a real difference. In summer it gets very hot and there is almost no shade: arrive at opening time, early in the morning, or take advantage of the evening openings, when the illuminated temples are at their most striking. In spring and autumn the light is perfect, the hill is green and the temperatures are ideal for walking. Either way, avoid the middle of the day in July and August.
The two entrances: Porta Quinta and Sant'Anna
This is what confuses most visitors. The Valley has two main entrances: Porta Quinta, on the eastern side, near the Temple of Juno; and Sant'Anna, on the western side, near the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You can enter at one and leave by the other, and the route runs gently downhill if you start from Porta Quinta. If you park at one entrance and exit at the other, factor in the shuttle bus or a walk back along the road.
How much time you need
To see the main temples at a relaxed pace and walk the Via Sacra you need at least two to three hours. If you want to add the Kolymbethra Garden, the Hellenistic-Roman quarter and the Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum, allow half a day or more. Our advice is not to compress it: the best part of the Valley is being able to stop.
What to bring
- • Water: the hill is exposed and drinking fountains are not everywhere
- • A hat and sunscreen, even in spring
- • Comfortable closed shoes: the ground is unpaved and sloping
- • Headphones and a charged smartphone, to listen to the audio guide as you walk
- • A light layer if you visit during an evening opening — the hill cools down after sunset
Visiting with the audio guide
Walking among the temples without knowing what you are looking at is like flipping through an illustrated book without reading it. Our digital audio guide runs on your own smartphone: it tells the story of ancient Akragas while you stand in front of the monuments, is honest about what is documented and what is modern reconstruction, and walks you through stop by stop. No device to rent, no queue: open the link, put on your headphones and start walking.
