Southeastern Sicily is home to two unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Greek temples and Baroque architecture, and with 2 to 3 days you can visit them both. The Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento, has some of the best-preserved Greek temples still standing and Agrigento is the 2025 Italian capital of culture. Several towns in the Noto Valley have buildings that are outstanding examples of Sicilian Baroque style.
Agrigento Greek Temples
The Valley of the Temples, Valle dei Templi, in Agrigento is one of Sicily’s must-see sights. The Greeks settled in this area 2500 years ago. Extensive remains of Greek temples are in the archaeological park. In ancient times, this was a large sacred area where monumental Greek temples were erected in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. These temples are some of the largest and best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.
Perched on a ridge, the stunning Temple of Concord stands out as you approach the area. In the big parking lot are the ticket office, souvenir stands, a bar, restrooms, and the entrance to one section of the park, the area di Zeus.
Across the street is a second section, Collina dei Templi, with the most complete temple remains lined up on a ridge, another bar, and restrooms. There’s another ticket booth and entrance at the opposite end of the Collina dei Templi section. You’ll also see Roman tombs, Greek walls, and remains of the ancient Agora. At the ticket office, ask for a map of the temples that tells a little about them.
Further up the road toward town is the very good Regional Archaeology Museum with a few more ruins near it, including a Roman neighborhood. Inside the museum is a good collection of finds from the area. Recreations of the Temple of Zeus and Gigante show the size and form of the temple, once supported by 38 gigante . Other interesting exhibits in the museum include lion-head water spouts, a large collection of vases, and Roman mosaics.
- Buy Valley of the Temples entry tickets or book a guided tour.
- Valley of the Temples and Museum website
Agrigento’s Historic Center: Up the hill is the historic center of the medieval town of Agrigento, also worth a visit. Eat at one of the restaurants in town if you want to have lunch there instead of by the temples.
The train station is on Piazza Marconi in the center of town, a short walk from the historic center. Buses go from town to the Valley of Temples archaeological area and to nearby towns, beaches, and villages.
Where to Stay:- Right by the temples is the Villa Athena Resort, a great place to stay or enjoy a meal on their terrace with beautiful views of the temples. The 5 star hotel has a pool, wellness center, restaurant, and parking.
- Overlooking the Valley of the Temples, Colleverde Park Hotel features a garden and lobby decorated with 19th century ceramics and furniture.
- In town, La Terrazza di Empedocle is a bed and breakfast with a terrace and good views, a short walk from the train station and the main street.
Noto Valley Baroque Towns
The Baroque towns of the Noto Valley, or Val di Noto, were rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style following an earthquake in 1693. Many of the buildings are ornately decorated with interesting figures near the roof and beautiful balconies. Although Noto is the principal town for which the valley is named, there are 8 towns included in the UNESCO inscription for their late Baroque architecture.
Ragusa is a stunning and unusual town, divided into two parts – the Upper Town and Ibla. After the earthquake destroyed most of the town, half the people decided to build on the ridge above town and the other half renovated the old town. Ibla, the lower town, is reached on foot by a series of stairways or by bus or car on a winding downhill road. The part you want to visit is Ibla (leave your car in the parking lot) but from the edge of the upper town the views of Ibla are beautiful.
In the center of Ibla, behind a large piazza with cafes and shops, sits the spectacular Baroque Duomo di San Giorgio. While you’re by the square, stop in for a gelato at Gelati Divini, a shop that makes unusual ice cream made from wines. The best Baroque buildings not to miss are Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo Sortino Trono, Palazzo La Rocca, and Palazzo Battaglia. Ibla has several UNESCO inscribed churches to see, too – Santa Maria dell’Idria, San Filippo Neri, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, San Giuseppe, Santa Maria del Gesu, San Francesco, and Chiesa Anime del Purgatorio.
Where to Stay:- Ibla Resort Boutique Hotel, a good place to stay right in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, has a terrace overlooking the historic center.
- In Ragusa, Via Pezza 100 is a condo hotel with parking, rooms with balcony or terrace and great views of Ragusa Ibla.
Two smaller towns to visit if you have more time are Modica, known for its chocolate, and the even smaller Scicli. Modica has several Baroque churches including the Baroque Cathedral of San Giorgio, an archaeological museum with a Bronze statue of Hercules from the 3rd century BC, and a collection of 15th century tapestries in the Church of San Domenico.
Scicli is dramatically set in a canyon. As you approach by car, watch for great views of the town. Several monasteries and churches sit on the rocky cliffs above the town. Stroll along the pedestrian street of the historic center to admire the Baroque buildings, then walk up the hill toward the former mother church of San Matteo, passing more buildings. You will be rewarded with views of the town and of caves in the cliffs.
Sicily Travel Planning
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Sicily Guide Books:
DK Sicily Travel Guide
Rick Steves Sicily
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