Stair of the Turks — Attraction in Realmonte

If you want to visit the Scala Dei Turchi whilst in Agrigento but do not have a car, you can still get there by bus if you don't mind a short walk.

The SAR bus to Port Empedocle leaves at infrequent intervals throughout the day ( 08:00, 09:00, 10:15, 12:20, 13:30 etc. as of 2019), from the bus station in Agrigento, but you can also catch it a few minutes later from the stop outside the railway station. The fare is €3,80 return.

You need to get off at the stop " Sapori Di Mare" which is about 5 minutes after the Port stop, and just before the bus heads up to the elevated section. You can ask the driver to let you know when you reach the stop, but there's no guarantee that he'll remember.

However if you miss the stop, don't worry, as the bus travels on for another few minutes and the doubles back into the Port via the same route, so you have a second chance to get off.

Once off the bus, there is a 2,3 km walk to the staircase. You can either walk along the road or the beach, it's roughly the same distance.

You should allow around 45 to 60 minutes for the walk depending on how fit you are. The road is 75% flat whereas the beach is all flat.

There are buses back from the same stop at around 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:50, and some earlier too, don't worry if the bus is late as the traffic can be horrendous, especially in high season.

Around 300m from the bus stop towards the beach there are a couple of bars to get a drink and relax after your walk back from the cliffs. There are also plenty of bars along the beach...

We visited the nearby limestone cliffs and it was truly a highlight of our trip. The cliffs themselves are stunning, especially at sunset when the rocks glow in warm colors and create a magical atmosphere. Even though it was quite crowded with tourists, the beauty of the place easily made up for it. Watching the sun slowly disappear over the horizon while sitting on the bright limestone was an unforgettable experience and something I would highly recommend.

These limestone cliffs are a special feature of Sicily’s coastline. One of the most famous formations is the Scala dei Turchi near Realmonte, a natural staircase of dazzling white rock that has become one of the island’s most photographed landmarks. Over centuries, the wind and sea have shaped the limestone into smooth, curved terraces that look almost surreal. The contrast between the brilliant white stone and the deep blue sea is breathtaking.

Beyond the cliffs themselves, the surrounding area is worth exploring too. There are walking paths that allow you to enjoy different perspectives, and small beaches nearby where you can relax and swim. The zone has a very unique character, combining natural beauty with a sense of history and legend, as the cliffs have long been part of local myths and stories.

Overall, visiting these limestone cliffs was one of the most memorable experiences in Sicily. Despite the number of tourists, the natural scenery and the atmosphere of the place make it absolutely worth it. A must-see and...

The Turkish Steps provided the perfect warm to spend a late afternoon (and early evening) after a visit to nearby Agrigento. The whole area truly does have a Mediterranean feel to it which everybody visiting seems to sense. You might be able to find a time when there is a small crowd – but I seriously doubt you would be able to find a time when there is no crowd. However, we kind of felt that the crowd is what made it enjoyable – kind of a beach party feel. Come in your swimsuit and be ready for a day in the sun and the water. The clay material of the steps mixes in with the surrounding water and is supposedly therapeutic – you can definitely feel the difference in the water. Entrance to the Turkish steps is free. However, there is next to no parking and access is via a narrow road upon the cliffs. We had to park at a lot about a half-mile up the road – I believe the fee was about five euros. There are nearby eating establishments and restaurants along the beach. The beaches next to the steps are perfect sunbathing and letting the kids play around. As far as I am aware, there are no...