Area Archeologica di Solunto — Attraction in Santa Flavia

I visit a lot of archaeological sites and can strongly recommend this one. I found it fascinating and the scenery is beautiful.

The Hellenic ruins are reachable by public transport from Palermo. Just take the train to S. Flavia, €3.30 each way and roughly 20 minutes. From S. Flavia it’s a 20–30 minute walk to the archaeological site. You’ll have to walk up a hill by a road (which was very quiet). Recommended to go in the morning, since the hillside gets hot. Take lots of water with you (no market up the hill).

The archaeological park is surprisingly large. It may not be as flashy as other sites, but here you’ll get a good impression of how people actually lived. It’s surprisingly well preserved, especially some mosaics.

Some signs are in English, but take Google Translate (Lens) with you.

The only bad thing I can think of is that unfortunately the site is quite poorly maintained. At times it’s quite confusing where you are allowed (or even supposed) and not allowed to go. It seems like many people have walked on some very fragile mosaic tiles. It’s not a busy place (I was practically alone, in October) so you can explore very freely.

You can expect to spend a couple of hours at the site and the two small museums. The €5 entry is very fair. Take good shoes with you. You’ll see lots of lizards.

In short, perhaps the best antiquity experience in the vicinity of Palermo. A bit of a hidden gem, really....

I went here 1 week ago in the morning about 11 AM and the gate was closed. There was no sign on the gate, nobody there too talk to, no opening times sign, nothing. The gate could easily be opened also and was unlocked. There was an easy place to hop the fence by the restaurant. I almost went in regardless but my wife stopped me and I didn't want to get arrested or something in hindsight. Also nothing online was posted about it being closed. Even the restaurant was closed with nobody around.

The information online says it is open 9:00-5:30. Several groups of people in cars were hoping to visit also while I was there for 45 minutes or so trying to figure out the situation and we were all disappointed. I was thinking it was COVID measures but at least make an effort to put up a sign or change if it is open online. Some local ladies were nearby and they told me they don't know why it is closed or when it opens. Also I spoke with 2 police officers later that also did not know have any information. Disappointing because I love history and I made an effort to go out there on the train. Beautiful view up there though and I had a nice time in the...

This is difficult to navigate. If you have bad knees, I do not recommend this hike at all. You will be climbing very steep rocky/ unpaved/ partially paved paths. some areas are not maintained.

the view near the top is amazing

bring lots of water and snacks if you want to spend some time. there is a toilet at the ticket office before you go up and one at the second antiquarium building just before you leave

some of the signs are in English but poorly maintained

there is a small parking lot, but the morning we arrived, everyone was parked poorly, so we parked on the road.

I did find this really interesting, especially after visiting Pompei, I was able to identify...