Valley of the Temples: Day Trips and Tours from Palermo

The Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is the defining cultural landmark of Sicily. The site has deservedly earned its UNESCO World Heritage status for its deep connection with the Ancient Greeks.

Situated just outside of the town of Agrigento, the Valle dei Templi holds six historical temples, as well as many other ruins. It is also home to one of the best-preserved Doric structures in the world.

Valley of the Temples day trips from Palermo are easy and enjoyable for the whole family.

How to get to Valley of the Temples from Palermo?

The Valley of the Temples is situated on the island of Sicily, close to the town of Agrigento. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and belongs to Italy.

From Palermo to Valley of the Temples by car

A day trip to Valley of the Temples by car takes just under 2.5 hours and covers just over 180 kilometers. The drive takes the E90 north out of the city. You’ll follow along the coastline for part of your journey until you reach the A19 heading inland.

Just after Villarosa, you’ll exit the motorway and take the SS640 all the way down, following signs for the Valley of the Temples.

From Palermo to Valley of the Temples by bus

You can catch a bus to Agrigento from Palermo’s Piazzetta Cairoli several times a day. It takes a little under three hours to reach the Piazzetta Rosselli bus stop in the town of Agrigento.

It is around a 30-minute jaunt to the Valley of the Temples by foot. Alternatively, you could choose to take a taxi from the town to your destination.

Guided tour to Valley of the Temples from Palermo

Day trips to Valley of the Temples depart between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM either from a central point in Palermo or from your hotel. You’ll journey to the Valle dei Templi in an air-conditioned coach or minivan, and the tour lasts between eight and nine hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Valley of the Temples cost?

An excursion to the Valley of the Temples is an affordable outing from Palermo.

• Adults (18+): €10
• Concessions (18-25): €5
• Children Under 18: Free

Persons with disabilities and their companions also enter the archaeological site for free. The admission fee is waived for all on the first Sunday of every month.

There is the opportunity to buy combined tickets which enable you to enter the archaeological museum or Kolymbetra Gardens as well. These are inexpensive and cost between €13.50 and €17.50 per person, depending on the attractions you wish to visit.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Valley of the Temples from Palermo?

Day tours start early in Palermo and travel in a comfortable vehicle to the town of Agrigento. Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee before hopping back on board and journeying just a few miles to the Valley of the Temples.

Some tours include a guide to show you around the archaeological site, but if not, you’ll have a guidebook to help you identify the most notable monuments. Once you’ve had your fill of the Hellenic architecture, you’ll have free time to choose a spot for lunch.

Following that, you’ll move on to the Agrigento Archaeology Museum which houses almost 6,000 artifacts. These range from 20th century relics to prehistoric remains, and your tour of the museum will be self-guided.

After marveling at the treasures that the museum holds, you’ll board your bus and finish your journey to the Valley of the Temples in Palermo.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Valley of the Temples?

There are several different tours available to visit the Valley of the Temples which range in price and itinerary.

Day Trips to Valley of the Temples from Palermo

Day trips to the Valley of the Temples are mostly self-guided, with a guidebook provided for reference. After starting the day early, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for a coffee in the center of Agrigento.

Moving on to the Valley of the Temples, you’ll spend a few hours wandering the temples and villas on the UNESCO World Heritage site. After a quick bite to eat, you’ll be escorted to the Agrigento Archaeology Museum before finishing the day back in Palermo.

Private tour to Valley of the Temples from Palermo

If you want to learn more than a guidebook can teach you, consider a private tour of the site. A private day tour to the Valley of the Temples includes a professional tour guide. You’ll be escorted around the most culturally significant sites in the archaeological park. This includes the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Concordia.

3-Day tour to Valley of the Temples plus Monreale, Etna and Taormina from Palermo

If you want to gain a well-rounded view of the island of Sicily, consider a 3-day tour from Palermo. The trip starts with a pickup from your hotel and takes you to Mercato di Ballarò – the bustling street market in the heart of Palermo.

From there, you’ll make stops at the Palazzo dei Normanni, Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio and the Duomo di Monreale.

Day two offers a different side of Sicily with a visit to Mount Etna which is the highest volcano in Europe. Towering over the rest of the island at 3,340 meters, the volcano is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll have the opportunity to travel up to the summit via cable car. The afternoon is spent in Taormina, known for its Greek theater and sweeping coastal views.

On the third day, you’ll visit the Valley of the Temples and its neighboring town— Agrigento. In the Valle dei Templi, you’ll have the chance to see the Temples of Concordia and Rupe Atenea. The tour finishes with a chance to form your opinion on the “Best Italian Village of 2016” — Sambuca di Sicilia.

Day trip to Valley of the Temples plus Scala dei Turchi from Palermo

A day trip that includes Scala dei Turchi is the perfect combination of culture and relaxation. You’ll start the day by visiting the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples. You’ll have free time to explore the Greek ruins at your own leisure including the Temple of Heracles and Villa Aurea.

Continuing on with the tour, you’ll reach the San Leone beach in Agrigento which will no doubt leave you breathless. With its sweeping bay of golden sand and bright azure waters, the beach is enchanting to all that visit.

The last stop on the itinerary is Scala dei Turchi which translates to the “Stair of the Turks.” The white limestone cliff provides a stark contrast to the cerulean seas below it and stands out for miles around. The waves have eroded the cliff over time, forming its iconic shape that looks like a staircase.

How much does a tour to Valley of the Temples from Palermo cost?

Day trips start at around €70 and include a driver, as well as a tour guide if the group has more than 13 participants. Hotel pickup and drop off are also included in the price but entrance fees are at your own expense.

Three day tours to Valley of the Temples are private and include round-trip transportation and a tour guide for the duration of the trip. Accommodation for the three days is at your own expense, as are meals and entry fees. Prices for this tour start at around €962.

A day trip to Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi includes a pickup and drop-off to your hotel, transportation to the sites via air-conditioned vehicle and a bilingual driver. Expect to pay upwards of €235.

What will you see and do in Valley of the Temples?

Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Concordia is the best-preserved Greek building on the island of Sicily. The structure has sustained minimal damage since it was built in 440 B.C. It was named after the Roman goddess of harmony – Concordia – and is one of the best examples of Doric architecture in the world.

Temple of Heracles

Built in the fifth century B.C, the Temple of Heracles is identified by its Doric columns. The temple is in exceptional condition considering it was built in the sixth century B.C., and is named after the Greek hero Heracles (Hercules).

War and natural disasters have caused damage to the temple but it still stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks.

Kolymbethra Garden

An oasis among the Greek ruins, Kolymbethra Gardens has been a part of the Valley of the Temples since the 15th century. With citrus orchards, olive trees and sugar cane plants, the garden delivers rest bite to all those who enter.

What are the opening times?

The Valley of the Temples is open from 8:30 AM every day and the site closes over lunchtime between 1:30 PM and 3 PM. The last admission is at 7 PM and you need to exit the premises by 8 PM.

When is the best time to visit Valley of the Temples?

The Valley of the Temples is an outdoor attraction. Sicily can get up to a sweltering 32 degrees Celsius during the summer months, and tourists swarm the island during July and August.

Because of this, you may consider visiting the archaeological park during the shoulder months of May, June, September or October. You’ll benefit from a better experience at the UNESCO site with fewer people pushing and shoving.

Are there any tours to Valley of the Temples from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:

• Valley of the Temples day trips from Taormina
• Day trips to Valley of the Temples from Syracuse, Sicily

Travel tips

• Remember your swimwear if your day tour to the Valley of the Temples includes a stop at San Leone beach. The water sparkles enticingly and is warm to swim in.
• There is very little shade at the Valley of the Temples so bring a sunhat, sunscreen and plenty of water on your excursion.