Is Valley Of The Temples Worth Visiting?

If you have a limited amount of time in Sicily or are staying outside of Agrigento, you may be wondering: is Valley of the Temples worth visiting? In short, yes! The Valley of the Temples is definitely worth visiting.

Nestled on the southern coast of Sicily, Italy, the Valley of the Temples stands as a testament to the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the region. This archaeological site is a treasure trove of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the mesmerizing journey of visiting the Valley of the Temples, covering essential aspects such as how to get there, where to stay and a detailed guide to the site itself. That way, you can decide for yourself if the Valley of the Temples is worth visiting.

How long should you spend in the Valley of the Temples?

Plan to spend 3-5 hours in the Valley of the Temples.

This will give you ample time to explore the temples at leisure, with or without a guide. The historical site is pretty expansive, so you will want to plan at least a half-day excursion here.

What time to visit Valley of the Temples?

The best time to visit Valley of the Temples is during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, which will make exploring the expansive site a lot more comfortable.

The sun in Sicily can be very hot, even in November when I visited. So, be sure to wear breathable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Best Things To See At Valley Of The Temples

1. Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. Dedicated to the goddess Concordia, it dates back to the 5th century BC. The temple’s stunning state of preservation allows visitors to marvel at the intricate details of Doric architecture and gain insight into the religious practices of the time.

2. Temple of Juno

Another prominent structure in the Valley of the Temples is the Temple of Juno. Dating back to approximately 450 BC, it is dedicated to the goddess Hera (Juno in Roman mythology). The temple’s location on a ridge provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

3. Temple of Heracles

Believed to be one of the oldest temples in the valley, the Temple of Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology) dates back to the 6th century BC. Despite its partial ruins, the temple remains an impressive sight and offers a glimpse into the ancient cult of Heracles.

4. Archaeological Museum of Agrigento

Enhance your understanding of the Valley of the Temples by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento. This museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts unearthed from the site, including statues, pottery, and architectural fragments. The exhibits provide context to the daily life and religious practices of the ancient inhabitants.

How To Get To Valley of the Temples

Easiest: The easiest way to get to Valley of the Temples is to stay at the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia and participate in one of their guided tours to Valley of the Temples. The resort handles everything and includes round-trip transportation in a coach bus, admission tickets to Valley of the Temples and a tour guide.

By air: The nearest airport is in Catania (one hour and 45 minutes away). The Palermo airport is about two hours away. From either airport, you’ve got a couple of options: rent a car, hop on a bus or take a taxi to Agrigento, the gateway to the Valley of the Temples.

By train: If you’d prefer to take the train from elsewhere in Italy, Sicily’s rail network has got you covered. Trains from major cities like Palermo or Catania will easily take you to Agrigento. Once you’re there, buses or taxis are readily available to zip you straight to the ancient ruins.

By rental car: Now, if you’re like me and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the way to go. The drive from Palermo takes about two hours, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Sicilian countryside along the way. Trust me, it’s a road trip worth taking.

Where To Stay Near Valley Of The Temples

Like I said, I highly recommend staying at the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia during your stay in Sicily. Staying here will save a lot of logistical headaches when it comes to daily excursions like Valley of the Temples.

I had the chance to stay here personally last year, and the property was incredible. You can read my full resort review here.

Not only did the Adler Spa Resort staff coordinate round-trip transportation and an English speaking tour guide, but they also scheduled a hidden gem cooking class directly under the temple ruins for us. Here, we learned how to make several traditional Sicilian dishes, including an incredibly fresh shrimp risotto.

Otherwise, Agrigento offers a range of accommodation options catering to various budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels with panoramic views to charming bed and breakfasts tucked away in narrow streets, Agrigento provides a warm and welcoming base for your exploration.

So, what do you think, is Valley of the Temples worth visiting? If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to follow and send me a message on Instagram. I’m here to help!

More Sicily Travel Guides

Where To Stay In Sicily For Couples (Adler Spa Resort Sicilia)
50 Sicily Instagram Captions Your Followers Will Love
10 Top Things To Do And See In Positano, Italy

Save The Guide: Is Valley Of The Temples Worth Visiting?

Save this Valley of the Temples guide for later by sharing to your socials.