Agrigento
is a city on the coast of Sicily, Italy. The city is popular as an attraction
site of the ancient Greek town of Akragas, one of the leading cities during the
golden era of ancient Greece. It is founded on a plateau adjacent to the sea
with Rivers Akragas and Hypsas nearby. On its north is a ridge which offers a
degree of natural fortification. Agrigento is a main tourist centre thanks to
its exceptionally rich archaeological legacy.
When you
are on a two-day visit to this wonderful city, you will definitely not lack
something to do or see. You need to generate a precise plan to follow for you
to pay a trip to the multiple fascinating sites in the city, or else you will
surely be beaten by time.
The First day
On the
first day, you will be quite unfamiliar with the city. You will therefore need
to know each corner of the town, places to visit, how to get there and any
other relevant information that will be useful in your adventure. Helpful
information can be obtained from the tourist information offices on Piazza
Marconi close to the railway station or in the city centre on Piazzale Aldo
Moro. There also exists general tourist information at the parking lot found at
the Valley of the Temples archaeological site.
How to arrive
Travelling
to Agrigento is quite easy for the locals but foreigners need to extensively
plan for this trip. In case you are a visitor to Italy and you wish to pay a
visit to this great place, you will need to select most suitable of the various
airports that are connected to Agrigento. The town does not have its own
airport but the nearest include International Airport Palermo, Pantelleria
Airport, international Airport Cantania-Fontanarossa and International Airport
Trapani-Birgi. Once you are at the airport the preferable solution is to hire a
taxi or a car to get to Agrigento.
Trains are
the most common transport modes to and from Agrigento. The place is quite a
distance from other towns which calls for the use of efficient trains from
Palermo and Caltanissetta. The journey by train will take about 3 hours and you
will have the opportunity to see the countryside as you maneuver through the
hills.
The coach is the perfect substitute to the trains, where you travel
faster and more comfortable. Sitting on the top of the speeding double-decker
coach is an experience you will not easily forget. Using a bus makes your
journey easier. Agrigento has a superb bus network to Catania, Palermo,
Sciacca, Caltanissetta and Gela. Regular city buses run from the train station, stop at the
Archaeological Museum then slightly further downhill to the major entrance of
the Valley of Temples.
If you want
to enjoy the sea then you will need to travel by boat. There is daily transport
by boats in the summer but limited boat activity during the winter. Porto
Empedocle, Agrigento’s port is situated 3 km away from the town. The boats and
hydrofoils at this port lead to Pelagie, Lampedusa and Linosa islands. Getting
around Agrigento will require you to hire a car or a scooter. They are the
mostly used local transportation modes. Most streets in the town are quite wide
and vey high while others are more narrow and curved. These scooters find their
way around quite easily. The landscape is not flat thus the use of bicycles is
extremely limited. The medieval streets and the town centre can be reached from
the train station by foot, though it could get quite hot during the summer
season.
There are a
variety of restaurants close to the historic center. Preferably, you may visit the
Concordia, off Atenea for good fish dishes and pastas. In case you want to
taste a splurge, you may get it at the Villa Athena whenever they are serving
on the terrace. Along with the excellent foods, you will have a spectacular
view of the temples. Since you are staying in Agrigento for two days, you will
probably need to spend the night. There are various inexpensive bases suitable
for exploring the area.
Places to visit