25 Mag Scala dei Turchi: where it is and how to organise a visit

The Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte is in second place in the provisional 2022 ranking of ‘I luoghi del cuore FAI’ (FAI Places of the Heart). It is certainly one of the most iconic areas in the province of Agrigento and Sicily as a whole.

Let’s find out all about the Scala dei Turchi and what to see in and around Realmonte.

Where it is located

The Scala dei Turchi is located a stone’s throw from the stupendous Valley of the Temples, one of the places symbolic of Italy’s glorious past. We are in Realmonte, a small village of just over 3000 souls that is part of the free municipal consortium of Agrigento.

From the centre of Realmonte, the cliff is about 4 km away, which can be covered by car in just 8 minutes. If, on the other hand, you want to reach the Scala dei Turchi from Agrigento, you will have to drive about 15 km. Those who do not have a car can take a taxi and get there directly, because unfortunately there is no public transport to the area.

Once at the destination, you can park either in the free zones where this is allowed or in the paid parking areas. The journey then continues on foot.

What is the Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi is an imposing white marl cliff, probably the most famous in all of Italy and certainly one of the most beautiful and appreciated in the world.

Its peculiarity is its soft shape as well as its white colour that makes a perfect contrast with the intense blue of the crystal-clear sea that surrounds it.

The cliff lies between two sandy beaches and is characterised by these rounded lines that are not reminiscent of typical cliffs. To get to the beaches, it is necessary to climb a kind of natural staircase that has been formed over the centuries and is made of limestone. Hence the name Scala dei Turchi.

When you reach the top of the cliff, you have a perfect view of the entire Agrigento coastline. A spectacle worth enjoying at least once in a lifetime.

How to visit Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi has been inaccessible for a while. At the beginning of 2020, in fact, the cliff was affected by a landslide that decreed its closure for safety.

Entry to the Scala dei Turchi is always possible and free of charge, except during periods when access is closed for safety reasons.

However, we recommend avoiding the warmer months, which are always very crowded, and, above all, we suggest avoiding the central hours of the day as the pure white of the cliff reflects the sun.

Near the cliff there are a few beaches and bathing establishments organised to meet all requirements.

What to see in the surroundings

Those arriving in the area cannot miss another timeless beauty located in the heart of Sicily. We are talking about the Valley of the Temples, which is about 20 minutes from the Scala dei Turchi. Also not to be missed is a visit to the centre of Agrigento and, in particular, to Pirandello’s house.