The 13 things to do in Sciacca

Did you plan to discover Sicily? Enjoy it to take a step in the south and visit Sciacca!

Discover the charm of Sicily by visiting Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento . The city is renowned for its thermal baths, ceramics and port. Founded in the fifth century BC by the inhabitants of Sélinonte, it was then under Arab domination from 840, then the Normans and then the Bourbons.

Today, the city lives of tourism, thermalism and its port. Visiting Sciacca allows you to discover its history and architecture, to enjoy the beaches and the landscape, and possibly the thermal baths. So we have listed the must-sees to visit Sciacca at best!

1. The historic centre

You can start visiting Sciacca by the porta San Salvatore of the sixteenth century, west side. It is close to the church of Santa Marguerita and the church of Carmine. The Palermo door (1753) and the San Calogero door (XVI century) are also to be seen.

Sciacca is the city of ceramics and one can observe which adorn the constructions. The Angelo Scandaliato square is a must in the heart of the old city, on the terrace facing the sea.

Also, you will discover medieval towers, which bear witness to the past: you are advised especially the towers of Pardo and Campanari. Finally, Italy obliges, do not miss the many churches, all as beautiful as one another.

2. The port and the fish market

Sciacca is renowned for its fishing port, which is the second of Sicily, after Mazara del Vallo. It is therefore a very important economic activity for the city and the inhabitants. Dominated by the old town, it has a lot of charm and allows to make beautiful pictures.

It is also an opportunity to observe the boats and see fishermen come back from the sea or prepare nets and ships. Moreover, the fish market is very popular and the inhabitants come to the arrival of the fishermen to buy them fresh fish cages.

3. The Duomo

It is impossible to visit Sciacca without passing through the Duomo, piazza Duomo. This cathedral is also known as Chiesa Madre or Basilica Maria Santissima Del Soccorso. Its construction began in 1108, in the Norman era.

It is then restored in the 18th century, with the contribution of baroque elements. The interior is to be seen absolutely. The central nave ceiling is covered with frescoes. Also, there are scenes of the Apocalypse or the life of Santa Maria Maddalena.

4. The Château

This strange site, a work of a local artist Filippo Bentivegna (1888-1967), is one of the must-sees to visit in Sciacca. Castello Incantato is an open-air museum filled with over 3,000 sculptures of raw art. It is quite surprising to see all these busts of characters in this Mediterranean garden overlooking the sea.

So don’t look for a castle because there are no! It is actually a garden of carved stones and caves. And before you go, learn about the artist’s story, a solitary character who spent a great part of his life sculpting these strange busts.

5. The palaces

Visiting Sciacca also allows to admire the architecture of the palaces, old houses of Sicilian nobility. Thus, the Steripinto Palace dates from the 15th century, it is built in a Catalan and Renaissance Gothic style. Also, it is easily recognizable to its façade "in diamond tips".

The palazzo Tagliavia di San Giacomo also dates back to the 15th century. We can see it on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, just like the Bertolino Tommasi Palace. It is more recent with its neo-classical façade of the nineteenth century. Also to be seen, the palazzo Inveges in Piazza Inveges, still in the historic center.

6. The Baths

Sciacca’s thermal baths are renowned since Antiquity, the city being the oldest thermal resort in Sicily. The steam caves of San Calogero at the top of Mount Kronio were reportedly discovered by Dédale.

Sciacca sulphide waters are indicated to treat dermatological, respiratory, rheumatism, arthritis... So if you're looking for what to do in Sciacca, you could enjoy it to offer you a thermal stay!

7. San Calogero Basilica

The Basilica of San Calogero is located at the top of Mount San Calogero, in the natural reserve of Mount Kronio. She owes her name to Saint Calogero, patron saint of the city, who died in the cave under the basilica.

This sanctuary was built in honour at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Inside the basilica, on the altar, you can see a statue representing San Calogero. The site offers a magnificent view of the city, the surroundings and the sea.

8. The castle of the Counts Luna

Among the emblematic historic buildings to be visited in Sciacca is the castle of Comtes Luna. The ruins of the castle dominate the city, along the Via Conte Luna. This former fortress was the home of the Luna family, built in 1380, at the request of Guglielmo Peralta.

We can still see the walls and towers, including a cylindrical tower that has better survived the times. From there you can enjoy a panoramic view to make beautiful pictures.

9. Museums

The Scaglione museum gathers the works that the collector Francesco Scaglione (Sciacca 1859 – Rome 1938) had acquired during his life. It is in the historic centre, on Don Giovanni Minzoni Square, next to the famous Duomo Cathedral.

The city of Sciacca is also known for its carnival, the oldest in Sicily and one of the most famous in Italy. You can also visit the Canarval Museum , entirely dedicated to the event. It is located in Via Fratelli Belanca.

As for amateurs old toys (1880-1980), they can observe with nostalgia the toys of the Museo del Giocattolo . Finally, go to the discovery of Casa Museo del Sapone , a little soap museum exhibiting period tools. It is located in the countryside, surrounded by olive trees, northwest of the city.

10. The beaches

If you are going to visit Sciacca in the summer, enjoy the most beautiful beaches in the area. The first that Wanderlix advises you is called Capo San Marco and is about 8 kilometres from the historic centre. Others are closer to the old town, like the old town beach of Tonnara or white sand beach of Foggia .

A little further you can also put his towel in the towel Lido Salus , beach Torre del Barone , fitted with sunbeds and parasols. Finally, fans of nautical activities such as surf kite and windsurfing will take the direction of the beach of San Giorgio .

11. Capo San Marco Nature Reserve

If you're looking for what to do in Sciacca, then enjoy the beauty of nature. The Capo San Marco Nature Reserve is perfect for a walk by the sea. It allows to admire the Mediterranean flora, coves and sunsets. A preserved and wild site, very quiet, to be discovered between the beach of Capo San Marco and the beach of Baia Renella.

12. The cave of the Caricatore

The Caricatore Cave is an unusual and interesting visit to Sciacca. These are caves dug into the ground and would be very old. They would have been of great importance in the Middle Ages as grain elevators. Their structure is quite special, in the form of funnel and the cereals were poured by the top. A visit to the port, on the piazza Dogana.

13. A boat ride

Visiting Sciacca is also enjoying a breathtaking scenery: the Mediterranean. When you admire this clear water, it is difficult not to enjoy it. It falls well, you can remedy this! Indeed, it is possible to rent a boat in Sciacca .

Especially since at the start of the port city, you can discover beautiful places. Agrigento, Scala dei Turchi , Marsala or Trapani , water navigation offers you plenty of possibilities. And no matter your choice, one thing is sure: the moment will be unforgettable!

How to get to Sciacca?

By plane

The easiest way to go to Sciacca is to fly. De France , we find direct flights from several cities for Palermo and Catania . We can also find flights for Trapani, but with stopover. You can consult the best deals with a flight comparison such as Skyscanner , depending on your availability. Upon arrival at the airport you can rent a car to be autonomous.

By car

By car, Sciacca is about 60 km from Agrigento, 100 km from Trapani and 100 km from Palermo. It is a means of transport that will allow you to discover the surroundings of Sciacca with more autonomy. Moreover, you can rent a car from your arrival to the airport, to reach the city, then move freely as part of your visits.

By bus

Buses connect Sciacca to major cities, but also Palermo airport. See the company Autostraporti Salvatore Lumia for Trapani, then Autolinee Lumia and Gallo for other destinations.

Where to stay in Sciacca?

The ideal is to stay in the historic heart to enjoy the charm of the city. You will be on site for the main tours and you will be just steps from bars and restaurants. If you want more calm, there are also apartments on the outskirts and some on the seaside. To find the best accommodation offers, think about using a Compare hotels . Otherwise, you can also find your happiness on Airbnb .