Visit Scala dei Turchi: Bookings & Rates

Do you want to visit the Scala dei Turchi during your stay in Sicily? Discover our tips to prepare a perfect visit.

Sicily does not lack breathtaking landscapes. But among all these places to visit, the Scala dei Turchi is one of the most popular! This incredible cliff, photographers’ paradise, is located on the southern coast of the island, next to Realmonte.

Its pure white gives it false ice or salt block air. But it is marne, the limestone sediment of which it is formed, that comes this color. Over time and erosion, it has grown from a multitude of natural bleachers. That’s what earned him his name, scala meaning staircase . Very appreciated by visitors, it has sometimes been mistreated by an excessively intensive tourism.

So today there are precautions to be taken to explore this fragile environment. Discover, precisely, how to visit the Scala dei Turchi in the best conditions.

History of the Scala dei Turchi

Over the millennia, the Scala dei Turchi has been formed by the accumulation of mineral sediments that have been destroyed by the sea. Water and wind then shaped its reliefs, giving rise to these amazing natural marches.

Scala dei Turchi means in Italian "Stairs of the Turks". Indeed, the legend says that the "Turks" used this natural staircase to climb to Sicilian lands. Thus, in the 16th century, the Scala would have served them as a doorway for mass looting. But this name is a historical approximation since rather than Turks, it was pirates. sarrass .

Once more confidential, the place was popularized, long before becoming an Instagram star, by the author Andrea Camilleri. Indeed, his famous hero, Commissioner Montalbano, visits the Scala dei Turchi in one of the novels narrating his adventures. This visit gave rise to a superb description that toured the world.

Our tips to visit the Scala dei Turchi

Prepare his visit

Who says a successful visit, says a prepared visit! To visit the Scala dei Turchi in particular, it is necessary to well inquire upstream . Indeed, some access may be closed due to landslides or work. So it's better to make sure you don't make the road for nothing.

To escape the crowd and enjoy the best of this immaculate territory, better worth prefer low season . In addition, to visit the Scala dei Turchi, it is advisable to do so in a calm and calm way to go there early in the morning . However, sunset is a truly magical moment, which can be worth a few sacrifices.

What do you expect?

• In Sicily, the sun is strong and the white surface of the Scala dei Turchi returns its rays. It is therefore essential to with a hat and sun cream. Think about it too take water ;
• The swimsuit is of course strongly recommended to pick a dip or sunbath;
• Finally, you can equip yourself with water shoes/b Kave to avoid slipping on the rock. However, in order to avoid damage to the fragile marne that composes the Scala, it is rather advisable to gravel bare feet.

Protection of the site

The Scala dei Turchi is fragile and after a few decades of neglect, now strictly protected . So there are some rules to know before visiting the Scala dei Turchi.

It is, in particular, formally forbidden to break and collect pieces of marne , or remove dust . If you want to bring back a memory, quickly give up this idea: you risk a big fine. In general, follow your common sense and Keep in mind that this sensitive natural site deserves respect .

What to see and what to do at the Scala dei Turchi?

The visit of the Scala dei Turchi and its surroundings promises a beautiful day, combining strolling, swimming and dreaming. To start and imbue yourself from the very beginning of these majestic places, stop at view before the parking lot. You will discover a breathtaking view of the Scala dei Turchi.

Once you arrive, climb natural steps from the cliff and admire its soft reliefs. Along the cliff, you will feel like hanging over the turquoise waters. You will reach at the end a pretty unequipped beach where you can relax in a dream setting. On the way back, you can install yourself to the panoramic terrace one of the restaurants to enjoy an incredible sunset.

If you come to visit the Scala dei Turchi, also think about explore its surroundings . You can discover the old town of Agrigento and admire the remains of the Temple Valley .

It will also be an opportunity to enjoy of the surrounding beaches better equipped than the Scala dei Turchi.

How much does a ticket cost to the Scala dei Turchi?

Good news: the visit of the Scala dei Turchi is totally free . Access is open continuously, out of work or exceptional erosion.

It is however possible to visit the Scala dei Turchi during organized excursions during the day, with other stops. Thus, several operators offer combined routes , combining the Scala with Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples, the Kolymbethra garden, the archaeological museum of Pietro Griffo...

You will find it from various cities including Palermo , Taormine , Catania , Trapani Messina or Milazzo. These excursions can be an excellent way to discover the many treasures of this southern Sicily region.

How to book an online ticket for the Scala dei Turchi?

No need for tickets to freely explore the Scala dei Turchi. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy an organized trip, nothing simpler. By searching for "Scala dei Turchi" or by exploring a comparator , you will find many offers.

You can then compare the starting cities, routes and prices to book the most suitable for your desires.

How to access the Scala dei Turchi?

To visit the Scala dei Turchi, it is almost indispensable to be equipped with a car . The only alternative is to go on foot from the beach of Realmonte one hour walk about.

La Scala dei Turchi is not served by public transport public. However, it is possible to reach nearby cities of Realmonte or Agrigento by public transport. From there you can rent a car To finish the journey.

Close to the Scala dei Turchi, you will find free places along the road . However, they are usually assaulted. Thus, it will probably be easier to park on one of the paid parking lots close to the entrance to the site.

Once the car is parked, you will find several access, indicated by signs, to reach the site. Some overlook the beach, while others pass through the restaurant terrace. But no concern: all are free.

The town of Agrigente is 15 kilometres from the Scala dei Turchi. To reach it, there are several options:

• Rent a car, for example from the airports of Trapani, Catania or Palermo,
• Take a car from Trapani, Catania or Palermo,
• Take a train from Catania or Palermo.

The Scala dei Turchi is part of the commune of Realmonte. You can reach the village of Realmonte by bus from Agrigente, Palermo, Trapani (with stopover in Siculiana) or Catania (with stopover in Agrigente).

Where to stay near the Scala dei Turchi?

To make the most of your visit to the Scala dei Turchi, we recommend accommodation nearby . The first option is the neighboring town Realmonte . If there are some remains, the Scala dei Turchi is undoubtedly its main tourist interest. But it’s a good fall if you want to wake up almost at the foot of the cliff. Some hotels and individuals welcome you on site. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the best accommodation.

Another option is to stay in the city of Agrigento located only 15 kilometres away. Regional capital, it brings together 60,000 inhabitants and a much larger offer of accommodation than Realmonte, with other solutions such as Airbnb . In addition, its historic centre is worth a visit, and you will be close to remarkable sites such as the Temple Valley.

Finally, the last option to visit the Scala dei Turchi is from lodging in a remote city and take a day trip. From Palermo, Catania or Trapani, you will need a little more than two hours by car to reach the site.

The Scala dei Turchi is a breathtaking site, to see absolutely! We hope to have given you all the keys to prepare your visit to the Scala dei Turchi. One thing is for sure: you will bring back your incredible memories and photos.