Scala dei Turchi at Sunset

If you’ve spent the day roaming the nearby ancient Greek ruins then, visiting the Scala dei Turchi at sunset is the perfect way to top off your day. The Scala is just fifteen minutes from The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

Scala dei Turchi translates to ‘The Stair of the Turks’. The ‘Turks’ refers to the Arabs who invaded the island over a thousand years ago. It is believed they anchored their ships in the bay for shelter, easily slipping in and out to raid and plunder nearby villages.

It’s not hard to imagine the ease of coming ashore, as the aqua water calmly laps against the smooth stone. While the pirates may have used the stairs in aide of their barbaric ways, today it is the backdrop for many a photographer and beach-goers alike.

The stairs ascend gracefully from the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of Sicily in Realmonte. The striking white cliffs of marl and limestone cascade into the sea below. The stairs are flanked by beaches of fine sand, where locals and tourists enjoy the company of one another.

A calm sea and the theater like feel of the stairs on the western side provides a cozy spot for couples to watch the sunset.

When to visit?

While there are beaches to comb and the Mediterranean to dip your toes in, the Scala dei Turchi is a sight from any angle. You’re in for a treat, even if you only get a glimpse of the Scala from above.

I visited in late September and though it was unseasonably cool in Sicily, the trip was still well worth it. The water was warm enough for a dip but, I imagine that July and August are the best months to swim. An entire day is not necessary but give yourself at least an hour. If you are planning on swimming or sunbathing for the day, get here early! Parking will likely be tough during the summer months with others vying for a spot in the sun.

The stone, while very smooth to the touch is extremely slippery when it gets wet. Mind your step when navigating the striking stairs. It’s probably best to go barefoot though.

How to get to the Scala dei Turchi?

If like me, you are visiting the Scala dei Turchi from The Valley of the Temples in nearby Agrigento, head south on SP4 to SS115/SS640 towards Trapani.

Continue on SS640/SS115 to SS115ter and Via Nereo/SP68. SP68 is accessible from Realmonte to the west and from Porto Empedolce to the east.

From Palermo, it’s a two hour and fifteen-minute drive and about two hours thirty minutes from Catania.

Scala dei Turchi parking

It seems as though street parking is sufficient if you can find a spot. Otherwise, there are three available lots on SP68 for parking when visiting the Scala dei Turchi. I’d suggest parking at one of the two near Lido Scala dei Turchi. There are plenty of parking signs visible and the lot opposite the sea has a driveway lined with flags. There are restrooms and showers, that aren’t great, quite gross actually, but they help get the job done. Parking is paid for upon departure.

From here, signs point to the arched gateway where stairs lead down to the beach. The parking lot that is situated next to the restaurant also has direct access to the beach. The remaining lot, a bit more west, will get you closer to the top of the Scala, where there is a nearby overlook accessible by foot.

Food + Drink

If you’re in need of some food or drinks, check out the Lounge Beach restaurant. You’ll get great service, fresh meals, and a beautiful view, right from the beach! Stick around later during the summer months when the restaurant turns into a disco-pub. They have a pretty extensive selection of gelati too!

Whether you’re visiting the Scala dei Turchi to swim and sunbathe or just luxuriate in its wondrous beauty, you won’t be left disappointed. Although I didn’t swim, I did walk along the beach and explored the stairs, where I enjoyed a brilliant and peaceful sunset. It was hard to walk away from.

If you have time before or after visiting the Scala, The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is nearby. It’s quite a site to see so give yourself plenty of time to meander through the ruins.

Have you seen the Scala dei Turchi? Tell us about it below!

nearby: Lido rossello

Similar but maybe a little less striking, the same limestone stairs are in Lido Rossello. In fact, much of the coast is lined with the white wonder. However, the small beach town northwest of the Scala dei Turchi lays curled up in a blanket of steps. There is a great view at the eastern end of Via Venere where the limestone spills out onto the beach.