Stairway to Heaven
Located along the stretch of sea between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle is one of nature’s great masterpieces - the Scala dei Turchi.
Roughly translated as the ‘Turkish Stairs’ after the Arab pirates that sought safety beneath its chalky limestone cliffs, it is the passing of time, the sea and the salty breeze which has transformed this rocky outcrop into southern Italy’s most spectacular sight; a staircase of blinding white made even brighter by the indigo waters that surround it.
Submitted to UNESCO by the local authorities in 2007, the Scala have become an increasingly popular sunbathing spot for locals and tourists alike in Sicily, often enjoyed on a day trip in combination with the famous Valley of the Temples just down the road.
Located in the south of Sicily, the Scala dei Turchi are about 14 kilometres outside of Agrigento. On the SP68 road. You can find the exact location here, on Google Maps.
We’d recommend that you make your way to one of several large parking lots all along the right hand side of the road, stretching for quite a bit, where all day parking will cost around €5 for the first four hours, or then €8 to 10 for the whole day. It costs, but it’s convenient and ideally located to access the various stairways to the beach and the white cliffs.
Once you’ve parked up, you’ll find several access points and signs pointing down to the beach; these are open to all but be warned, it’s a steep descent. Many places here will advertise their ‘free entrance’, but they’re all free and the signs are just an attempt to get you down their free entrance in the hope you’ll then buy some food or drinks on the way down or back up (which isn’t a bad idea by the way if you don’t have your own).
Once you’ve made it down onto the main beach, the Scala will be clearly visible on the right hand side, about 5-10 minutes walk away. The first section of the cliffs is the busiest by far, and we recommend that you continue to walk along it for more space and better views - you’ll eventually be able to descend into a lovely cove sandy beach, but the only exit point is back from whence you came!
Although it’s certainly possible to spend the entire day on and around the Scala, we’d recommend combining your trip here with a morning at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. That way you can avoid the worst of the summer heat whilst exploring the ruins, stop for a tasty lunch along the coast and have the rest of the day to relax in the sun and enjoy the most spectacular sunset from the white cliffs.