Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte
A blindingly white marl cliff sculpted by wind and waves into a natural staircase descending to the sea, the Scala dei Turchi near Realmonte is the kind of place that makes you double-check whether the photo is real. The contrast of chalk-white rock, cobalt sea and red-orange sunset sky is almost aggressively beautiful.
The View and the Climb
The cliff face is smooth and slippery when wet, so wear rubber-soled shoes rather than flip-flops. Climb to the top tier for the widest panorama: the white terraces cascade below you toward a crescent of pale sand and the open Mediterranean. Arrive in the last 90 minutes before sunset and watch the rock shift from white to deep gold to rose.
The beach at the base is swimmable and the water is exceptionally clear, sheltered by the cliff from the prevailing south-westerly swell. Snorkellers find the rocky fringes productive — octopus and sea bream are common.
Practicalities and Crowds
Summer weekends draw large crowds and the small car park fills by 09:00. Visit on a weekday morning in June or September for a fraction of the people. A shuttle bus runs from Realmonte village in July and August when private cars are restricted from the access road.
The nearest town with restaurants and accommodation is Porto Empedocle, 8 km west. Agrigento is 15 km away and makes a logical base for combining this stop with the Valley of the Temples.
More of Sicily
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Sicily →
