The Valley of the Temples, explained: a complete visitor guide
What is the Valley of the Temples?
It is the archaeological park of ancient Akragas, a Greek city founded around 580 BC that became one of the wealthiest in the Mediterranean. Along the southern ridge stand its temples — built in the Doric style and dedicated to gods including Hera, Heracles and Olympian Zeus. Despite the name, the temples sit on a ridge rather than in a valley, looking out toward the sea.
Which temples will you see?
- Temple of Concordia — the best-preserved Greek temple anywhere, complete with its colonnade. The symbol of the park.
- Temple of Juno (Hera) — on the highest point of the eastern ridge, with sweeping views.
- Temple of Heracles — the oldest, marked by eight re-raised columns.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus — one of the largest Greek temples ever built, now a field of ruins with a giant Telamon figure.
- Temple of the Dioscuri — four standing columns, the romantic, much-photographed corner of the valley.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
A standard adult ticket is €22.20 at the gate, or from about €16 booked online; under-18s are free. Most people spend two to three hours walking the 2 km between the two entrances. More detail on ticket prices and opening hours.
Book the most popular option
The tour most visitors remember is the skip-the-line guided tour — priority entry plus a live guide who walks you temple by temple.
How do you get there?
The park is about 3 km below Agrigento town, with two entrances roughly 2 km apart. You can arrive by local bus, taxi or car, or join an organised day trip from Palermo or Catania. See the map and directions for parking and the shuttle between gates.
Do you need to book ahead?
In summer and at sunset, yes. The ticket office queues badly in the heat and night slots sell out, so a skip-the-line ticket or a guided tour booked a day or two ahead saves time, with free cancellation on most options.
Popular tickets & tours
Most popularValley of the Temples Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Best valueValley of the Temples Entry Ticket & Audio Guide
SunsetValley of the Temples Skip-the-Line Sunset Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the Valley of the Temples worth visiting?
Yes — it’s the best-preserved group of ancient Greek temples in the world and Sicily’s most-visited site, with the near-complete Temple of Concordia as the highlight. A guide adds a lot of context.
Do I need to book Valley of the Temples tickets in advance?
In peak season and for sunset, it’s wise — the ticket office queues and night slots sell out. Booking a skip-the-line ticket online ahead saves time, with free cancellation on most options.
Is the Valley of the Temples suitable for children?
Yes — under-18s enter free and the main route is a wide, walkable path. Bring water, sun protection and good shoes; there’s little shade and the walk is about 2 km.