On the outskirts of Agrigento is one of the preserved architectural legacies of ancient Greece: the ruins of Akragras, a prosperous Greek colony, which during its golden age around 450BC was said to have Doric temples to rival the Acropolis in Athens. Quite a claim for a small city in Sicily, and a claim still attracting plenty of visitors today. We only have a few recommendations for our list of the best places to stay in Agrigento: converted villas and palazzos, and traditional Sicilian hotels. Agrigento has a number of newer hotels and resorts, but we recommend choosing a hotel with either views of Akragras’s Valley of the Temples, or close to the beach.

The best views of the Valley of the Temples can be found in the historic part of town, close to the Via Atenea, which runs though the whole of Agrigento. Stick by this and you’re surrounded by wonderful architecture, but stray too far and your views will be marred by the motorways and Brutalist tower blocks of the new town. The beaches are Agrigento’s other great appeal, and while most hotels in Agrigento are booked up with tourists for Ancient Greece, there are plenty of people visiting Agrigento for its beaches, and to use as a stylish base for exploring the rest of Sicily.

Whether it’s the main focus of your visit or not, Akragras is Agrigento’s main sight, and comprises a collection of fantastic temples and their numerous statues and decorations. Not all of the site has been excavated, but many of the highlights that have been discovered are now housed in Agrigento’s impressive archaeological museum.

As you might imagine, this is an incredibly popular destination especially in the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Agrigento, book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to stay in Agrigento

For Romantics

• The Villa Athena is right in amongst the temples within the Akragas site, so the views are spectacular and totally unique. In addition to the views, the Villa Athena offers five star elegance in romantically decorated rooms and suites: think creamy colours, classically shaped furniture and large private terraces. Guests can also expect exceptional local cuisine and beautiful green gardens. Heaven for foodie couples.

For a Beach Break

• Baglio della Luna is a historic Sicilian house just outside Agrigento, and only 800 metres from the beach. This is a charmingly converted Sicilian villa, with 23 traditionally styled rooms and suites, surrounded by sprawling terraces, which offer magical views over the Valley of the Temples. The restaurant is renowned, and the gardens are lush and lovely.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airports to Agrigento are Palermo Airport, which is about two hours away by car, or three via public transport, and Catania Airport, which is also about two hours away by car, but more like four or five hours away by public transport. Both of these airports host flag-carrier and low-coast airlines, while Trapani Airport and Comiso Airport, which are Sicily’s other airports are popular with European no-frills carriers. Trapani Airport is about two and a half hours drive, or three via public transport, and Cosimo is about two hours drive or three and a half by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Agrigento’s Mediterranean climate equates to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, but the nearby sea regulates the temperature even further, and even in the hottest part of the year, between mid-July and mid-August temperatures peak at around 30°C. The busy season for visitors runs throughout summer, though, and if you want to visit at any time in July or August you need to book early. For that reason we recommend April and June, or September as the best times to visit Agrigento. Spring is beautiful, and the tourist resources are just starting to open up again, whereas during September the water is still warm, but many visitors have left. Travelling in these windows will probably mean you pay less too.

Still not sure which to book?

• You could expand your search to include the best hotels near Agrigento or all the best places to stay in Sicily
• Or consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also consider another location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna for example?
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.