National park · Italy
Valley of the TemplesValle dei Templi
Give it a half day, not an hour: enter at Porta V or the Temple of Hera gate when tickets open (08:30, check), walk the 2.5 km (1.6 mi) ridge east to west, and add the museum only if you have a second morning.Give it a half day, not an hour: enter at Porta V or the Temple of Hera gate when tickets open (8:30 AM, check), walk the 2.5 km (1.6 mi) ridge east to west, and add the museum only if you have a second morning.Give it a half day, not an hour: enter at Porta V or the Temple of Hera gate when tickets open (08:30, check), walk the 1.6 mi (2.5 km) ridge east to west, and add the museum only if you have a second morning.Give it a half day, not an hour: enter at Porta V or the Temple of Hera gate when tickets open (8:30 AM, check), walk the 1.6 mi (2.5 km) ridge east to west, and add the museum only if you have a second morning.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
approximate
Established
1997
Best months
Mar–May, Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
At a glance
- Country
- Italy
- Area
- 13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
- The archaeological park is described as about 1,300 hectares (13 km²) including the temples, walls, necropolises and the museum area; boundary figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1997
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples is not a valley: the temples stand in a line along a ridge just south of modern Agrigento, the ancient Greek city of Akragas, founded around 580 BC and one of the richest cities of Magna Graecia. The park protects that ridge — the Temple of Hera at the east end, Concordia in the middle, the unfinished Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Kolymbethra garden at the west — plus the city walls, necropolises and sanctuaries, and the Pietro Griffo museum in the former San Nicola monastery. Inscribed by UNESCO in 1997, it is a walk rather than a trail network: one paved route of about 2.5 km links the two gates, and the practical questions are which gate to start at, how early to arrive in summer, and whether to add the museum on a second morning.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1997Archaeological Area of Agrigento, inscribed for its testimony to Greek civilisation in the Mediterranean.
Size and age
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²) · national park since 1997
The archaeological park is described as about 1,300 hectares (13 km²) including the temples, walls, necropolises and the museum area; boundary figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Agrigento.
Why go
- The Temple of Concordia is one of the most complete Greek temples anywhere, with 34 Doric columns still standing.
- The whole ridge is walkable in one line: Temple of Hera at the east end, Concordia in the middle, the Zeus ruins and the Kolymbethra garden at the west.
- The Pietro Griffo museum holds the 7.6 m telamon from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and 5,600-plus finds, so a rainy or midday block has a plan B.
- You can pair it with Agrigento's old town and the Scala dei Turchi coast without a car if you use the local buses.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugAvoid
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanMild, quiet, occasional rain; short daylight
- FebAlmond blossom starts; cool and green
- MarMild, clear, almond trees in flower
- AprWarm and dry; wildflowers on the ridge
- MayWarm; go early, little shade
- JunHot by 11:00; start at openingHot by 11:00 AM; start at opening
- Jul35 °C (95 °F)-plus afternoons; heat risk95 °F (35 °C)-plus afternoons; heat risk
- AugHottest and busiest; midday walking is punishing
- SepStill hot early, evenings fine
- OctDry, warm, comfortable all day
- NovMild; some rain, few visitors
- DecCool and quiet; check holiday hours
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond blossom on the slopes below the templesFeb–Mar · The ridge and the Kolymbethra terraces are at their best in early spring. | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Spring wildflowers and butterflies along the path edgesMar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Summer heat and dry ground; little shade on the ridgeJun–Aug · Plan walking for the first or last hours of the day. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn light and quiet pathsOct–Nov · Comfortable temperatures for the full ridge walk. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Agrigento city centre
Local bus (lines 1, 2 or 3) from the central station and Piazza Rosselli to the park entrances, or a 3 km (1.9 mi) walk downhill.Local bus (lines 1, 2 or 3) from the central station and Piazza Rosselli to the park entrances, or a 1.9 mi (3 km) walk downhill.
15–25 min
Open the page →
From Agrigento station
Bus toward the archaeological site, then walk to the nearest gate; taxis also wait at the station.
15–20 min
Open the page →
From Palermo
Train or bus to Agrigento, then local bus or taxi to the park.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Catania
Bus or train via Palermo or Caltanissetta to Agrigento, then local transport.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Sicily trip plan
Where the temples fit in a Sicily route with Palermo, Syracuse and Etna.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern zone (Temple of Hera gate) | Temple of Juno on the ridge, the Temple of Concordia and the main ticket office, café and parking. | Open with a park ticket; this is the usual start. |
| Central zone | Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Olympian Zeus ruins with the fallen telamon, and the Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities. | Open with a park ticket; the paved route runs through it. |
| Western zone (Porta V gate) | Temple of the Dioscuri, the Kolymbethra Garden, the Temple of Hephaestus and the souvenir shop by the ticket office. | Open with a park ticket; garden needs its own ticket. |
| Museum area | Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum in the former San Nicola monastery, plus the Temple of Demeter and San Biagio church outside the ancient walls. | Museum ticket or combined ticket; church area open separately (check). |
Sketch map
- 1Temple of Hera entrance · Gate≈37.290, 13.599Eastern gate with ticket office, parking and shuttle stop.Map ↗
- 2Temple of Juno (Hera Lacinia) · Viewpoint≈37.289, 13.601Map ↗
- 3Temple of Concordia · Viewpoint≈37.290, 13.593Map ↗
- 4Temple of Heracles · Viewpoint≈37.290, 13.589Map ↗
- 5Temple of Olympian Zeus · Viewpoint≈37.291, 13.584Map ↗
- 6Pietro Griffo museum · Headquarters≈37.297, 13.589Map ↗
- 7Kolymbethra Garden · Trail≈37.291, 13.581Map ↗
- 8Porta V entrance · Gate≈37.289, 13.582Western gate with ticket office, parking, shuttle and souvenir shop.Map ↗
- 9Agrigento city centre · Town≈37.311, 13.576Approximate; old town on and below Via Atenea.Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the temple ridge from the Hera gate in the east to Porta V in the west, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeological park entry (Valley of the Temples) | EUR 10–12 (≈ US$12–14) | person | 2026 estimate; standard adult ticket, higher on some event days (check). |
| Combined park + Pietro Griffo museum ticket | EUR 16–22.2 (≈ US$19–30) | person | 2026 estimate; the museum-only ticket is about €10 (check). |
| Kolymbethra Garden (FAI), inside the park | EUR 4–6 (≈ US$5–7) | person | 2026 estimate; separate from park entry, FAI members free (check). |
| Electric shuttle between entrances | EUR 3–5 (≈ US$4–6) | person | 2026 estimate; hop-on hop-off, useful in heat (check). |
| Parking near Porta V or the Hera gate | EUR 0–5 (≈ US$0–6) | car | 2026 estimate; some lots free, some paid by the hour (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Standard park ticket permit or guide
Kolymbethra Garden entry permit or guide
Guided tours and e-bike tours no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- €10–12≈ US$12–14
- €16–22.20≈ US$19–30
- €4–6≈ US$5–7
- €3–5≈ US$4–6
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi — official site before you go.
Park rules
- Stay on the paths
- Do not climb on temple blocks or cross rope lines; ruined sections are not all fenced and the stone is fragile.
- Drones
- Not allowed over the archaeological park without permission from the park authority (check).check
- Tickets
- Keep your ticket; the museum and the garden are separate admissions and the shuttle may ask for it.
- Shade and water
- No shade on most of the ridge; carry water and refill at the fountains rather than buying bottles.
- Picnics and litter
- Eat at the café or the garden area, not on the monuments; carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
Near the park
Agrigento old town
B&Bs, small hotels and guesthouses on and below Via Atenea, 3 km (1.9 mi) from the gates; best for evenings and buses.B&Bs, small hotels and guesthouses on and below Via Atenea, 1.9 mi (3 km) from the gates; best for evenings and buses.
Near the park
Via Passeggiata Archeologica and Porta Aurea area
Hotels and trattorias closest to the park entrances, convenient if you want to walk in at opening.
Near the park
Countryside agriturismi
Farm stays in olive groves and vineyards minutes from the park; you need a car or a taxi.
Safety
Heat and no shade on the ridge high
Uneven gravel and ancient steps medium
Pickpockets in crowds at the main gates low
Late return from the park medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The main paved route between the eastern and western zones is generally flat and accessible, with ramps and adapted restrooms.
Visiting lightly
- Refill water bottles at the park fountains instead of buying plastic; summer demand is high.
- Take the local bus or shuttle rather than driving between the two gates.
- Pay the separate Kolymbethra ticket: the garden is maintained by FAI and the fee keeps the citrus terraces and aqueduct channels working.
- Do not buy loose fragments or 'ancient' stone souvenirs; the shop by Porta V sells licensed local products.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Valley of the Temples?
Budget about €10–12 per adult for the archaeological park and €16–22.20 for a combined park and museum ticket (2026 estimate). The Kolymbethra Garden inside the park is a separate €4–6, and the electric shuttle a few euros more. Prices change and some event days cost more, so check the official park site before you go.
What are the best hikes in Valley of the Temples?
There is one main walk rather than a trail network: the roughly 2.5 km paved route along the ridge between the Temple of Hera gate in the east and Porta V in the west, passing Juno, Concordia, Heracles and the Zeus ruins. It is flat and easy, takes 2.5–3.5 hours with stops, and is the best way to see the temples in order. Side paths to the Temple of Demeter and San Biagio, outside the ancient walls, add 30 minutes each way.
When is the best time to visit Valley of the Temples?
March to May and October are the best months: mild, usually dry, and comfortable for the full ridge walk. June to September is hot and the ridge has almost no shade, so start at opening or come after 17:00. August is the busiest and hottest; January and February are quiet and green, with almond blossom from late February.
How long do you need at Valley of the Temples?
Allow 2.5–3.5 hours for the ridge walk with stops, plus 1.5–2 hours if you add the Pietro Griffo museum and 45–60 minutes for the Kolymbethra Garden. A half day covers the temples; a full day covers temples, museum and garden without rushing.
Do you need a guide at Valley of the Temples?
No. The main route is signed and the temples are labelled, so a guide is optional. Guided walking and e-bike tours can be booked in advance or on site if you want the history explained, and the Kolymbethra hypogea tours are by reservation only.
Which entrance should you use?
Start at the Temple of Hera gate in the east if you want to walk downhill through the temples in order and finish at Porta V, where buses and the souvenir shop are. Porta V suits an early start near the Dioscuri and the garden. Both gates have ticket offices, parking and shuttle service.
Is Valley of the Temples accessible?
The main paved route between the two zones is generally flat and accessible, with ramps and adapted restrooms, and the electric shuttle helps with the distance. Some ancient structures and side paths have steps and uneven ground, so stick to the central route if mobility is limited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go