Scala dei Turchi
A pure-white marl cliff near Agrigento. Its stepped rock walls set against the deep blue sea make it one of Sicily's most photogenic natural wonders.
The Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) lies on the coast at Realmonte, about 15 km west of Agrigento. It is a stepped sea cliff about 50 meters high, formed when waves and wind eroded white marl. Its name comes from legends of Turkish (Arab) pirates who once landed here to raid. The combination of snow-white rock, blue water and golden sand has made it a social-media icon of Sicily, and it was also a filming location for the detective series Inspector Montalbano. In recent years, to protect the rock and visitors, the top of the cliff has been fenced off and climbing the rock face itself is prohibited. Since 2020 the local government has adjusted management measures several times, so there may be a small entrance fee or limits on visitor numbers. Check the latest rules before you go. The best approach is to walk along the sand from one of the public beaches on either side (Lido Scala dei Turchi or Majata Beach) to the foot of the cliff, and photograph the white rock from the sea. You can also look down from a viewpoint beside the clifftop road. Do not carve on the rocks or take any fragments away, and be careful, as wet marl is slippery. By car is the most convenient option, and there is a paid parking lot by the road (about 5 euros in summer). In summer, a bus runs from Agrigento to Realmonte. There are seaside restaurants nearby. It's a good idea to visit on the same day as the Valley of the Temples, coming here in the afternoon to swim and watch the sunset.
Opening hours
Open all day (clifftop areas may be restricted depending on management measures)
Nearby sights
- Luigi Pirandello's Birthplace
- Agrigento Cathedral (San Gerlando)
- Agrigento Old Town & Via Atenea
- Santa Maria dei Greci
- Giardino della Kolymbethra
- Valley of the Temples
- Monastery of Santo Spirito
- Regional Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo