Agrigento
Agrigento, the ancient Greek Akrakagas, on Sicily's southern coast facing Africa, was founded around 582 BC, but the region was already inhabited by the native Sicanians. The philosopher and scientist Empedocles lived here, and it was one of the more important cities in Greek Italy. Agrigento prospered under the Romans. The Arabs called it Girgenti, and the Normans expanded the hilltop city around the cathedral. The main attraction is the Valley of the Temples, a large archeological site located just outside the modern town, bordered by olive and almond orchards. Some of the ancient Greek temples are in exceptional condition, and the archeological museum is also worth a visit. In February Sicily's Almond Blossom Festival is celebrated here. Yes, the almond trees actually bloom in February. Agrigento's Temple of Concord is breathtaking, though that at Segesta is also worth seeing.
Bottom Line: Nice temples, though in our opinion Segesta's is better. Well worth a trip if you have time. Perfect excursion (by train or bus) from Palermo.
Getting There: From Palermo take the SS121 from Villabate east of the city, southward to the SS189. From Catania, take the SS417 past Caltagirone, then the SS117bis south to Gela. From there, take the SS115 west along the coast to Agrigento.
Dining: Trattoria dei Templi, at Via dei Templi 15 (near the archeological site) is an elegant choice specializing in seafood and Scilian wines. In town, try Da Giovanni at Piazzetta Vadala 2.