Agrigento Holidays
'If you're into ancient temples and oodles of history, Agrigento is the place to be. And the beaches aren't bad either! '
Five centuries before the birth of Christ, the Greek poet Pindar described Agrigento as the 'most beautiful city of the mortals'. Wander through the amazing Valley of Temples and you'll get a feel for what he was talking about. The ruins of temples, necropoli, houses, streets and an amphitheatre conjure up a glorious past when the city, then known as Akragas, was one of the world's most happening places. For one of those real 'ooh-ahh' moments, treat yourself to a view of the illuminated Temple of Concord by night. It rivals anything you'll see in Athens or Rome. As for the city of Agrigento itself, there's a mix of ancient and modern. The focal point is the stunning Romanesque Gothic cathedral, while there's a reasonable choice of tourist shops and eateries, mainly around the bustling Piazza dei Templi. Beach life centres around the resort area of San Leone, where there are several stretches of good quality golden sand, with safe swimming courtesy of some man-made breakwaters. There are some seafront cafes (the perfect place for a cappuccino and a delightfully decadent slice of cassata!), plus a good selection of restaurants where you can try some fresh swordfish or the catch of the day, washed down with a glass of crisp, dry Bianco d'Alcamo wine. Nightlife is pretty low key, but there are a few lively bars along the prom at San Leone, as well as an outdoor disco near the harbour.
Culture vultures will be bowled over by holidays in Agrigento. Whilst this charming town blends old and new, it's best known for its incredible historical heritage.
Hailed as the 'most beautiful city of mortals' by the Greek writer Pindar, Agrigento was once a hub of the Greek empire. Today's visitors can experience something of what it was like at its remarkable Valley of Temples. Here, the sun-baked vestiges of houses, temples and theatres sprinkle the hills, a treasure-trove for sightseers. And in the town below, there's a beautiful Gothic cathedral, buzzing piazza and good selection of shops and eateries to make your holiday in Agrigento even more memorable.
Yet Agrigento holidays can be about the beach too. When you fancy sunbathing and swimming, the area of San Leone has golden sands and bustling cafes and fish restaurants. Come evening, the same venues light up the night, although the mood remains generally low-key.
And of course, there are always the attractions of your hotel. This is where you'll find Thomson properties like the beachside Dioscuri Bay Palace and Jolly Hotel Della Valle, both brilliant for couples wanting relaxed sightseeing breaks. Combine these with Thomson's great summer getaways and last-minute deals, and holidays in Agrigento don't come much better.