Scala Dei Turchi Resort
Realmonte - Strada Provinciale 68
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An iceberg in Sicily? Not quite, but it’s close: the Scala dei Turchi in the province of Agrigento is a marl cliff – a rock formation of ice-white colour that creates a spectacular contrast with the azure sea. Unlike other types of rock, this one stays cool to the touch, and the sensation on your skin during Sicily’s scorching summer days is genuinely delightful.
Sculpted and polished by the wind, the cliff face features cavities that form natural armchairs, perfect for sunbathing whilst taking in stunning views. Whether viewed from above or from the small sandy beach that stretches beneath the cliff, the Scala dei Turchi is breathtakingly beautiful.
Thanks to its sheltered location, protected from the winds, the Scala dei Turchi beach was once a safe harbour for ships belonging to Arab pirates (incorrectly called “Turks”) who would raid nearby villages. Today, despite the difficulty of reaching it, it ranks among Sicily’s most visited tourist attractions.
Instagram and social media posts showcasing this enchanting spot have led to a dramatic surge in visitor numbers. Just ten years ago, it was virtually unknown to tourists; today it’s absolutely packed.
To truly appreciate the beauty of the place, it’s advisable to avoid peak season, particularly the middle weeks of August. It’s also worth arriving early in the morning, as parking spaces are extremely limited.
The walk down to the beach is suitable for everyone, including children, but do take care. Non-slip shoes are essential.
The water is slightly colder than at other Sicilian beaches – it’s worth knowing this beforehand to avoid an unexpected shock!
The Scala dei Turchi beach is a narrow strip of sand squeezed between the cliff and the sea; it’s unequipped and offers no shelter from the sun.
Reaching it requires a long walk over rocky ledges, with the final stretch forcing you to wade through the water. The rocks and seabed are very slippery, so be careful. Some visitors give up on reaching the beach and instead sunbathe lying on the rocks.
If a long, slippery trek doesn’t appeal to you but you don’t want to miss a swim, you can admire the enchanting Scala dei Turchi from above and then head to another beach instead.
The closest beach to Scala dei Turchi is Lido Rossello, a seaside resort 3 km from Realmonte town centre. This small sandy beach in Capo Rossello bay, bordered by a headland crowned with a lighthouse, is very easy to reach and offers plenty of facilities, including deckchair and umbrella hire. However, it too gets quite crowded during July and August.
Another fine sandy beach in the Scala dei Turchi area is Majata Beach. You’ll find all the amenities here, plus a well-known restaurant.
If you’re willing to travel further, you can explore Sicily’s southern coast in search of your ideal beach. Other recommended beaches include Marina di Palma, Siculiana Marina, Giallonardo and Eraclea Minoa.
Keen to see the Scala dei Turchi in person but worried you might get bored booking a holiday here? Don’t worry – the area is packed with natural and cultural attractions, so you could easily fill a week or more!
This natural marvel lies just a few kilometres from one of mankind’s greatest creations: if you’re holidaying in the area, you absolutely must visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, reachable in under twenty minutes from Scala dei Turchi.
While you’re there, visit Agrigento town centre, the birthplace of writer Luigi Pirandello, and the Torre Salsa nature reserve. Selinunte with its wonderful archaeological park is an hour’s drive away, but well worth the trip.
Scala dei Turchi is located in Realmonte, a town in Agrigento province less than twenty kilometres from the provincial capital. It’s not possible to reach the beach by public transport, so you’ll need to hire a car.
By car, you can reach Scala dei Turchi in just a few minutes from Realmonte town centre or Lido di Rossello via the SP68. If you’re coming from Agrigento, take the SS115/SS640.
To reach Agrigento, you can book a flight to Trapani, Palermo or Catania and hire a car at the airport. Allow approximately two and a half hours to reach Agrigento from the airport.
The exponential growth in interest in the stunning Scala dei Turchi has led to numerous tourist accommodation options opening up in Realmonte. The range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments and holiday homes is extensive, and prices are more affordable than in Sicily’s better-known seaside resorts.
Don’t dismiss the idea of staying in Agrigento rather than near Scala dei Turchi: the beach isn’t that far away, but Agrigento is easier to reach from the airport, you’ll have more choice of evening venues, and you can combine beach time with cultural visits.
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