There are two main reasons for most tourists to visit this section of Sicily. The first is the Valley of the Temples, which we wrote about in our Agrigento posts, and the second is the Scala dei Turchi. Honestly, the Scala dei Turchi, or the Stairs of the Turks, should be seen both, during the day, and at sunset, for the maximum effect. The Scala is a natural limestone marl cliff that has been shaped by the sea and the wind, into a sort of stairway, leading up to the top of the cliff that runs along this section of shoreline. It is blindingly white, and very beautiful. The white rock, contrasting with the bright blue of the sea, makes for a memorable visit, no matter what time of year. And, at sunset, well, let me just say that it is spectacular. As I said in an earlier post, the apartment we had rented was on the beach, about a twenty-to-thirty-minute walk from the Scala dei Turchi, which made going back later in the day, for the sunset, an easy thing to do. There are parking lots which charge a fee close to the site, but one would be smarter to park in a lot, like the one in front of our apartment, and simply walk the beach. One thing I cannot stress enough is that we should all be respectful of the site, and the fact that this is a natural wonder. We saw people eating, children running around, teenagers attempting to climb from one level to another, acts that can cause damage to the site, as well as put in danger to those attempting them. No one should be running around, or “playing” on the cliffs. While there are other levels below the one you are standing on, some of them are only inches wide, and chances of falling all of the way down, into the sea, are fairly good, so keep your children supervised. Also, when food is being consumed, the place ends up with trash, crumbs, or other such things. The beauty of the site is its stunning white, powdery rock. No one wants to see bits of food, a mustard stain, or a spill from a bottle of soda. There are plenty of cafés and bars, along the beach leading to the site. You may do your eating and drinking there. That said, this is a place that anyone visiting southern Sicily should seek out. It is magnificent! Just expect to get white powder on the seat of your pants, if you sit down, and on the bottom of your feet. Below are some photos of the Scala dei Turchi, taken during the daytime hours, and then, later, at sunset. Enjoy!
Even the walk to the site, once the sun begins to go down, is spectacular!
Next up: We head to the lovely city of Sciacca!
<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Porto Empedocle, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!</em>