Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle is a town on the south west coast of Sicily, in the central Mediterranean. Porto Empedocle has long served as the port for Agrigento, the capital of the province of the same name, and around 6 miles away.

Empedocle itself only has one main street, with a few shops, bars and restaurants. Shops generally close at noon for lunch.

Most visitors head to Agrigento where buildings from many eras such as Roman, Middle Ages and modern stand side by side today.

The old centre of Agrigento is worth a visit - Via Atena has a range of small shops and Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci, Salita Santa Maria dei Greci is an interesting Norman church built around 1000 years ago on the site of an ancient Greek temple.

The large cathedral (uphill in the north western corner of the town centre on Via Duomo) was built around 1000 AD it has since been altered several times but today offers grand views across the valley. (Note: the cathedral is usually closed from 12-4pm).

If travelling in by train, the town centre and its medieval streets can easily be reached on foot from the train station, located at Piazza Marconi on the south east corner of the old town.

Stretching along a ridge to the south of the city are a string of five Greek temples (the Valley of the Temples). The temples are usually divided into two zones: the Eastern Zone and Western Zone each side of the main entrance and the road from the city centre.

Some of the most impressive finds are displayed in the Archaeological Museum at the entrance to the site.

Frequent city buses run from the main bus station and also outside the train station, stopping at the Archaeological Museum and slightly further downhill, the main entrance of the Valle dei Templi. Tickets must be bought before boarding from the bar inside the station and validated onboard the bus.

Via Atenea is the main commercial street in Agrigento. The street is extensive, winding between ancient buildings and churches of varying styles. Local handmade crafts such as sculptures made out of cork or terracotta, carpets, wrought iron, wicker and traditional musical instruments all make good souvenirs.

In local restaurants, sample the Greek-influenced cuisine, especially eggplant (aubergine) and olive oil-based dishes.

Cruise ships stop at Porto Empedocle, which is the main port for nearby Agrigento. The centre of Porto Empedocle is only a few minutes' walk away from the dock area.