All,
We will take an 8 day self guided bike trip in Southeast Sicily in May 2018, and then want to spend a few more days traveling around the Island. We are interested in seeing some of the archaeological ruins. We know that we will see some in in Siracusa and Palazzolo Acreide on the bike trip. Can someone recommend in what order we should see Agrigento, Selinunte, and Segesta? I do not think we will have time to see all three archaeological parks, but I do not know how much time would be needed at each location. Any advice would be appreciated.
Mille Grazie
Nino.
Nino, I visited all three sites in 2014, all very impressive. Just a matter of personal preference, but I would say:
1. Segesta, just one temple and one theater, but both truly beautiful and out in the middle of open country, so very scenic. The theater overlooks the sea, and the emerging view of the temple as you walk downhill from the theater is spectacular.
2. Agrigento, a number of nearby temples, you can move easily from one to another.
3. Selinunte, a much larger expanse of ruins, spread over quite a bit of territory, generally requiring some riding, not just walking.
I visited Segesta and Selinunte by car in half a day, I imagine you could do all 3 in a single day if you really wanted to.
I was in Sicily this July and really enjoyed the mosaics of Villa Casale in Central Italy. They are amazingly well preserved. Hopefully it is along your route.
Ck it out.
Villa Romana del Casale is in Sicilia, not central Italy. It is inland, closest cities are Piazza Armerina and Enna.
Are you interested in archaeology generally or mainly seeing the Greek temples? Siracusa has a fine arch. museum and the Villa Roma de Casale is a wow - allow about 1/2 day including driving there and back from the main road.
I spent about 4.5 hours at Selinunte, taking my time and using the shuttle - it's not expense and saves a lot of walking. Agrigento needs more time, it's all walking and then there's the arch. museum. Segesta is short. A few minutes' walk from the parking lot to the temple, take the shuttle bus up the hill to see the theatre, then either bus or hike down. Two hours tops.
The Agrigento Archeological zone has a little tram that can take you to one of three points; the walk back is not difficult. Parking very close to the entrance now.
All,
Thanks very much for the advice. Our bike tour will include Siracusa and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, so we should definitely see those locations.
Chani,
We are interested in all archaeological ruins, but recognize we need to prioritize a bit.
As Larry did above, if you were to rank Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento, how would you do it?
Zoe,
Thanks for letting me know about the tram - that will help.
Nino
All,
Thanks very much for the advice. Our bike tour will include Siracusa and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, so we should definitely see those locations.
Chani,
We are interested in all archaeological ruins, but recognize we need to prioritize a bit.
As Larry did above, if you were to rank Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento, how would you do it?
Zoe,
Thanks for letting me know about the tram - that will help.
Nino
I would do it as Larry did.
Agrigento, Segesta, Selinunte.