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From the timeless streets of Plaka, peppered with taverns of family businesses and orthodox churches, to the Acropolis Hill, Athens dominated by Temple, is one of the most popular destinations for Americans going to Europe this summer.
As the capital of Greece, the birthplace of the Western world as we know it, Athens is a cultural outing like no other.
However, it is not without its mistakes: It is impossible to be busyEspecially around the historic center. When You think Rome is bad, wait until you see Athens in July.
But hey, who said that the only gateway to ancient Greece still exists?
Hundreds of kilometers away from the Saronic Gulf, in Sicily – yes, as in the Sicily of Italy –There is a mini -athene With charming paved streets, much fewer crowds and even a hilltop -temple that disgraces the Parthenon:
Discover the Mini Athens of Italy
You probably know Sicily for Palermo, Cefalù, Taormina and the like, but you have not really experienced that the trendy island of Italy has to offer until your foot in one Off-Path Agrigento.
Located in the southwestern part of Sicily, this is a highly overlooked city that has developed a bit of a reputation as a less Affluent of Italy comuni: Indeed, this is not the Italy of pastel clinels, idyllic vespa rides, and La Dolce VitaBut it has its own specific charm.
Images one Compact old townWithout the usual Instagraming attraction you would expect, with narrow paths covered by rows of modest homes, clothing that hangs on almost every window opening and the comforting scent of freshly made foccacia that from a panetry Near.
This is the on-touristy Sicily, the one you won’t see in a show like The White LotusAnd if it is not, You can’t say it doesn’t feel authentic Italian.
Behind the dilapidated facade of its age -old buildings, there are cozy family businesses trattory Sicilian classics serve at affordable prices, a collection of baroque churches with beautiful frescoes, and of course the valley of the temples:
An almost intact Parthenon-look-Alike
The most important tourist attraction in Agrigento, this huge archaeological zone is one UNESCO World HeritageAnd an impressive ensemble of Hellenic temples that survived the passage of time for at least 24 centuries.
And yes, you read that well: Hellenic as in ‘From Greece’.
In case you didn’t know, the Romans (and other subsequent civilizations) took over, and of course, long before Italy was even a united politics, Sicily was in fact arranged by the GreeksWho founded the city of Akragas, where the valley of the temples is now.
If you are looking for that Parthenon-look-alike of the play photo, with the structures largely intact and tinted gold through the sunset, look no further than the Temple of Concordia:
Only about 40 years younger than the temple in Athens, this Doric masterpiece is one of the best examples of ancient Greek architecture that can still be seen, and with most of his columns still, it is in a much better shape than the bombed, plundered parthenon.
Other must-sees in the valley are the temple of Hera, view of the green -dressed Sicilian hills And the sea, the temple of Heracles, whose surviving 8 columns offer us a look in mystical, inhospitable times and the ruins of the Olympeion, just the greatest Doric building ever constructed.
Not only is the valley of the temples full of old sights, such as the Acropolis Hill, it is considerably less busy, with much fewer tourists who make day trips here because of the relatively remote distance from Agrigento compared to the hotspots of Sicily, and it is even a bit cheaper:
Although an all-embracing Acropolis ticket will return you to around $ 21, access to the Valley of the temples $ 19.
How affordable is Agrigento?
That is not the only ‘cheaper’ thing about Agrigento: compared to the Sicilian coastline of the resort, both food and accommodation are much more affordable here.
Expected About $ 15 – $ 17 Dining in a snack café in Old Town-Op that comment, don’t miss the verse of Trattoria Concordia PESCE SPADA and local wine – or about $ 3 – $ 5 for collecting slices of pizza and other fast snacks, and about $ 40 – $ 50 per night on a B&B stay.
Take a look thisFor example: it is a historic center apartment with a beautifully renovated, modernized interior, view of the old city, and it should be Enter $ 37 per night Like a traveling couple.
In the 4-star hotel category there is Hotel della Vallewhere some rooms have a view of the valley of the temples, From $ 83.50 per adult.
Finally, for a 5-star list, equipped with a swimming pool, a lush continental buffet and a short walk from a remote Le Dune Beach, Aria Oasi Relax Is our top choice, from $ 167 per night for 2 guests.
How to get to Agrigento
If you fly to Sicily this summer, from JFK with Delta, Agrigento is more accessible than you might think:
Landing in Catania (CTA), there are various transport options that go to Agrigento and the Valley of the temples, whether you travel independently whether you book a day tour Get your guide (usually from $ 129 per person).
Although tours are more expensive, buses and trains are certainly within budget: the Direct, 3h15 FlixBus Service From Catania to Agrigento costs around $ 22, and if you choose the rail, usually changing trains once or twice, it takes between 6h03 and 6h44.
It is the (much) slower alternative, but very picturesque.
Of course you can also rent a car to explore Sicily without limitations of public transport and driving Catania to the valley of the temples, it only takes 1h51.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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