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Porto Empedocle is a port town close to the city of Agrigento, in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy.

Understand

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The city is closely linked to the capital Agrigento with which it forms a conurbation. Porto Empedocle has over 17,000 inhabitants. The port activities are very important economically, but these days it is also a tourist resort with beaches that stretch for more than 3 km.

History

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Porto Empedocle was founded under the name of Marina di Girgenti as the port of the ancient city of Girgenti, the current Agrigento. In the mid-16th century, the Torre del Caricatore di Girgenti tower was restored and was an important part of the defense of the marine area for a long time. In 1863 the name of the city changed to Empedocle as a tribute to the Greek philosopher Empedocle, who was born in Akragas (Agrigento). In 2009 Porto Empedocle officially became a city.

Get in

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Map
Map of Porto Empedocle

By car

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The city is easy to reach from all directions. There are no motorways, but the secondary roads are generally good and traverse the entire province. From Palermo over SS121 and SS189, from Trapani and Syracuse over SS115 and from Catania via Gela over SS417 and SS115.

By bus

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There are three bus companies in Sicily, Sais, Ast and Interbus, which connect the main cities.

By train

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There is a rail link between Porto Empedocle to the central station of Agrigento. More information about rail services can be obtained from Trenitalia.

By boat

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Some cruise ships stop here and there is a ferry connection with the Pelagie Islands.

By plane

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There is no international airport in the province. Porto Empedocle is about as far from the three main airports:

Get around

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Main Street in Porto Empedocle

You can easily go around by foot.

See

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  • Chiesa Madre - The church is dedicated to the Holy Saviour and to St. Gerlando, the bishop of Besançon who died in Agrigento.
  • Torre Carlo V - Formerly known as fortification Torre del Caricatore di Girgenti but after it was restored in the 16th century under Emperor Charles V it got its current name Torre Carlo V. The tower is open every day (including holidays) for visiting from 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00. Admission is free.
  • Chiesa San Gerlando - This defiled church is now an auditorium
  • Palazzo di Città - The Town Hall is located in Via Roma, in the middle of the promenade area of the center. In the premises of the Town Hall are several offices including that of the mayor. There is an elegant dining room which has retained its historical character.
  • 1 Villa Romana, Realmonte (just next to Scala dei Turchi). The remains of a Roman villa from the first century AD. (Q4012809) on Wikidata (updated Feb 2017)
  • 2 Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks), Realmonte (take a bus to Realmonte then walk about 3km; another option is Temple Tour Bus which should bring you right to the spot but it costs €8 for a day ticket). An offshoot of white marl rock that protrudes prominently into the sea. The dazzling white of the rock forms a strong contrast with the blue sea and sky. Scala dei Turchi (Q3951389) on Wikidata Scala dei Turchi on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2016)

Do

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  • Walk through the historic center and the harbor.
  • Visit the beach: 3 miles of uninterrupted sandy beach with fine, golden sand and a crystal clear sea
  • There is a mini-zoo for small children in the Bella Vista Village, with reproductions of various animals in a realistic environment where the children can play.

Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

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Camp sites

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Go next

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