Valley of the Temples

One of Sicily's premier attractions, the Unesco World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples, is a complex of temples and old city walls that remain from the ancient city of Akragas and are reason enough to visit the Mediterranean coast of the island. The five Doric temples actually stand along a ridge, not a valley, designed to be visible from all around and a beacon for homecoming sailors.

In varying states of ruin, the temples give a tantalising glimpse of what must truly have been one of the most luxurious cities in Magna Graecia. After visiting the area, Goethe waxed lyrical: 'We shall never in our lives be able to rejoice again, after seeing such a stupendous view in this splendid valley.' The most scenic time is in February and March when the valley is awash with almond blossoms.