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Home / Beaches / Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi

Скала-деи-Турки
Italy · Beach · Agrigento
crystal clear
Best month: July

Best for

Ideal for photographers and travellers wishing to see a unique natural monument — a snow-white cliff shaped like a staircase. Not suitable for swimmers, as swimming directly at the cliff is prohibited, and you need to go to neighbouring beaches to swim.

Best month

July

Water
+23.8°C
Length
1 750 m
Scala dei Turchi is a famous white cliff of soft limestone that steps down to the sea. It is one of the most photographed spots in Sicily, and the beaches at its base offer crystal-clear water and impressive views.
Surface
rock
Waves
calm
Entry
steep
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Scala dei Turchi is a famous white cliff of soft limestone that steps down to the sea. It is one of the most photographed spots in Sicily, and the beaches at its base offer crystal-clear water and impressive views.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Unique natural monument — snow-white cliff of soft marl shaped like a staircase
  • Crystal-clear turquoise water at the foot of the cliff
  • Scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Opportunity to see the cliff from the water during a boat tour
  • Free access to viewing areas
  • Nearby Valley of the Temples archaeological park

Cons

  • Swimming and jumping from cliffs strictly prohibited
  • Entire Scala dei Turchi area (1,750 m) closed for swimming due to cliff instability
  • No natural shade, white cliff reflects the sun
  • Very slippery rocks, especially after rain
  • Limited parking
  • No lifeguards on the beach
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for photographers and travellers wishing to see a unique natural monument — a snow-white cliff shaped like a staircase. Not suitable for swimmers, as swimming directly at the cliff is prohibited, and you need to go to neighbouring beaches to swim.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Snow-white cliff of soft marl carved by wind and sea into the shape of a giant staircase descending into turquoise sea. One of the most photographed natural monuments in Italy.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
rock
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
steep
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
5 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
rock
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 750 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal clear
Average Water Temp
+23.8 °C
Max Water Temp
+27.9 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
June
Season end
September
Best month
July
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
dangerous
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
15.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
The entire Scala dei Turchi area (1,750 m) is closed for swimming due to cliff instability and risk of collapse. Swimming and jumping from cliffs is strictly prohibited and punishable by heavy fines.
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Acanthus a Punta Grande

Sicilian and seafood

Restaurant with terrace and breathtaking views of Scala dei Turchi, ideal for a romantic dinner, fresh fish and seafood

Majata Beach

Sicilian

Beach restaurant a few steps from Scala dei Turchi with excellent food and friendly staff

Lido Scala dei Turchi

Sicilian

Restaurant with panoramic views of the cliff, going down to the beach, good food

Nearby cuisines

Sicilian

Traditional Sicilian cuisine with emphasis on fresh fish and seafood

Must try: Fresh grilled fish, seafood, pasta with sardines, caponata

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea

Must try: Prawns, squid, mussels, octopus
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Hat Sunglasses Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash Water
Best Time to Swim
Best time to visit is early morning or late evening to avoid heat and crowds. Swimming only allowed on neighbouring beaches Lido Rossello or Punta Grande.
Local Rules
Strictly prohibited to swim and jump from cliffs. Prohibited to take stones and sand — punishable by heavy fines. Non-slip footwear essential.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Valley of the Temples

Archaeological park with some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, 15 km from the cliff

Lido Rossello

Neighbouring sandy beach from where you can swim and admire the cliff from the water

Punta Grande

Another sandy beach near the cliff with convenient access

Porto Empedocle

Scenic fishing port with seafood restaurants 10 km away

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Scala dei Turchi: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal clear, average temperature +23.8°C, warms up to +27.9°C in the warmest season. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible even at depth — ideal for snorkelling. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Scala dei Turchi: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Scala dei Turchi: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — steep. The shallow area extends for 5 metres from the shore. Bottom — rock. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins. The steep entry requires extra care, especially with children.
Scala dei Turchi: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — rock. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 750 metres.
Scala dei Turchi: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Scala dei Turchi: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Scala dei Turchi: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Scala dei Turchi: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Scala dei Turchi: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Acanthus a Punta Grande, Majata Beach, Lido Scala dei Turchi. Cuisines available: Sicilian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Scala dei Turchi: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Sunglasses, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Water.
Scala dei Turchi: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is early morning or late evening to avoid heat and crowds. Swimming only allowed on neighbouring beaches Lido Rossello or Punta Grande.
Scala dei Turchi: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Strictly prohibited to swim and jump from cliffs. Prohibited to take stones and sand — punishable by heavy fines. Non-slip footwear essential.
Scala dei Turchi: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Scala dei Turchi: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for photographers and travellers wishing to see a unique natural monument — a snow-white cliff shaped like a staircase. Not suitable for swimmers, as swimming directly at the cliff is prohibited, and you need to go to neighbouring beaches to swim.
Scala dei Turchi: what makes this beach unique?
Snow-white cliff of soft marl carved by wind and sea into the shape of a giant staircase descending into turquoise sea. One of the most photographed natural monuments in Italy.
Scala dei Turchi: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique natural monument — snow-white cliff of soft marl shaped like a staircase, Crystal-clear turquoise water at the foot of the cliff, Scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Opportunity to see the cliff from the water during a boat tour, Free access to viewing areas, Nearby Valley of the Temples archaeological park. Cons: Swimming and jumping from cliffs strictly prohibited, Entire Scala dei Turchi area (1,750 m) closed for swimming due to cliff instability, No natural shade, white cliff reflects the sun, Very slippery rocks, especially after rain, Limited parking, No lifeguards on the beach.
Scala dei Turchi: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Valley of the Temples, Lido Rossello, Punta Grande, Porto Empedocle. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Scala dei Turchi: how do I get to the city of Agrigento?
The beach is located near the city of Agrigento. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Agrigento.

City

Agrigento

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.