Travel Photo Friday: The Valley of the Temples

We now know why The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of those "must see" sites on Sicily. It is magnificent. It was worth every minute of the crazy drive(a little detour to find the agriturissimo where we were spending the night), to look up and see these dramatic Greek ruins emerging on the horizon. And it got even better as we got closer.

A few tips to share from our experience:

-Buy your entrance ticket in the parking lot across the street.

-If traveling with young kids, be sure to pack a carrier or consider bringing a jogging stroller (something beyond just the basic umbrella). There are paths but they aren't smooth and it is much easier to explore with the flexibility of a better stroller or carrier. This is not a small site and kids will get tired.

-Light sabers are optional, but they did enhance the experience for a certain six year old boy. Not to mention the funny family pics! This is a wonderful place for kids to run, jump, and explore but keep a close eye on little ones. There are some sheer drop offs and the potential for some serious injuries, not to mention some heart stopping moments for mamas of little dare devils.

-Try to plan your visit late in the afternoon. We arrived as most of the large tour groups were leaving. The late afternoon light was that gorgeous, golden hue and as we rambled around we were treated to a beautiful sunset followed by watching the ruins being lit up for the night. A very dramatic time to be in the Valley of the Temples, cooler temperatures, and it felt as if we had the place to ourselves.

-If you forget to pack water or snacks, there is a nice little cafe within the park and there is also one in the parking area.

Overall,we were very impressed with this site. It was well maintained, easy to navigate, and quite an awe-inspiring glimpse back in time. We can't wait to return.

To read more about some of the ancient spots around Sicily, go here. To see more Friday Travel pics go here.