Porto Empedocle

Italy

Explore the otherworldly limestone cliffs and turquoise sea caves of Scala dei Turchi, Sicily's most dramatic coastal wonder.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)

🗣 Language Italian

🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Oct

🚢 Typical Duration 9-10 nights

💰 Price Range From $4,119 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Sicily's ancient Greek ruins and archaeological treasures, particularly the nearby temples of Agrigento and access to the Aeolian Islands.

Cruises that visit Porto Empedocle

Build Your Day in Porto Empedocle

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 2:00 PM

Usually about 6 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Valley of the Temples Fun to explore, learn something new and take cool pictures Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 59k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Centro Commerciale Città dei Templi Expertly spaced out shops, quite clean and plenty of choices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Lounge Beach Scala dei Turchi A chill out atmosphere, with a magnificent sunset view on scala. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Casa Natale di Luigi Pirandello e Tomba A small museum of the writer Pirandello. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Riserva Naturale di Punta Bianca Wonderful location for photos and for peace and quiet. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Ristorante Golden beach Porto Empedocle Great location, nice staff and good food. Seafood · ★ 4.1 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM

BAR FANTASY One of my favourite bar and best street food very close to AGRIGENTO! Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Cotti Al Forno Friendly staff. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM

Ristorante Coltello & Forchetta di Sergio Stagno Beyond the food, the atmosphere was enhanced by the exceptional staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM

Osteria Al Timone Delicious food Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM

Hotel Villa Romana Special events hall Coffee bar in reception area. Hotel · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Ristorante - Trattoria Cu Mangia Fa Muddrichi Just had dinner here - great food for very good price (we had the menus). Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Bar Fratelli Plano Well located between Porto Empedocle and Sciacca. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k

Bar Tabacchi Al Porto The service was great too, as were prices. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Centro Le Rondini Shopping mall · ★ 3.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

La Grotta di Vigata The food took a while to arrive and the prices are reasonable. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM

Bar Kennedy Highly recommended. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 5 AM

Lido Azzurro Lido · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Awr Market Home goods store · ★ 3.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Cozzitorto Osteria del Capitano Service, setting, music, food, all wonderful :) Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Il Centesimo In-store shopping·Delivery Supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Bellavia In-store shopping·In-store pickup Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

La Casa di Bacco The place is truly one of a kind — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Agricultural production · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Unieuro City Good shop with good prices not to expensive electronics. Electronics store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Spiaggia Porto Empedocle A special good experience with Marcoty Surf! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k

Osteria di fuori porta Elegant atmosphere, beautiful cooking. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM

Statua di Pirandello attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Borgo delle Pietre It has everything that one would need to relax and unwind. Resort hotel · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Cimino Alta Moda Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

LoMa Restaurant Highly recommend the mediterraneo pasta and polpo antipasti. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM Fri

navigo ristobar Service was above and beyond, and the food was delicious. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

Lidl I used here to stock up for a day on the beach. Supermarket · ★ 3.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Giò Bar di Cammalleri Gaspare Snc Very nice staff, with a large choice of cocktails 🥰 Grazie 1000 ☀️ Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

Statua Di Montalbano, Via Roma, Porto Empedocle, Agrigento Sculpture · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Kiross Pub Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM

Porto Empedocle Port Ferry terminal · ★ 3.8 · 0k

Cantiere Nautico Marine Club Will return to rent again and for the great gin and fun in the afternoon! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

ramos pub Great for a relaxing drink Night club · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Home Restaurant "A casa di Donatella" Honest Sicilian food that was enjoyed by the entire family. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Via Roma Under 16 Clothing store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Piazza Empedocle Historical landmark · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Gesù sul legno della croce We liked it a lot! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Vitality S.R.L. Shopping mall · ★ 2.9 · 0k

Faro Porto di Porto Empedocle (Molo di Girgenti) Marina · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Punta Piccola Hiking area · ★ 4.2 · 0k

ROTONDA DEI 4 ELEMENTI Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

MONUMENTO AI CADUTI DEL MARE Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Centrale elettrica di Porto Empedocle Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Porto Empedocle

About Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle serves as a charming port of call in Sicily's Mediterranean coast, with three distinguished cruise lines—PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Emerald Cruises, and Atlas Ocean Voyages—regularly calling here. With around 20 upcoming cruises and predominantly nine-night itineraries, this Sicilian port offers excellent connectivity to some of the Mediterranean's most captivating destinations, including Valletta, Syracuse, Trapani, and the picturesque Lipari islands. The port experiences peak activity during the shoulder and summer months, with October, May, November, June, and August drawing the most cruise traffic.

Stepping ashore at Porto Empedocle, you'll discover a gateway to Sicily's rich archaeological heritage and coastal charm. The town itself provides authentic local flavor, while its strategic location makes it an ideal launching point for exploring nearby Agrigento's legendary Valley of the Temples or venturing further afield to the stunning Sicilian coast. Whether you're joining a cruise here or enjoying a port day between Mediterranean destinations, Porto Empedocle offers the perfect blend of accessibility and authentic Sicilian experience.

Ancient Greek Temples of Agrigento

Just inland from Porto Empedocle lies the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's most remarkable archaeological sites. Walk among perfectly preserved Greek ruins dating back 2,500 years, including the magnificent Temple of Concordia. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views across the Sicilian landscape and is easily reached by local transport within your port day.

Fresh Seafood at Harborside Trattorias

Savor authentic Sicilian cuisine at waterfront restaurants overlooking Porto Empedocle's working fishing harbor. Feast on freshly caught swordfish, sea urchin pasta, and locally-caught sardines prepared with simple elegance. The catch-of-the-day specials showcase the Mediterranean's bounty, paired perfectly with crisp Sicilian white wines in a genuine, unpretentious atmosphere.

Dramatic Coastal Cliffs and Beaches

Explore Porto Empedocle's striking golden limestone cliffs and pristine pebble beaches that frame the harbor. The dramatic geology creates stunning photo opportunities and inviting swimming spots during warmer months. Stroll the scenic waterfront promenade to experience the raw natural beauty that defines this corner of Sicily's southern coast.

Vibrant Local Markets and Crafts

Wander through Porto Empedocle's bustling markets filled with local artisans selling handmade ceramics, colorful Sicilian puppets, and traditional crafts. Browse fresh produce stalls bursting with lemons, almonds, and seasonal vegetables while experiencing authentic Mediterranean market culture. These intimate shopping experiences offer genuine souvenirs and direct connections with local vendors.

Literary Heritage of Luigi Pirandello

Visit the birthplace and museum of Nobel Prize-winning author Luigi Pirandello, Porto Empedocle's most famous son. Explore the modest house where this literary giant was born and discover exhibits celebrating his revolutionary plays and novels. This intimate cultural experience connects you to Sicily's intellectual legacy in the very streets that inspired his work.