Valley of the Temples: Day Trips and Tours from Taormina

One of the most historically significant sites in Italy, the Valley of the Temples is home to a myriad of ruins, helping visitors to gain an insight into life under ancient Greek rule.

With seven fascinating temples on-site, those on a day trip to the Valley of the Temples from Taormina can keep themselves busy exploring their history. As the most spectacular destination in Sicily, the valley is well worth a visit for anyone on vacation in this corner of the Mediterranean.

Here's all you need to know about the Valley of the Temples, one of the most incredible destinations for day trips from Taormina.

How to get to the Valley of the Temples from Taormina?

The Valley of the Temples is located just outside the town of Agrigento on the southwest coast of Sicily. It is approximately 220 kilometers from Taormina.

From Taormina to the Valley of the Temples by car

The easiest way to make the journey to the Valley of the Temples is by car, which takes just over 2.5 hours. You'll leave Taormina in a southerly direction and follow the E45 as far as Catania where you'll turn off into the A19. After Villarosa, you'll merge onto the SS640, which leads you to the site.

Guided tour to the Valley of the Temples from Taormina

While you can technically make the jaunt to the Valley of the Temples via public transport, it is a long and arduous journey that takes over 5 hours.

This is why those without access to a car should consider booking a guided excursion to the Valley of the Temples, which typically last 10 to 12 hours and includes a hotel pickup.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Valley of the Temples cost?

• Adults: €10
• Children (under 18): Free
• Young EU citizens (18-25): €5

Visits to the Valley of the Temples are free before 7 PM on the first Sunday of every month.

Persons with disabilities benefit from free admission for both themselves and an accompanying person. EU citizens aged 18-25 will need to show valid ID in order to qualify for their concessionary rate.

What is the typical itinerary?

Typically, Valley of the Temples day trips begin with a convenient hotel pickup at a predetermined time and waste no time heading toward the main destination. Upon arrival, you may participate in a guided tour of the archaeological jewel or alternatively, you might have the opportunity to explore it at your own leisure.

You’ll have a designated timeslot to find yourself lunch before continuing on to Villa Romana del Casale where you’ll explore a wealth of mosaics. Then, you’ll return to Taormina where your Valley of the Temples day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Valley of the Temples?

You can choose between several different types of Valley of the Temples day trips, depending on your own preferences.

Guided tour to the Valley of the Temples plus Villa Romana del Casale from Taormina

On this Valley of the Temples day trip, you’ll wander the archeological site with a knowledgeable guide who will fill you in on the vast history of the ruins, which date back to the 5th century B.C. You can admire the doric columns of the Temple of Concordia and imagine the Temple of Heracles in its prime, thought to have once contained a striking statue of the Greek hero.

After a local lunch, you’ll continue on to the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, which houses one of the largest collections of ancient Roman mosaics, before returning to Taormina.

Small-group day trip to the Valley of the Temples from Taormina

With a maximum of eight participants on this small-group Valley of the Temples day tour, you'll enjoy a more personal experience. You'll have free time to discover the landmarks that most interest you at your own leisure and you'll spend less time waiting around for other travelers.

In the afternoon, you'll head to Villa Romana del Casale where you'll have the opportunity to explore an abundance of mosaic masterpieces, which feature female athletes, tigers and a hunt among other subjects.

This tour requires a minimum of four participants in order to operate.

How much does a day trip to the Valley of the Temples from Taormina cost?

A Valley of the Temples day trip that includes Villa Romana del Casale in its itinerary costs approximately €60 per person and includes the services of a local guide. Bear in mind that entrance fees are at your own expense and total around an additional €20 each.

You can expect to pay between €130 and €140 per person if you choose to participate in a small-group day tour to the Valley of the Temples. Lunch is included in the price of the excursion while admission fees are not.

What will you see and do?

While many of the buildings inside the Valley of the Temples were constructed in the 5th century B.C., this site was mostly abandoned in the 4th century and only rediscovered toward the end of the 18th century. The UNESCO-listed valley comprises seven temples, all of which are dedicated to different Greek gods, including Zeus, Heracles, Concordia and Hera.

Alongside these striking religious landmarks are several other remains, including ancient gates, a necropolis and a sanctuary. The Temple of Concordia is the best-preserved building within the Valley of the Temples and was transformed into a Christian place of worship during the 6th century.

What are the opening times?

The Valley of the Temples is open year-round between 8:30 AM and 11 PM. You must arrive at the site by 10 PM in order to be granted access.

When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Temples?

The best time to visit the Valley of the Temples in Sicily is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are from March to June and September to November, respectively. During these seasons, the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

During the winter months (December to February), the weather can be quite cold and rainy, which may make it difficult to fully enjoy the site. Summer months are the hottest and most crowded, which makes it more difficult to explore the site.

Are there any tours to the Valley of the Temples from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day trips to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo
• Day tours to the Valley of the Temples from Syracuse

Travel tips

• To avoid long lines at the ticket booth, it's a good idea to buy your tickets in advance.
• The Valley of the Temples is quite large and there's a lot of walking involved so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• If you are visiting during the warmer months, make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.
• To avoid the heat and crowds, it's best to plan your visit for early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• It's important to stay hydrated during your visit, so make sure to bring plenty of water.
• The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it's important to treat it with respect - don't climb on the ruins or touch them, and make sure to dispose of any litter properly.
• If you see anyone messing with the architecture or statues, do not hesitate to speak up.
• There is a lot to see at the Valley of the Temples, so make sure to plan enough time for your visit, with at least a few hours to explore the site.