Porto Empedocle

The city is closely linked to the capital Agrigento with which it forms a conurbation. Porto Empedocle has over 17,000 inhabitants. The port activities are very important economically, but these days it is also a tourist resort with beaches that stretch for more than 3 km.

History

Porto Empedocle was founded under the name of Marina di Girgenti as the port of the ancient city of Girgenti, the current Agrigento. In the mid-16th century, the Torre del Caricatore di Girgenti tower was restored and was an important part of the defense of the marine area for a long time. In 1863 the name of the city changed to Empedocle as a tribute to the Greek philosopher Empedocle, who was born in Akragas (Agrigento). In 2009 Porto Empedocle officially became a city.

By car

The city is easy to reach from all directions. There are no motorways, but the secondary roads are generally good and traverse the entire province. From Palermo over SS121 and SS189, from Trapani and Syracuse over SS115 and from Catania via Gela over SS417 and SS115.

By bus

There are three bus companies in Sicily, Sais, Ast and Interbus, which connect the main cities.

By train

There is a rail link between Porto Empedocle to the central station of Agrigento. More information about rail services can be obtained from Trenitalia.

By boat

Some cruise ships stop here and there is a ferry connection with the Pelagie Islands.

By plane

There is no international airport in the province. Porto Empedocle is about as far from the three main airports:

• Catania

  phone: +39 0957239111

• Palermo

  phone: +39 3244190827

• Trapani

  phone: +39 0923610111

You can easily go around by foot.

• Chiesa Madre - The church is dedicated to the Holy Saviour and to St. Gerlando, the bishop of Besançon who died in Agrigento.
• Torre Carlo V - Formerly known as fortification Torre del Caricatore di Girgenti but after it was restored in the 16th century under Emperor Charles V it got its current name Torre Carlo V. The tower is open every day (including holidays) for visiting from 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00. Admission is free.
• Chiesa San Gerlando - This defiled church is now an auditorium
• Palazzo di Città - The Town Hall is located in Via Roma, in the middle of the promenade area of the center. In the premises of the Town Hall are several offices including that of the mayor. There is an elegant dining room which has retained its historical character.

• Villa Romana

  address: Realmonte
  The remains of a Roman villa from the first century AD.

• Scala dei Turchi

  address: Realmonte
  An offshoot of white marl rock that protrudes prominently into the sea. The dazzling white of the rock forms a strong contrast with the blue sea and sky.

• Walk through the historic center and the harbor.
• Visit the beach: 3 miles of uninterrupted sandy beach with fine, golden sand and a crystal clear sea
• There is a mini-zoo for small children in the Bella Vista Village, with reproductions of various animals in a realistic environment where the children can play.

• La Paranza

  phone: +39 0922636406
  address: Via Roma

• La Grotta Di Vigata Sas

  phone: +39 0922530827
  address: Salita Chiesa

• Lux Cafe

  phone: +39 3890930869
  address: Via Triesta 14

• Bar Di Costa Alfonso

  phone: +39 0922635424
  address: Via Molo, 5

• Hotel Carlo V

  phone: +39 0922636442
  address: Via Empedocle, 12
  The hotel has 16 rooms and 2 suites. There is a restaurant.

• Mare Bosco

  phone: +39 0922633444
  address: Via Ugo La Malfa, 18
  Bed & Breakfast

Camp sites

• Camping Nettuno

  phone: +39 0922416268
  address: Via Lacco Ameno- 92100 Agrigento
  Apartments for rent

• Camping Valle dei Templi

  phone: +39 0922411115
  address: Viale Emporium, 192 - 92100 San Leone
  Place for 200 tents and 100 campers. There are also bungalows and mobile homes for rent. There is a swimming pool with bar and a pizzeria

• Agrigento to see the Greek temples of Valle dei Templi
• Go by ferry to the Pelagie Islands
• Heraclea Minoa on the coast 22 km to the north-west