August 2025

A Week in Agrigento: A Soulful Sicilian Experience

My husband and I recently spent an unforgettable week in Agrigento, Sicily — and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From sun-drenched walks through ancient ruins to afternoon gelato stops, our days felt like a warm welcome into the heart of Sicilian life. Though it was bittersweet to leave, booking our return trip for 2026 softened the farewell and gave us something wonderful to look forward to.

In this post, I’m sharing our top recommendations to savor and enjoy this captivating town. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Agrigento or dreaming of a return, I hope these highlights inspire you to discover the beauty, warmth, and charm of this special corner of Sicily.

EAT & DRINK

To say that food and wine are central to Sicilian life would be an understatement. In Agrigento, every meal tells a story — of hospitality, tradition, passion, and history. The flavors here reflect the island’s rich cultural history, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Whether sipping local wine at sunset or tasting handmade sweets, we found that food in Agrigento wasn’t just nourishment — it was an experience.

Here are some of our favorite spots from our stay, each one a delicious memory in its own right:

Enoteca ‘Nzolia: Perfect for wine lovers — refined yet relaxed, with delightful bites and drinks.
Le Boccerie: Authentic ingredients, traditional recipes with a creative flair – all served with exceptionally warm Sicilian hospitality. Casually elegant indoor and outdoor dining, fantastic staff, and delicious food – made this one of happy places we enjoyed several times during our stay. Chef Alessandro Ravana captures Sicily’s spirit beautifully.

“I intend to tell the beauty and colours of our Sicily with every dish” – Chef Alessandro Ravana

Le Cuspidi: Simply stated…the best gelato in town — make it your daily treat!
Santo Spirito Monastery – Sweets: What a wonderful, delicious, and unique experience! I rang a bell on a door next to the church at the Santa Spirito Monastery and received a warm welcome from one of the nuns. She shared the choices of sweet treats (dolce), homemade by the nuns. You must try their famous sweet pistachio couscous, made with a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation.

REST & RESTORE

A cozy and welcoming place to stay is essential for travelers looking to truly unwind. If you’re lucky, you find more than just a place to sleep — you discover a space that feels like a home away from home. While location, comfort, and amenities all matter, it’s often the intangible touches — the warmth of a host, the charm of a neighborhood, the feeling of belonging — that transform a good stay into an unforgettable one.

Casa di Cecè: From the moment we arrived, it felt less like checking in, and more like stepping into a beautifully wrapped gift — thoughtful, personal, and full of heart. Our host, Nadia, infused every detail with care and warmth, turning our stay in Agrigento into something truly unforgettable.

Tucked just a short stroll from Via Atenea — a lively stretch of cafés, boutiques, and local flavor — Casa di Cece was our quiet sanctuary after full days of wandering. It was the kind of place where life slowed down in the best way. We’d chat with neighbors walking their dogs, pick up fresh fruit at the corner market, and head “home” to reflect on the goodness of the day.

It wasn’t just a place to stay — it became part of our story.

EXPLORE & GROW

Agrigento offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty — all within easy walking distance. From ancient architecture to hidden artistic gems, the town invites curiosity at every turn. Here are a few must-see spots that left a lasting impression:

Santo Spirito Monastery: A small monastic community that dates back to the 13^th century – the church, gardens, and museum exceeded expectations given the understated beauty, rich history, and living spirit of the Monastery.
Teatro Pirandello: Originally completed in 1880, this magnificent theater was restored in 1995 – and is an shining example of why Agrigento was selected as the 2025 Capital of Italian Culture.
Cattedrale di San Gerlando: A scenic walk leads to this spiritual and historical treasure, all with stunning views.
Biblioteca Lucchesiana: One of the oldest in Southern Italy and richest (in terms of precious and rare books), the library was donated to the people of Agrigento in 1765. Count Andrea Lucchesi Palli, bishop of Agrigento, opened the library to all to support study and knowledge.
Scalinata degli Artisti: A colorful, artistic alley on via Neve — full of murals, street art, and charm.

This has been a wonderful walk down memory lane for me and I’ve so enjoyed sharing just a few of the many highlights of our time in Agrigento. I hope this has inspired you to learn more about this special place and consider a trip someday!