Scali dei Turchi & Sciacca

We started east on SS115 from Sciacca to Agrigento, following all the guide books telling us that the Valley of the Temples was the best this, must see that, etc.  But as we discussed our desires on the drive, avoiding all the tour buses, and having seen Sellinunte, Segesta and plans for Paesteum we decided that our Greek temples and ruins were satisfied.  So we excitedly pulled into Scali dei Turchi, the Turkish Steps, as this was a can't miss place on our list.

Let me tell you it did not disappoint.  I have never seen a place that was so far removed from what I think of as real/of this world as Scali dei Turchi.  Its just incredible; the bright white contrasting with the sea, the ripples in the rock worn by countless years of waves lapping at them, the beauty of the water, it was remarkable.  We parked down the hill for free, always a bonus, and once we got our first glimpse after about a 5 minute walk it looked like something out of a movie set.

Here's some drone footage, pretty awesome I think:  https://youtu.be/sBC0FG0-3O4

 

The enoromity of the steps and the ease of their access is just awesome.  We walked right up and had a seat with a large group of others in the general area.  After a few minutes of chatting I ventured further down the cliffs to fly my drone and find a way down what is the backside of the cliffs from the above picture.  I found a decent spot to descend and made it down to the water for a swim and what turned out to be my own little rock.

 

Where there is beach then I will be swimming, just went in with the shorts I was wearing.  Here's a little video from the GoPro: https://youtu.be/jQJ2kVG0Zjs

My little rock

 

From the drone

 

From the road above when we departed.

We then took a drive to Ribera to get some of the tastiest spreads, think Nutella only better.  Scyavuru, pick some up if you find it; pistacchio is my favorite, but also almond or hazelnut; they also make jellies that are so good.  We've been amazed and now realize why every conquering army in history wanted this magnificient place: not only is it beautiful with abundant fresh water, it is a breadbasket of wheat, fruit, nuts and olives among other things.  Here's a good view from the drone:  rural SW Sicily

We finished the night in Sciacca, our final night there, with a delicious meal of pasta that was too large to finish, along with complimentary appertivo and digestivo (think pre-dinner open the stomach and post meal help digestion----both are alcoholic of course.). The Italians do it right!

Ciao!