Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi is a headland of marl, a soft white limestone, that the wind and sea have cut into a series of rounded steps running down to the water, so pale that in strong sun it is genuinely hard to look at. The name refers to the Arab and Berber corsairs, called Turks by the locals, who are said to have landed in the shelter below. It became famous, then overrun: the rock is soft enough that footfall wears it away visibly, and access has been restricted with fines since 2020 after damage and a vandalism incident. It is now seen from the beach and the clifftop rather than walked on.

History

The name, "stair of the Turks", recalls raids by Arab and Berber corsairs, whom the local people broadly called Turks. The white marl belongs to the Trubi Formation, laid down in the Lower Pliocene from the shells of planktonic foraminifera (Wikipedia, Scala dei Turchi).

What you'll find

• The white terraces - marl cut by wind into rounded steps.
• The colour - blinding white against turquoise water.
• The beaches either side - where the view from is best.
• Sunset - when the white takes the colour of the light.

When to go

April to June and September to October avoid the worst heat and crowds. Late afternoon gives the best light on the white rock. Access rules have changed repeatedly, so check the current position before going.

What to expect

Walking on the rock is restricted and fines apply; the stone is soft and visitor traffic was measurably destroying it. Access has been closed, partly reopened and closed again several times, so confirm before travelling. Parking is limited and informal attendants charge. Summer crowds are heavy.

Nearby

The Valley of the Temples is twenty minutes east; Agrigento is beyond.

Key facts