Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle is a port town close to the city of Agrigento, in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy.

Understand
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:

Get around
You can easily go around by foot.

See

 * 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.

Do

 * 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.

Go next

 * 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