Greek Ruins--Hiking, Archeology, Beach

Location:
Eraclea Minoa, Italy

Ruin

By Rocky Casale

Crumbling on the edge of steep hills that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean, sit the ruins of Eraclea Minoa. A 6th century Greek city, most likely named after King Minos of Crete, thrived here at the mouth of the Platina River. It was a city conquered by Romans in the 3rd century B.C., involved in numerous regional wars and, eventually, abandoned. As one can imagine, there isn't much left standing at Eraclea Minoa, save for the shell of a Greek theater, fragments left from the necropolis preserved and explained in a glass aquarium-like museum and, of course, hundreds of beach-front acreage buried beneath tall grasses and cactus.

But then, the Greek ruins here are just one highlight from the area. The beach below, Capo Bianco, is unbelievably pristine. The waters are emerald and turquoise and chilly. Even in late August, the water feels as though you've plunked yourself in a great bowl of ice cubes. This is refreshing, however, as the temperatures in southern Sicily range between 98 to 105 degrees. Sitting on the beach, behind you are thick pine-wood forests and still, behind that rise the promontory of white stone where, atop, rest the ruins of Eraclea.

It is a hikers/beach-goers paradise, not only because at peak season there are not hoards of tourists clamoring the beach and hills for towel space, but because it is raw, undeveloped, preserved land with no commercial properties, seedy beach restaurants or ice-cream vendors to be found. It is definitely a day trip worth taking.

Travel Tips: Arriving at Eraclea Minoa, or Capo Bianco is not difficult, but not easy. There are few if any conveniences in the immediate area, like bathrooms or refreshment stands, and those that are there often operate on erratic hours.

The archaeological areas attract many species of water fowls that feed on the cactus fruit, and walking around beyond the actual ruins is a pleasantly serene experience. It's a nice walk to take in the late afternoon when to sun is less intense.

Price Description: Capo Bianco is a public beach. Prices to enter the archeological site vary for children, adults, EU citizen, student and foreign tourist.

Relative price: Very cheap

Open Hours from:9:00 A.M.

Days Closed:Sunday

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring a days worth of supplies. Big packed lunches, blankets, change of clothing, toiletries, and a bag for all your trash.

There any agro-tourism destinations just 30- 1 hours' drive from Eraclea Minoa. Agrigento is a lovely town that offers more lodging, restaurants and activities than Eraclea Minoa.