Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi (Italian: "Stair of the Turks") is a rocky cliff on the coast of Realmonte, near Porto Empedocle, southern Sicily, Italy. It has become a tourist attraction, partly due to its mention in Andrea Camilleri's series of detective stories about Commissario Montalbano.

The Scala is formed by marl, a sedimentary rock with a characteristic white color. It lies between two sandy beaches, and is accessed through a limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircase, hence the name. The latter part of the name derives from the frequent raids carried on by Moors.

In August 2007, the municipality of Realmonte applied for the inclusion of the Scala dei Turchi (together with the nearby Roman Villa Aurea) in the UNESCO Heritage List.
en.wikipedia.org

Among the many stairways you know, this is definitely one of the most unusual. You have probably already realized that this is not a real ladder, but of a spectacular stretch of coast thanks to its peculiarity has become an icon of the Sicilian seaside tourism.

This white cliff is located along the stretch of sea between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle (Agrigento) and its rock is made of a soft, limestone and a blinding white marl. The nature, as a great artist, has worked this material over time, making it soft and sinuous, with the help of the sea and the salty breeze, creating terraces and smoothing every corner. When you ascend the staircase, you will have the feeling of being in Wonderland, on a huge white meringue. The sea, taking advantage of this sparkling white, will be showing off his blue.  A very intense blue, and while sitting on the steps admiring the sea, you will be surrounded by the most pleasant thoughts. The local boys are often diving from the most prominent steps, racing to decide who is the braver; we would not recommend imitating them even though looking at them is a real show.

Here the sun becomes dazzling, but to climb safely you should go barefoot or with your slippers, you just have to be careful not to slip, especially on wet rocks. The more daring will reach through the stairway the beach to the west and will then be rewarded with a less frequented place for bathing. By the way, the name Scale of the Turks seems to derive from the fact that in ancient times the ships of marauding Arabs and Turks found shelter in this bay.

Getting there: You can reach the Scala from the SS 115 and then the main road n.68 from both east crossing Realmonte and from west across Porto Empedocle. Bus: from Porto Empedocle during summer you will find a city service to reach the Scala. Parking: Pay and display parking is available, it is better go early in busy periods. Equipped Beaches: Along the beach near the Scala there are two well-equipped facilities for dining and bathing.
www.visitsicily.info/en