San Leone

San Leone is best known as the beach destination of Agrigento. Lying just below the city that showcases the splendid Valley of the Temples, San Leone is the best-loved seaside resort in the area, drawing locals and foreign visitors alike. The miles of golden beaches stretch out in wide, powdery-sandy splendor, offering plenty of space for everyone. South of San Leone along Viale delle Dune are the more natural areas of dunes that front the sea, with native plants backing it, and going on for several kilometers. Slightly north in Porto Empedocle is the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello, the playright and author who won a Nobel Prize for Literature; his home is now a literary park.

The town's name is in honor of Pope Leone II, a Sicilian. Long before, however, it was a Greek port, and remains of that era can be seen with pieces of the old port and dry dock still standing. Under attack by the Arabs through the centuries, the town was fortified, and in the middle ages was home to an important monastery. Today, it draws worshippers of the sunshine and clean water!

Villetta Pertini is a seafront villa and garden that has installed some fascinating contemporary art sculptures. Walk along the Lungomare Falcone e Borsellino, a palm-lined promenade fronting the water. It is especially romantic at sunset. There are two amusement parks for the kids, lots of restaurants and cafes, and at night San Leone is the center of "movida", the nightlife and entertainment hub for the entire area, with clubs and dancing til dawn.

Barrier reefs provide protection for some stretches of the beaches, while others offer open waters, good for surfing.