Named in honor of the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Empedocles, a prominent citizen of ancient Akragas, this coastal town of 16,841 residents sits along the Strait of Sicily. Locals still refer to it simply as "'a Marina." Until 1853, it was administratively part of neighboring Agrigento, and the two municipalities maintain deep cultural ties today, sharing both a distinct dialect and a devotion to patron saints San Gerlando and San Calogero.
Beyond its historical reliance on fishing and agriculture, the local economy operates on a notably industrial scale. Facilities dedicated to ironworking, pharmaceuticals, and rock salt refining anchor the modern workforce.
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📅 Every year, on 25 February; the Madonna del Carmine in July, Saint Calogero in September
The patron of Porto Empedocle is Saint Gerland, on 25 February; but the town's most heartfelt feasts are two others, the Madonna del Carmine in July and Saint Calogero in September.
Saffron rice, ragù with peas and caciocavallo cheese inside a golden crust. Round and feminine in Palermo, pointed and called arancino in Catania: the quarrel is serious.
Read more →Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Porto Empedocle, but an easy day trip away.
