What to see
The cliff is formed from a sedimentary marl rock known as Trubi, distinguished by its pure white hue. This geological formation consists of the fossilized tests of planktonic foraminifera dating back to the Lower Pliocene, specifically the Zanclean age. These deposits settled after the Zanclean flood, which refilled the Mediterranean Sea following the Messinian salinity crisis. Visually, the limestone and marl rock face is shaped into soft, undulating, rounded steps, resembling a massive natural staircase flanked by two beaches of fine sand. From the crest of the cliff, the view extends along the Agrigento coastline all the way to Capo Rossello. Visitors can also view the area from a panoramic belvedere, inaugurated in 2016 by the Italian Environment Fund (FAI). This viewpoint was built on the exact spot where a second illegal concrete building was demolished in 2015, following environmental campaigns by FAI and Legambiente that also brought down a 1980s structure in 2013.
Visiting
In 2023, the site was officially declared public property and is now managed by the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park. Entry requires a ticket, which is combined with access to the nearby Roman Villa of Realmonte, also known as Villa Aurea in contrada Durrueli. To reach the formation, visitors walk along the shoreline and climb the natural stone steps. The site has faced major conservation challenges, including landslides starting in 2017 that forced temporary closures, and a 2020 seizure by Agrigento prosecutors over a private ownership dispute. The cliff also suffered a severe vandalism incident in January 2022 when the rock was stained with red plaster powder. It was rapidly cleaned by the Superintendence and volunteers, resulting in the 2025 conviction of two individuals from Favara. Local authorities continue to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, building on Realmonte's initial 2007 application and a unanimous 2019 motion from the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
Our editors' tip
Keep the historical origin of the cliff's name in mind as you explore the sheltered coves. The natural topography protects the area from strong winds, which historically made it a safe landing point for Saracen and Barbary pirates. They were broadly referred to as Turks because the Ottoman Empire spanned North Africa. These pirates used the natural steps as a base to launch raids on the surrounding coastal villages, a constant threat that only ceased following the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
