Scala Dei Turchi is located on the south side of Sicily and is a place like no other. You will literally feel like you are in a different world. When I planned to visit Sicily, I knew this was something I had to see. If you plan to visit Scala Dei Turchi without a tour group, there are things you should know to make your trip smoother.
Reservations
Getting reservations in advance is a MUST. I have heard too many people get rejected at the door or told that the nearest available entry was hours away. To prevent this, buy a 5 euro ticket on THIS WEBSITE. Doing this will save you a headache upon arrival; Scala Dei Turchi is not very close to other major cities, beaches, or landmarks, so you really are traveling hours to get there. I made our reservations just a week in advance and got the 4:00 pm slot. It was extremely hot, but for the best pictures and lighting, I recommend getting the last hour slot at 6:00 pm. (There is a 7:00 pm slot, but it is only 30 mins because of the closing)
Take a Boat
If you can not score tickets, you can also take a boat to see the Scala Dei Turchi from the water. Although this option is not ideal, it is an option, especially if accessibility issues are present for you. Use this as a safety net if tickets become unavailable.
Arrving
Make sure you arrive at least 15-20 minutes early; you will need to find parking and then walk down a set of stairs to the entry on the beach. Once we get inside, it is basically a free-for-all of everyone taking pictures. Although your ticket is for one hour, you could stay longer, as no one was checking or kicking people out. We even arrived late to our slot and were still able to be let in, so they are pretty lenient if you have a reservation.
What to Wear
We visited in mid-September, and it was extremely hot. People were wearing their bathing suits, which, if you are comfortable with, I highly recommend. I also recommend wearing sandals because you can easily take them off and walk barefoot. Walking barefoot was the best option because there is not a lot of grip on this clay-like rock; it is pretty slippery. Wear something light, appropriate shoes (or in this case, no shoes), and bring a bottle of water. Sunglasses and hats will also be useful as you are directly in the sun.
The History of Scala Dei Turchi
If you do not know Italian, you may not know that Scala Dei Turchi literally translates to the “staircase of the Turks” in English. This has everything to do with its history, because according to tradition, it is said that pirates from Turkey used this as a staircase when they would raid the Sicilian coastline in the 16th century.
Scala Dei Turchi, a symbol of Sicily, is known for its natural beauty and brings in visitors from all over the globe. While driving is the most convenient way to reach it, determined travelers can also use buses and shuttles. This stunning location is a photographer’s dream and a must-see for anyone visiting Sicily. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and highly recommend it. Feel free to comment with any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Sicily vs. Sardinia: Which Italian Island to Choose?
Sicily and Sardinia are both beautiful Italian islands worth visiting. Sicily offers diverse transportation, vibrant cities, rich history, and unique attractions beyond beaches, making it ideal for varied experiences. In contrast, Sardinia’s appeal lies in its stunning beaches and calm atmosphere, best suited for a relaxing getaway focused on coastal beauty.
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