Agrigento to Maratea Road Trip: Scenic Drive Guide

This route follows SS115 and SS18 for about 350 km, taking you from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the Tyrrhenian coast at Maratea. A little-known fact: the SS115 between Agrigento and Licata was built directly over an ancient Greek road connecting Akragas to Gela. This drive is worth it for the dramatic shift from Sicilian arid plains to the rugged cliffs of the Pollino National Park.

The coastal highway hugs the sea for stretches, then cuts inland through olive groves and wheat fields. You'll cross into Basilicata after passing through the Strait of Messina ferry, adding a maritime leg. The total driving time, excluding ferry, is about 4.5 hours, but plan for 6-7 hours with stops.

Use our technique how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to uncover lesser-known spots along this route. For example, the abandoned village of Caltabellotta off SS115 is just a 5-minute detour.

Geography shifts from the arid Sicilian interior along SS115, with limestone cliffs and terraced olive groves, to the lush, forested Apennines of Basilicata. Notable views: near Sciacca, you get glimpses of the Mediterranean; as you approach Maratea, the road descends through chestnut woods to the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea.

Local commerce includes roadside stalls selling olive oil, almonds, and pistachios near Caltanissetta. In Maratea, look for the red 'Maratea red' ceramic pottery. The main cultural stop is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO site. Outside of that, there are no other UNESCO sites on the route, but the town of Maratea itself is often called the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian' for its 68 churches.

• UNESCO: Valley of the Temples is a must-stop at Agrigento's start. Consider the Temple of Concordia.
• Local specialties: Cannoli at Pasticceria Zichittella near Sciacca; pecorino cheese in Castelvetrano; and 'nduja spreadable salami in Spilinga (a slight detour).
• Wine: Nero d'Avola from Sicilian wineries along SS115; Aglianico from Basilicata near Maratea.

The route combines local roads and autostrada. From Agrigento, take SS115 west to Sciacca, then SS115 continues to Castelvetrano. From there, take A29 to Trapani for the ferry to the mainland. On the mainland, take A2 south from Salerno to Lagonegro, then SS585 to Maratea. The ferry from Trapani to Salerno (or Villa San Giovanni) is essential; book ahead in summer.

Average fuel cost for this drive (350 km) for a mid-size car is about €45-55, assuming €1.80/L. The topography is varied: flat coastal plains, but then climbs in Basilicata, decreasing fuel efficiency by about 10%. Gas stations are plentiful in Sicily but sparse on the SS585 after Lagonegro; fill up before entering the mountain stretch.

• Road surfaces: SS115 is generally well-maintained, but watch for potholes near Sciacca. A2 is excellent. SS585 is narrow and winding; drive cautiously.
• Tolls: The A29 and A2 have tolls. Expect about €10 total. The Trapani–Salerno ferry costs around €50 for a car and two passengers.
• Night driving: Not recommended on SS585 due to poor lighting. Stick to daylight hours for this segment.

Road safety is generally high, but beware of livestock on SS115 in rural areas, especially at dawn/dusk. The A2 is safe with good signage. On SS585, there are unprotected hairpin bends; use engine braking descending to Maratea. Emergency services are responsive in Sicily, but in the mountains, cell coverage can be spotty.

Family-friendly stops include the 'Spiaggia dei Conigli' near Sciacca for a beach break, and the 'Parco Nazionale del Pollino' visitor center offering easy nature trails. For kids, the 'Cavalcata di Sant'Elena' festival in June in Maratea is colorful. Pet-friendly stops: several beaches near Sciacca allow dogs, and many agriturismi have fenced areas.

• Fatigue management: The best rest stop is the 'Area di Servizio' on A2 near Lauria (km 140), with coffee, shops, and clean toilets. For a quick nap, pull into any 'Camper Area' like Area Sosta Camper in Lagonegro, with designated parking spots.
• Hidden off-route: The ghost town of Poggioreale (abandoned after 1968 earthquake) is 5 min off SS115 near Gibellina. Also, the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pattano near Vallo della Lucania (off A2) is a deconsecrated monastery.
• Pet-friendly: On the SS585, the 'BarRistoro Il Geco' allows dogs on their terrace.