Walking Tour

3 hrs

Sicily

Travel back to the Ancient Greek time at Selinunte, one of the biggest and most evocative archaeological parks in Sicily. This vast site, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, provides breathtaking natural landscapes, impressive Doric columns, and extensive fortifications. Your expert guide will unveil the site's rich history, from its peak of wealth to its dramatic collapse and rediscovery.

Route Details

The tour begins on the Eastern Hill, where you'll visit the three magnificent temples, each named after a letter of the alphabet due to ongoing debates about their original dedications. Your guide will share fascinating details about Selinunte’s golden age in the 5th century B.C., when these impressive structures were constructed.

Following that, you’ll explore the Cotton Valley and the Acropolis, where you’ll see ancient fortifications, the North Gate, and a remarkable 4th-century B.C. bridge. Your guide will tell you about the city’s downfall to the Carthaginians in 409 B.C. and the archaeological work that revealed these treasures many centuries later.

Selinunte’s breathtaking blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it a must-see destination, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom around the ruins.

Choose this tour if…

You are an ancient history and architecture geek
You enjoy exploring vast archaeological sites with stunning sea views
You want a meaningful cultural experience without the stress of the organization and the logistics.

Sites Visited

The Eastern Hill
The Cotton Valley
The Acropolis
The North Gate

Logistics

Tickets

Admission to Selinunte Archaeological Park is included. To reach the Acropolis, you can choose a scenic (30-minute long) walk, take the shuttle bus and mini tourist train, or go by bicycle. These options are not included in the tour price and can be decided on site. However, if you’d like to rent bikes, please let us know in advance, as reservations must be made ahead of time.

Transportation

We are staying in Selinunte. Can the guide meet us at our hotel? No, it would be easier if guests met the guide at the designated starting point, as hotel locations in Selinunte vary, and walking from your hotel could take significant time. This ensures we can make the most of the short tour and cover all the highlights.

We are staying in Palermo. Can we add a car service from and to Selinunte? Yes, we can arrange a car service from your hotel in Palermo to the meeting point in Selinunte and back. Simply leave a note in the client section at checkout to let us know. Palermo-based guides can meet the clients and the driver at the clients' accommodation. Selinunte-based guides meet the clients in Selinunte. Please note that the maximum number of people in one van is 8 people, guide included.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

A few things that pair well with this tour:

Comfortable walking shoes for an archeological park.
A camera to capture the architecture and natural beauty.

For more information on planning your travels to Sicily, take a read through our Context Stories.

If you are looking to learn more about Sicily before a visit, check out our online lectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children? Yes, while this tour is not specifically designed for families, it is suitable for families with children. Just keep in mind that it can get quite hot in Selinunte in the summer, so we recommend coming prepared for the weather.

Can we include the visit to the Antiquarium Baglio Florio and Cava di Cusa as part of the tour? Yes, it is possible to include a visit to the Antiquarium Baglio Florio and the Cava di Cusa in the tour. These additions would extend the tour duration by two hours.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues? The Selinunte site includes large open areas, uneven terrain, and ancient ruins, which may present challenges for wheelchair users. Some parts of the site, such as the Eastern Hill and Acropolis, involve unpaved paths and slight inclines that may be difficult to navigate. Additionally, if visiting the Antiquarium Baglio Florio is part of the clients’ plan, that location offers better accessibility compared to the archaeological site itself.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Selinunte Archaeological Park

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Selinunte Archeological Site Tour general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

1 Reviews

We loved Elizabeth. In addition to the basics--endless knowledge about the archeological ruins and accompanying history, she was very sensitive to our more fragile group members who needed time and attention to participate. Elizabeth was personable, responsive and incredibly well-informed.

Steve May 8, 2025

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