The Stair of the Turks: a natural treasure on the Sicilian coast
Sicily, rich in breathtaking landscapes and natural treasures, is world-renowned for its timeless beauty. Among its many wonders, there is one unique place that captures the imagination of visitors: welcome to the Stair of the Turks. Located on the island’s southern coast, this spectacular cliff enchants anyone who has the privilege of visiting it. Ready to take a trip with Sicilian Secrets?
Here is a masterpiece of Mother Nature, we are in Realmonte – in the province of Agrigento – and it is here that the Stair of the Turks stands out. What appears in front of the visitors is a white, limestone rock formation that stretches for about 2 kilometers along the coast in southern Sicily. Its unique and striking beauty is due to erosion by wind and waves that over time have shaped a series of smooth white steps that look like a giant staircase to the sea, hence an initial explanation of the name. But let’s find out more. This spectacle of pure whiteness creates a fascinating contrast with the crystal clear sea and blue sky, resulting in an unparalleled panorama. This is an ideal destination for a day trip leaving, for example, from Palermo or Catania, and is also a backdrop to the summer memories of many tourists.
The name, between history and legends
If we have already explained the reason behind the word ‘Stair’, we need to understand why it is called ‘of the Turks’. No, looking for some trace of Middle Eastern spirit today would be silly! We have to travel back in time and move between history…and mythology. Sicily is known to live by this dualism. Again, truth and fantasy meet halfway. It is said that in the past, when the island was often the target of pirate raids, Saracen pirates used this less windswept place as a hiding place or a starting point to attack towns on the coast. However, there is no evidence for this, and the place name may simply derive from the word ‘torrechiara’, thus ‘white tower.’
A paradise for visitors
Nowadays, the Stair of the Turks is one of Sicily’s most popular tourist attractions, and for a lot of good reason. Its vertical, smooth cliff create a scenic setting for sun and sea lovers. Many people come here to relax on the fine sandy beach or take a swim in the turquoise waters surrounding the rocks. Others, the more adventurous, prefer to explore the cliffs and enjoy the breathtaking views as they stroll along the ‘staircase’ that juts majestically out into the Mediterranean.
Before setting off for this magical and alluring place, however, there are a few things to keep in mind to fully enjoy the experience.
First of all, it is good to make sure you wear comfortable shoes suitable for dealing with the rocks. It’s better to leave your sandals in your backpack! Also, do not forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, as – especially in summer – the Sicilian heat can be intense. Finally, it is definitely best to plan your trip during weekdays to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the tranquility surrounding the Stair of the Turks.
Are you curious…?
This Sicilian destination has also become very popular thanks to pop culture. Certainly the uniqueness of the cliff is already an excellent asset, but being featured in Andrea Camilleri’s novels dedicated to ‘Inspector Montalbano’, which later was broadcasted on television, was an excellent opportunity to give visibility to the Stair of the Turks. It was also chosen as the location for the video clip ‘L’Addio’, the song by Coma Cose we listened to at Sanremo Song Festival in 2023. Did you recognize it?
