Selinunte Archaeological Park and Cusa Caves from Palermo, Private Tour

Sicily , Italy

Selinunte Archaeological Park and Cusa Caves from Palermo, Private Tour

Active

(15 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend a day exploring the magnificent Archaeological Park of Selinunte and Cave di Cusa.
Selinunte, an ancient Greek city located on the south-western coast of Sicily, is of great importance for its archaeological park.
The thousand-year-old origins, the legends, the myths, the scent, the colors of its sea, the white beaches, make what was one of the most important Greek colonies a unique place in the world.
Inside it is possible to enjoy the view of seven areas distributed along a route dotted with wonderful temples built in the most rigorous Doric order.
Experience the magic of the construction site of ancient Selinunte thanks to a visit to the Caves of Cusa, a rocky place quarried by the Selinuntes for the construction of the temples.

• Visit the largest archaeological area in Europe on this private 6-hour tour
• Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of times gone by as you explore the ancient quarries of Cusa
• Pick-up and drop off with luxury car and private driver

Available options

Selinunte Archaeological Park and Cusa Caves from Palermo, Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Bilingual Italian-English driver

Child seats (on request)

Pick-up service from/to hotel/port

Detailed itinerary

In the vast territory of the Selinunte Archaeological Park we can identify seven distinct areas, each of which preserves memories of the greatness of the ancient city.
About thirteen kilometers north-west of the Selinunte Archaeological Park, lies the archaeological area of the Cave di Cusa.
The quarries were an inexhaustible mine of raw material, essential for the construction of the city of Selinunte, including temples.
These are the most famous ancient quarries in the world.
A remote show that transports you back in time.
The quarries were in fact suddenly abandoned due to the war against the Carthaginians (allies of the Elymians of Segesta and Erice), who, taking the city of Selinunte by surprise, completely destroyed it.
This is one of the peculiar characteristics of the place where the enormous rocks intended for the temples still lie, half excavated. The extraction technique was long and complex.

Selinunte is undoubtedly among the most fascinating and famous archaeological sites in Sicily.
Positioned on the western coast, between Mazara del Vallo and Sciacca, the archaeological site of Selinunte constitutes an exciting example of Greek civilization in Sicily.
The archaeological park is considered the largest and most impressive in Europe, it extends for 270 hectares and includes numerous temples, sanctuaries, altars and more.
Along the fascinating journey through ancient history you can delight yourself with a refreshing Sicilian granita made with seasonal fruit.

The site is divided into seven areas distributed along a well-defined route.
The area can be visited on foot but is quite large. Once inside you can rent electric cars from private individuals or buy a ticket for the train tour (about 6 euros).
We recommend purchasing tickets with the shuttle included, online, to avoid long waits.

What's not included

Tourist guide

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 1.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.