Selinunte

Complete Tourist Guide

History, what to see in 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, and local specialties

Archaeology · Sea · Nature · Itineraries · Local Flavours

Why visit Selinunte

Selinunte is a destination worth visiting because it offers a unique experience that combines millennia of history, natural landscapes, and the sea in one place. Its Archaeological Park, the largest in Europe, preserves monumental Greek temples set in an extraordinary natural setting, where archaeology blends with the Mediterranean panorama.

Visiting Selinunte means walking among the ruins of an ancient Greek city overlooking the sea, understanding the greatness of classical civilization, and enjoying an authentic atmosphere far from mass tourism. The unspoiled beaches, the seaside village of Marinella, the proximity to the Belìce Valley, and the chance to explore sites such as the Cusa Quarries make the visit complete and engaging.

Selinunte is ideal for those seeking culture, nature, and relaxation, but also for travelers who want a slow and mindful trip able to tell the story of Sicily at its most authentic through its history, landscapes, and Mediterranean roots.

Brief history

Selinunte is one of the most extraordinary testimonies of Greek civilization in Sicily and one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Founded in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Megara Hyblaea, the city arose in a strategic position between the sea and fertile land, quickly becoming an important commercial, agricultural, and cultural center.

Thanks to the wealth of the territory and maritime trade, Selinunte experienced a period of great prosperity, evidenced by the construction of monumental temples dedicated to the Olympian deities. Its history, however, was marked by conflicts and invasions, until its destruction by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. Today, among majestic ruins overlooking the sea, Selinunte tells the story of the greatness and fragility of ancient Greek cities, offering a unique journey through archaeology, nature, and historical memory.

The 10 things to see in Selinunte

1. Selinunte Archaeological Park
   The largest archaeological park in Europe: a unique monumental area that tells the story of the greatness of the ancient Greek city.
2. Temple E (Temple of Hera)
   The best-preserved temple and the symbol of Selinunte: elegant, majestic, and overlooking the eastern hill.
3. Acropolis of Selinunte
   The sacred and political heart of the ancient city, with temple remains and walls directly overlooking the sea.
4. Temple G
   One of the largest temples in the ancient Greek world, now in ruins but with extraordinary historical and archaeological impact.
5. Eastern Hill
   Monumental area with Temples E, F, and G, ideal for understanding the urban layout of ancient Selinunte.
6. Cusa Quarries
   Ancient quarries where the temple stone blocks came from, with unfinished columns left behind: a striking and authentic place.
7. Selinunte Archaeological Museum
   Perfect for exploring the city's history in depth, with artifacts, metopes, and reconstructions of its ancient splendour.
8. Marinella di Selinunte
   A modern seaside village, ideal for a stroll along the waterfront and a food stop.
9. Selinunte Beaches
   Long sandy beaches and unspoiled stretches of coastline, perfect for relaxing after your archaeological visit.
10. Belìce River Mouth
    A fascinating natural area where archaeology and landscape meet among dunes, sea, and nature.

Selinunte at a glance: why go

Selinunte is one of the most impressive archaeological destinations in the Mediterranean: a vast park overlooking the sea, with Doric temples, an acropolis, and sacred areas. All of this is just minutes from long sandy beaches and the Nature Reserve at the mouth of the Belìce River, ideal for those who want to alternate culture and relaxation.

Essential practical information

Selinunte Archaeological Park: tickets and opening hours (official data)

• Ticket: full €14, reduced €7. parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it
• Opening hours: seasonal time slots with sunset closing (ticket office closing times vary). parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it
• Entrances: a large area with access points connected to Marinella and Triscina (useful for planning transfers/routes). parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it

Cusa Quarries (a must if you love “behind-the-scenes” archaeology)

The Cusa Quarries are the historic calcarenite quarries where drums and blocks for the temples were extracted; they are located about 13 km from the Selinunte area. Belìce Museum and Nature Network

Sea and nature

• Selinunte and Triscina beaches: long sandy coastlines with equipped sections and beach activities.
• Belìce River Mouth Nature Reserve and nearby dunes: a protected coastal area of about 5 km between Marinella di Selinunte and Porto Palo di Menfi, with dunes, wetlands, and birdlife.

How to get there and get around: why transfers make the difference

Selinunte is a “spread-out” destination: the archaeological park, beaches, reserve, and Cusa Quarries are not all conveniently reachable on foot, especially in summer heat or during short stays.

Recommended solution: NCC & transfers with TDS Transfer

To enhance your trip and optimize time:

• Direct transfers to/from airport, port, and railway station (reduce waiting and connections).
• Private NCC at your disposal (half-day / full-day) to visit the Park + Cusa Quarries + beaches in the same day, without parking and schedule constraints.
• Pick-up at hotels/B&Bs in Marinella, Triscina, and nearby areas, with evening return.
• Tailor-made itineraries for families (slower pace), couples (sunset and dinner), groups (multiple stops).

What TDS recommends to see in 1, 3, 5, and 7 days

1-day itinerary

Goal: temples + sea views + relaxation, with no logistical stress.

Morning

Selinunte Archaeological Park: focus on the Acropolis and the main temples, choosing panoramic viewpoints over the sea. (The site is vast: having a transfer allows you to enter from the most convenient access point and reduce unnecessary walking.) parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it

Lunch

A stop in Marinella/the coastal area (free choice between local restaurants and quick options).

Afternoon

Beach time in Marinella or Triscina to end the day by the sea. selindream.it

How to sell it with TDS Transfer (CTA for your website)

“1-day Selinunte tour with driver: pick-up, park visit, beach break, and return.”

Selinunte 3-day itinerary (classic and complete)

Goal: archaeology at a human pace + one nature/sea day + a “hidden gem” beyond the park.

Day 1 – Temples and Acropolis, unhurried

Morning and early afternoon in the Archaeological Park (sunset closing: plan your entry time carefully). parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it

Evening: return and dinner along the coast.

TDS Transfer tip

“NCC at your disposal for 5–8 hours: ideal for managing stops, heat, and a comfortable return.”

Day 2 – Cusa Quarries + sunset

Morning: Cusa Quarries (easy transfer). Belìce Museum and Nature Network

Afternoon: relax on the beach.

Evening: sunset (excellent social/SEO content: “Selinunte temples sunset”).

Day 3 – Belìce Reserve and dunes

Walk and light birdwatching in the Belìce River Mouth Reserve and nearby dunes (also ideal in the low season). orbs.regione.sicilia.it

Afternoon: beach time or early return.

Selinunte 5-day itinerary (sea + culture + territory)

Goal: add variety and depth while keeping Selinunte as your base.

Day 1 – Archaeological introduction

Archaeological Park (highlights + orientation). parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it

Day 2 – In-depth visit + second park area

Return to the park for areas you did not see on Day 1: with NCC you can optimize entrances and starting points.

Day 3 – Cusa Quarries (half-day) + sea

Cusa Quarries + beach afternoon. Belìce Museum and Nature Network

Day 4 – Nature: Belìce Reserve

Morning/early afternoon in the reserve. orbs.regione.sicilia.it

Evening: dinner and relaxation.

Day 5 – Long beaches and a “slow” day

Triscina or nearby coastlines, with flexible stops (families and children). Enjoy Sicilia

Recommended TDS Transfer package

“Round-trip airport transfer + 2 days of NCC at your disposal (Park + Quarries + Reserve).”

Selinunte 7-day itinerary

Goal: enjoy Selinunte at a Mediterranean pace, with more flexibility and less fatigue.

Day 1 – Arrival + check-in + sunset by the sea

Direct transfer and accommodation. Evening walk.

Day 2 – Archaeological Park (first visit)

Main park session. parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it

Day 3 – Sea day (recharge)

Selinunte/Triscina beaches. selindream.it

Day 4 – Cusa Quarries + return with scenic stop

Cusa Quarries (half-day) + free time. Belìce Museum and Nature Network

Day 5 – Archaeological Park (targeted second visit)

Second entry for remaining areas and “golden hour” photos.

Day 6 – Belìce Reserve and dunes

Nature walk and relaxation. orbs.regione.sicilia.it

Day 7 – Final swim + departure

Morning at the beach, then transfer for departure.

How to position it on your website (SEO + conversion)

• Landing page: “Selinunte 7-day tour with private transfer”
• Sections: “What’s included”, “Who it’s for”, “Flexible schedules”, “Pick-up anywhere”, “Luggage assistance”

The 10 must-try foods in Selinunte

1. Pane Nero di Castelvetrano (DOP)
   Ancient-grain bread from the Belìce area, with an intense aroma and dark crust; one of the region’s signature products.
2. Nocellara del Belìce Olives (DOP)
   Large, fleshy olives with a delicate taste, famous worldwide and central to many local dishes.
3. Fish couscous
   A specialty of south-western Sicily, made with hand-worked semolina and aromatic fish broth.
4. Busiate with Trapani-style pesto
   Traditional pasta with fresh tomato, almonds, basil, and local extra-virgin olive oil.
5. Sicilian-style swordfish
   Grilled or braised with tomato, capers, and olives, showcasing the catch from the Sicily Channel.
6. Sarde a beccafico
   Sardine rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins—an ideal sweet-and-savoury balance.
7. Eggplant caponata
   A classic sweet-and-sour appetizer made with seasonal vegetables and Mediterranean ingredients.
8. Belìce cheeses
   Sicilian pecorino, fresh ricotta, and baked ricotta, often served with honey or local jams.
9. Sicilian cannolo
   A crunchy shell filled with sheep’s ricotta, often enhanced with orange peel or pistachio.
10. Sicilian granita
    Refreshing and fragrant, especially lemon or almond—perfect on hot Selinunte summer days.

History

Selinunte was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Megara Hyblaea and quickly became one of the most powerful and wealthy cities of ancient Sicily. Thanks to its strategic position between the sea and the fertile inland plains, Selinunte thrived economically, commercially, and culturally, leaving an extraordinary monumental legacy.

Between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, the city reached its peak: magnificent Doric temples were built—today among the most imposing in the Mediterranean—symbolizing the political and religious power of the polis. The stone used came from the nearby Cusa Quarries, where unfinished blocks are still visible, providing direct evidence of the city’s sudden end.

In 409 BC, Selinunte was destroyed by the Carthaginian army led by Hannibal Mago. The city never returned to its former glory and was gradually abandoned. In the following centuries, temples and houses collapsed due to earthquakes and the passage of time.

Today, Selinunte is one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe: a unique place where history, archaeology, and landscape merge, allowing visitors to walk among the remains of one of the most fascinating civilizations of ancient Sicily, suspended between myth, the sea, and the memory of time.

How to get there and get around with TDS: why transfers make the difference

Selinunte is a “spread-out” destination: the archaeological park, beaches, reserve, and Cusa Quarries are not all conveniently reachable on foot, especially in summer heat or during short stays.

Recommended solution: NCC & private transfers with TDS Transfer

• Direct transfers from/to airport, port, and station (reduce waiting and connections).
• Private NCC at your disposal (half-day / full-day) to visit the Park + Cusa Quarries + beaches in the same day.
• Pick-up at hotels/B&Bs in Marinella, Triscina, and nearby areas, with evening return.
• Tailor-made itineraries for families, couples, and groups.

Getting to Selinunte is easy and comfortable thanks to TDS Transfer’s private NCC and transfer services—ideal for travelers who want to move without stress, with flexible timing and dedicated assistance.

From Palermo to Selinunte with TDS Transfer

• Departure: Palermo Falcone and Borsellino Airport, port, or hotel
• Average duration: about 1 hour 45 minutes
• Route: direct, with no changes or waiting
• Ideal for: domestic and international flights, families, and leisure travelers

From Trapani to Selinunte with TDS Transfer

• Departure: Trapani Birgi Airport, port, or city center
• Average duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Advantage: fast connection to south-western Sicily
• Perfect for: cruise passengers and late arrivals

From Castellammare del Golfo / San Vito Lo Capo / Marsala

TDS Transfer offers direct connections from all major tourist locations in western Sicily, with the option of:

• scenic stops
• custom itineraries
• day trips to Selinunte

Why choose TDS Transfer for Selinunte

• Private NCC service with professional driver
• Comfort and luxury vehicles
• Customized schedules
• No parking or ZTL issues
• Option to wait on site or return the same day

Useful links

If you want to rent a car at Palermo, Catania, Trapani-Birgi airport, or anywhere else in Sicily, click this link: https://www.tdsrent.it

If you want to book a transfer from one of the main airports or from anywhere in Sicily, click here: https://www.tdstransfer.it