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So, to be completely honest, we didn’t even know of Punta Bianca Beach until getting to Agrigento. Like most other travelers visiting Southern Sicily, we were actually planning to explore the more popular Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) instead.
Upon hearing our plans however, our friendly B&B hosts at La Terrazza di Empedocle strongly advised us against it and recommended we explore less touristy and more secluded Punta Bianca Beach instead.
Thank goodness we listened!!! Shout-out to Lello & Chiara… grazie mille ragazzi! Punta Bianca Beach proved to be just as they described– a true slice of heaven along the Agrigento Coastline.
And with only a few other people on the beach, we pretty much had Punta Bianca all to ourselves. GASP! And we weren’t even visiting off-season but in full blown summer (September 1st to be precise). I mean, whaaaat?!!!
Punta Bianca is La Scala dei Turchi’s smaller more secluded twin sister – it’s the perfect alternate!
And that’s good news! Because if you had your heart set on experiencing the Turkish Stairs (which has now closed to the public), there is no need to despair. Just 30 kilometers away, Punta Bianca Beach rewards with unparalleled seclusion and a Mediterranean pearl-like spectacle like no other beach in Italy.
So, let’s get into all the details of what you will experience and how to plan your visit…
*NOTE – Getting to Punta Bianca Beach requires experienced driving and an adequate 4×4 vehicle. See road details below!
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Landscapes at Punta Bianca Beach
From the moment you park to the moment you leave, wherever you look, unworldly views follow at Punta Bianca Beach.
Against the backdrop of a thousand blues, a glistening white marlstone blankets the shoreline in what can only be described as a MIND-BLOWING vision.
Presiding over the sparkling waters, an abandoned ex command post (Casa dei Doganieri) dominates the landscape. Rising like a spur, it lies in ruins while standing guard to the pristine shore.
As you proceed to your right on the untouched coastline, the milky landscape slowly molds into a stretch of golden sand. Here you’ll find calm and shallow green-blue waters to relax the rest of the day!
Treacherous Roads – Punta Bianca Nature Reserve
So, what’s the catch?
Well, in many cases ease of access (or in this case, NON ease of access) dictate whether a destination becomes popular or not.
In the case of Punta Bianca, its impractical location and extremely rough roads have kept it off-the-radar and quite literally off-limits to most.
Off-limits?… Isn’t that a bit overdramatic? – Nope, I’m dead serious.
The road leading to Punta Bianca Beach is extremely uneven and can be unsafe or hazardous for inadequate vehicles and inexperienced drivers. For a long section the route is unpaved and presents gigantic potholes and craters. I’m talking pits that open as deep as 20/30 centimeters.
Do not venture to Punta Bianca in a small car. A 4×4 off-road vehicle is imperative (preferably SUV)!
If you’re in a rental car, think twice before heading out. It’s easy to damage the undercarriage of your vehicle if you’re unexperienced with uneven dirt roads.
OUR EXPERIENCE – We had no issues as we were traveling around Sicily on our Africa Twin motorcycle, a great off-road bike for experienced bikers.
How to Get to Punta Bianca Beach – Directions
Input into Google Maps “il paradiso punta bianca,” it’s the restaurant/bar located on the clifftop where you will park. Here are some details to help guide you:
- From the SP71, follow the narrow and very poorly maintained asphalt road that forks off the main road (it’s in such bad conditions it basically looks like a dirt road). You should see a sign indicating Punta Bianca with an arrow. (*Note– this is a 2-way street!)
- On the first section of this road, you’ll pass a couple olive orchards. Once you pass Punta Bianca Suites (on your left), the scenery will change to open arid fields. Keep heading towards the coast.
- When you’re almost at the coastline, the road will divide. Take the fork on the RIGHT (the road that skirts the coast more closely). You’ll see the path move a bit uphill. Continue STRAIGHT all the way to the dirt lot of restaurant-bar Il Paradiso Punta Bianca.
Parking at Punta Bianca
We recommend parking at the dirt lot of Il Paradiso Punta Bianca. The road does continue all the way down to the beach but in our opinion the steepness makes it suitable only to ATVs or off-road vehicles. We didn’t feel comfortable venturing down with our motorcycle as we were afraid of getting stuck on the way back moving uphill (the dirt road is STEEP and UNEVEN).
Walking down to Punta Bianca
Once you’ve parked, you still have a good 10-minute walk down to the beach. The dirt path is steep, so keep in mind your return will be completely uphill.
Where to Stay Near Punta Bianca
Agrigento is a great town to base yourself out of when touring Southern Sicily. It’s close to Punta Bianca and just a short drive from The Valley of the Temples.
We chose to stay in La Terrazza di Empedocle, a lovely bed and breakfast that offers the most exquisite rooftop terrace!
BREAKFAST – Each morning an abundant Sicilian breakfast was served on the terrace (both sweet and savory). All products were locally sourced, and the hosts put a tremendous effort in offering a variety of foods (we got a different breakfast each day!) The attention to quality and detail was immaculate– from the homemade jams to the arancini, everything was top-notch.
LOCAL TIPS – Lello and Chiara also went out of their way to help us plan our time in Agrigento. They have extensive knowledge of the area and know all those hidden local spots. We were so grateful they took the time to help us– we took all their recommendations!
LOCATION – Just a short walk into old town, the bed and breakfast is very centrally located. The Valley of the Temples is also just a 15-minute drive. The building is a bit dated and can catch you off-guard, but the apartment inside is modern and newly renovated. I guarantee that once you get to the 12th floor and step onto that terrace you’ll be one happy camper.
FAQ – Visiting Punta Bianca Beach
Before wrapping up, here are a couple other questions I get of Punta Bianca:
Does the beach have facilities?
No, Punta Bianca is a free-access beach and has no restrooms or facilities of any kind. There is a bar-restaurant on top of the cliffside (Punta Bianca Il Paradiso), but it wasn’t open when we visited. Make sure you bring your own water, umbrella, and snacks! Also, don’t forget your water shoes.
Is Punta Bianca suitable for kids?
It depends on the age. The hike down can be a bit steep. I would say kids 5+ can walk down on their own. Strollers are not an option.
When is the best time to go?
Although Punta Bianca remains quiet all summer, the beach occasionally gets overrun by algae. It isn’t clear if there is a particular period when this occurs– I’ve seen people complain of this in July and August.
Before venturing out to the beach, consider asking your accommodation if in recent days seaweed has been a problem along the coastline. It’s not a guarantee they will know or be up to date, but it’s worth asking before making the tough drive.
So, there it is guys… everything you need to know before visiting the Riserva Naturale di Punta Bianca.
A stunning and quieter alternative to La Scala dei Turchi, you don’t want to miss this calcareous gem in Southern Sicily!
If you have any further questions or would like to share your experience, please get in contact or comment below. I love hearing your stories and am happy to help as best as I can!
Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita…
Buona Spiaggia! Enjoy the Beach!
Traveling Around Southern Italy? Check out these guides:
- The City of Caves – Explore Matera Italy
- 5 Days Discovering Puglia – The Best Beaches and Towns
- Beach-hopping in Calabria: Caribbean-like Waters
- Discover Tropea’s Crystalline Beaches
- Visit Pizzo and Try its World-Famous Gelato
- Street Art Frenzy – See the 300 Murals of Diamante
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This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
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