Agrigento: Valley of the Temples

This world-renowned archeological site is a must for travelers interested in Greek history. Divided into an eastern and western zone, the 3,000-acre park boasts eight temples, including the stunning Concordia Temple (the model for the UNSECO logo), which has survived largely intact since 430BC. Fascinatingly, the structure was built on a layer of clay, probably purposefully chosen by its Greek builders, which made it resilient to the earthquakes that felled most of the surrounding temples. These were restructured piece by piece and now frame Concordia as glowing examples of Greek architectural and engineering feats.

The setting is spectacular, and, unlike many archeological sites elsewhere in Europe, Agrigento is practically unguarded, allowing visitors free access to roam among the temples. If you bring a picnic, you can have lunch in the lush the beautiful Garden of Kolymbetra. For a more glamorous meal, reserve on the terrace of the Villa Athena with dead-on temple views.