Agrigento is launching “Naturalmente Agrigento,” a slow‑and‑green tourism push that aims to keep visitors in the area all year long.
The municipality’s plan builds on the existing Valley of the Temples and seeks to link historic sites with new nature‑focused routes.
Festival kicks off with eco‑focused talks
From September 4‑6 the town will host a three‑day “Slow & Green Festival.” Events spread across cultural venues, the historic centre, coastal districts and the archaeological park. The opening session at the San Pietro cultural hub will explore ecosystems, infrastructure and future strategies for Sicily.
The second day shifts to tourism, identity and emotion, followed by a climate‑responsibility panel. On Sunday, the program moves to Casa Diodoros in the Valley of the Temples, where wine, regional scenery and enotourism will be discussed as parts of a sustainable hospitality model.
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Evening concerts
Evening concerts will feature three contemporary acts: the Santi Francesi, Davide Shorty and Casadilego. All performances are free to the public, aiming to attract a broad audience.
Free concerts attract locals and tourists alike.
Tree planting and new pathways
The municipal administration announced a goal of planting ten thousand trees over the next five years. In parallel, a 2‑kilometre forest trail on the Rupe Atenea will be upgraded for cyclists and walkers. Officials say the upgrades will let nature set the pace for visitors, rather than the other way around.
Mayor Michele Sodano emphasized that “our city can only move forward by investing in nature and innovation.” He added that the next five years will focus on sustainable neighbourhoods, coastal zones and the archaeological park without over‑building.
New app guides visitors year‑round
“AGreenGento,” a mobile application released by the municipality, turns a smartphone into a guide for green experiences. The tool offers seven curated routes, eleven points of interest and a map of local attractions. GPS georeferencing lets users wander independently while multimedia content explains history, flora, fauna, local foods and producers.
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One section calculates a visitor’s environmental footprint; another monitors city‑wide air quality. The app is a digital thread that ties together sites before, during and after a trip.
CoopCulture, acting as facilitator, helps connect heritage, skills and community. Its director, Letizia Casuccio, said the goal is to move beyond a single‑day focus on major monuments and create reasons for people to linger, explore and return.
While the initiative leans heavily on local assets, it also reflects a broader shift toward tourism that respects ecological limits. By spreading attractions across seasons and neighborhoods, the town hopes to smooth visitor flows and reduce pressure on any one site. This approach may serve as a template for other UNESCO‑linked destinations seeking post‑pandemic recovery.
In the coming months a multilingual portal—planned in four languages—will expand online access to the region’s offerings. The portal, expected to launch within the year, will complement the app and provide detailed information for international travelers.