Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi is a rocky cliff on the coast of Realmonte. It has become a tourist attraction, partly due to its mention in Andrea Camilleri's series of detective stories about Commissario Montalbano. The name translates as Turkish stairs, and indeed there is a certain resemblance to Pamukkale in Turkey. However there is a historical explanation of the name. Scala dei Turchi was the place Arab pirates (turks) anchored their boats out of the wind while they pillaged the surrounding area. In August 2007, the municipality of Realmonte applied for the inclusion of the Scala dei Turchi in the UNESCO Heritage List.

For some years now, the entry to the rock has been strictly prohibited, which is illustrated by numerous signs and a fence. But rules don't mean much in Italy, as usual!