The Scala dei Turchi, or Turkish Staircase, in Realmonte on the island of Sicily is a naturally occuring phenomenon. It is a rocky cliff, an unusual white in colour, which has been eroded by the sea over the centuries. Due to this extraordinary appearance and its mention in Andrea Camilleri's series of detective stories about Commissario Montalbano, it has become a popular tourist attraction in the area.
The white, starkly beautiful crags and hollows of the cliff-face, paired with the rich blue of the ocean and the stunning sunsets in the area make it an astounding sight.
The white, starkly beautiful crags and hollows of the cliff-face, paired with the rich blue of the ocean and the stunning sunsets in the area make it an astounding sight.
The colours seem unreal, hard to believe – which is why you must try and see it for yourself! Find a luxury villa in Sicily and make a trip to the Scala dei Turchi.
The name refers to the shape of the cliffs, which descend to the beach like a staircase made by man and the legends of the area state that they were used during Moorish, or “Turkish”, raids of the coastline. Despite the fact that these stories prevail, it has been since found that the Turkish pirates and armies probably never landed here.
The name refers to the shape of the cliffs, which descend to the beach like a staircase made by man and the legends of the area state that they were used during Moorish, or “Turkish”, raids of the coastline. Despite the fact that these stories prevail, it has been since found that the Turkish pirates and armies probably never landed here.
Made from marl, a sedimentary rock which is distinctively white in colour, the wind, rain and sea wore away at the rock formed of limestone and clay, and modelled it into the shape we now see today.
Camilleri mentions the cliffs in his books when Montalbano finds himself in front of the cliffs, lost in his thoughts. The sight of the white marl set against the pure blue sky, the green hedges, the light blue of the sea and the pinks of the coastline, stop him in his tracks. He is so overwhelmed by the colours that he has to shut his eyes and cover his ears.
This scene intrigued readers, wanting to experience this beyond-vivid place for themselves.
Thankfully, without the stresses and drama of being a detective in a mystery novel, you'll probably find the Scala dei Turchi to be beautiful rather than overwhelming. It is very popular as a sunbathing spot in the summer, as it is nestled between two beaches. Many visitors will be seen with the wet marl applied all over their skin and it is known for its health benefits, bringing a glow back to the appearance. For those interested in being a little more active, the cliffs, rocks and waters offer exploration and thrills, chances to swim, jump from the rocks and have fun. In addition to all this, there are magnificent sunsets and countless photo-opportunities throughout the day.
If any of this sounds interesting to you – and it should – be sure to spend an evening or a day at the Scala dei Turchi on your next trip to Sicily!
Camilleri mentions the cliffs in his books when Montalbano finds himself in front of the cliffs, lost in his thoughts. The sight of the white marl set against the pure blue sky, the green hedges, the light blue of the sea and the pinks of the coastline, stop him in his tracks. He is so overwhelmed by the colours that he has to shut his eyes and cover his ears.
This scene intrigued readers, wanting to experience this beyond-vivid place for themselves.
Thankfully, without the stresses and drama of being a detective in a mystery novel, you'll probably find the Scala dei Turchi to be beautiful rather than overwhelming. It is very popular as a sunbathing spot in the summer, as it is nestled between two beaches. Many visitors will be seen with the wet marl applied all over their skin and it is known for its health benefits, bringing a glow back to the appearance. For those interested in being a little more active, the cliffs, rocks and waters offer exploration and thrills, chances to swim, jump from the rocks and have fun. In addition to all this, there are magnificent sunsets and countless photo-opportunities throughout the day.
If any of this sounds interesting to you – and it should – be sure to spend an evening or a day at the Scala dei Turchi on your next trip to Sicily!
Photo credits
picture 2: Maroichi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sweetie candykim / CC0
picture 2: Maroichi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sweetie candykim / CC0