Agrigento, ItalyValley of the Temples
Hotel Villa Athena
Aristocratic archaeological villa
Valley of the Temples Agrigento, Italy
Renovated
2009
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Local LuxeOutside the door
Aristocratic archaeological villa
The aristocratic estate runs like a private residence, where illuminated Greek monuments rise directly beyond the garden terrace at night.
“Villa Athena is located within the archaeological park, offering a literal front row to the iconic fifth-century B.C. Temple of Concordia.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
An eighteenth-century aristocratic villa positioned directly inside the ancient Valley of the Temples.
Remarkable
A private garden gate opens directly into the archaeological park beside ancient temples.
Notable
Five-star suites feature marble bathrooms with Sicilian ceramics and direct temple views.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Set within the Valley of the Temples, Villa Athena is an ancient stone’s throw away from the 5th-century B.C. Temple of Concordia.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The archaeological park surrounds the estate, and the fifth-century B.C. Temple of Concordia stands two hundred meters away.
1 of 6
The rooms
Rooms look out on olive groves or the Temple of Concordia, and bathrooms feature marble and Sicilian ceramics.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Century-old olive trees and citrus groves surround the freshwater pool, with loungers facing the Temple of Concordia.
The spa
The vaulted spa sits over an ancient Greek cistern, with an indoor hydrotherapy pool and garden massage tables.
At the table
Candlelit terrace tables look out at the illuminated Temple of Concordia, serving refined Sicilian seafood and regional wines.
How it began
Founder Francesco D'Alessandro renamed the eighteenth-century villa after unearthing an ancient Greek coin of Athena on the grounds.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.