Fodor's Expert Review Scala dei Turchi

After the active volcanoes of Mount Etna and Stromboli, the tilted white "staircase" of the Scala dei Turchi cliff is the most stunning geological site in Sicily. Formed by eroded strata of pure white marl, with a silken gold sandy beach below, the cliff was allegedly named after the so-called Turkish (actually Saracen) pirates who plagued the Sicilian coast in the 16th century. The Scala and its beach are extraordinarily popular, so try if you can to visit in low season. The best access is from the signposted paid car park just to the south of the cliff (follow the sign to Majata Beach/Ingresso Scala dei Turchi).