The greenways : a new opportunity to develop the ecotourism in Sicily

The change in the orientation of tourism demand shows the new preferences and needs of tourist. Tourism today is changing. Today tourists prefer to become part of the daily life of the places they visit, and want their journey to be a source of knowledge and leisure. This study aims to improve the territorial availability and to promote the use of non motorized means of transport by design of greenways and slow ways. Greenways make possible to be in contact with nature, following paths through historical and archaeological sites, without any type of pollution. Particularly the case studied is the “Valley of the Temples” allocated in Sicily, in Agrigento site. This is an Archaeological Park, one of the most important sites in the ancient Greek world of Magna Graecia, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The designed network of greenways develops in its length across the Archaeological Park, which extends over 1300 hectares and contains exceptional monumental and landscape heritage, which includes the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas and its surrounding territory up to the sea. The network develops around the strategic hub of the Archaeological Museum, following a series of walking and cycling paths. Every greenway touches some of the most important historical attractions of the valley and green oases, such as the “Kolimbetra” garden, including resort areas along the way, designed to provide comfort, safety and cultural services. The accessibility is guaranteed by some infrastructures that allow people with diminished mobility to enjoy this beautiful, unpolluted and cultural context.