Sicily is gearing up to welcome visitors aboard its historic trains once again, as the popular rail programme returns for its sixth year.
Running until 8 December 2024, the programme offers travellers the chance to explore the island’s cultural and historical landmarks in vintage carriages from the 1930s.
The project, organised by the Regional Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani, promises a more immersive experience than ever before, with 33 themed journeys planned across Sicily’s most scenic railway routes.
One of the key aims of this initiative is to extend Sicily’s tourist season beyond the traditional summer months, encouraging visitors to discover the island’s hidden gems. The iconic ‘terrazzini’ carriages, dating back to the 1930s, have been restored to give travellers an authentic experience of a bygone era. For cycling enthusiasts, a baggage car equipped with space for 50 bicycles allows for a perfect blend of rail travel and active exploration.
The routes cover some of Sicily’s most celebrated destinations. Agrigento, home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, will feature prominently in a special journey marking 150 years since the opening of the Palermo-Porto Empedocle railway. This stretch includes the renowned Templi Railway, a tourist route that forms part of Italy’s ‘Binari senza tempo’ (Timeless Tracks) project.
Other highlights include Caltagirone, known for its traditional ceramics, and Siracusa, where visitors can step back into ancient Greek and Roman history on the island of Ortigia. Modica, famous for its Baroque architecture, will also tempt travellers with its annual Chocolate Festival. The partnership with the Circumetnea Railway will offer further opportunities to explore Sicily’s interior, including the town of Bronte, famed for its pistachios.
A Growing Attraction for Travellers
Since its launch in 2018, Sicily’s historic trains have captivated more than 20,000 tourists, with 7,400 passengers in 2023 alone. The initiative has played a significant role in boosting off-season tourism, with a 12% rise in visitor numbers to Sicily between September and December 2023. Foreign travellers showed even greater interest, with a 21% increase in arrivals, highlighting the success of these historic journeys in attracting international attention. Tickets can be purchased through all Trenitalia sales channels or on board, subject to availability.
Sicily’s Railway Legacy
The historic trains of Sicily are not just a tourist attraction; they offer a window into the island’s transportation heritage. The first railway line, connecting Palermo and Bagheria, was inaugurated in 1863, signalling the start of a new era in Sicilian transport. By the late 1940s, the introduction of electric lines, such as the Palermo-Messina and Catania-Siracusa routes, revolutionised travel across the island, significantly improving speed and efficiency.
Today, these restored trains revive the nostalgia of the island’s railway past, giving passengers a chance to journey along the same routes that once symbolised modernisation and progress in Sicily. As the 2024 programme unfolds, travellers have the chance to enjoy both the charm of historic rail travel and the timeless beauty of Sicily.
