Have you ever thought of crossing Sicily aboard a train from a bygone era, sitting on old carriages while the countryside, small towns, and stretches of coastline glide by outside the window? Starting in October, a real opportunity to do so returns. The historic trains return to Sicily, with 12 trips scheduled from October 11 to December 20, 2026, along some of the island’s most evocative railway lines.
The Itinerary of Sicily’s Historic Trains
The first itinerary is for October 11: the Star Train will depart from Palermo to reach Roccapalumba, venturing away from the usual seaside destinations and focusing on a more rural and authentic Sicily.
If you love craftsmanship and local traditions, mark October 18 instead. From Messina will depart the Ceramics Train bound for Santo Stefano di Camastra, one of Sicily’s villages best known for artistic ceramics. Here you can wander among the workshops, observe the colorful maiolicas, and peek into the techniques that have characterized the town for generations.
October 25 will mark the turn of the Temple Train, with departure from Palermo and arrival at Porto Empedocle. A destination particularly interesting for those who want to spend the day exploring the Agrigento territory. Among the possibilities is also a visit to the historic 19th-century railway park, tied to the memory of Sicily’s railways.
A few days later the scenery will change completely. October 31 and November 1 will bring back the Baroque Railway, linking Syracuse and Modica. From the window you’ll see fields, dry stone walls, and landscapes typical of the island’s southeastern region. Upon arrival you’ll find Modica, with its churches, steep alleys, and palaces that recount the grand era of Sicilian Baroque.
In November there will also be room for those who prefer sea views. On the 8th the historic train will depart from Messina toward Tusa, tracing the Tyrrhenian coast, while on the 15th it’s time for Catania – Taormina, a route that brings the Ionian coast to the fore.
There will be no shortage of events devoted to artisanal and gastronomic excellence. On November 22 you can reach Caltagirone starting from Catania, a destination well worth visiting especially for its ceramic tradition. The city is also famous for the scenic Stairs of Santa Maria del Monte, decorated with maiolica tiles.
November 29 will bring one of the program’s most indulgent itineraries: the Chocolate Train. It will depart from Caltanissetta to reach Modica, a city renowned for its chocolate with a distinctive granular texture. If you haven’t tried it yet, this could be the perfect occasion to get to know one of the region’s most representative specialties up close.
And December? The schedule won’t stop at the first chills. December 8 sees a new run of the Baroque Railway between Syracuse and Modica, while on December 13 the train will depart from Palermo to reach Castelvetrano in western Sicily.
The final departure is set for Sunday, December 20, when the Temple Train will return from Palermo to Porto Empedocle. It will be the closing event of a season that aims to reveal the territory also through its railway heritage.
Useful information: Tickets and prices
To take part in one of the journeys you’ll need to buy a ticket; a full fare costs 10 euros, while there is a 5-euro ticket for children aged 4 to 12. Seats are limited, as are the departures; therefore it’s wise to book in advance to secure your spot on your preferred itinerary. The initiative returns each year with many events that enliven autumn in a region that deserves to be discovered at a slow pace to savor every detail.
