Exploring Calabria by train

Would you like to discover Calabria by train? Choose to visit it on board one of Calabria's historic trains, such as the Sila Train (available all year round) or the themed and seasonal trains, such as the Liquorice Train.

You will enjoy a slow-paced experience, imbued with the charm of times gone by and in line with the intentions of the Associazione Ferrovie in Calabria and the Fondazione FS in Calabria to enhance railway tourism.  

What are you waiting for? Climb aboard and grab the unseen landscapes of Calabria by train from the window!

There is no better and more eco-friendly way than to immerse yourself in the forests of the Sila National Park on board the Sila Train.

The old FCL 353 steam locomotive is waiting for you and your family puffing on the tracks, polished with its original early 20th century furnishings, ready to take you into the green embrace of the Sila forest.

The Sila Train climbs the slopes of the Sila Plateau, along Europe's highest "narrow-gauge" line (over 1400 metres above sea level), just as it did in 1925, the year it was built by the August Borsig company of Berlin. The last example in its class, it sports the original antique wooden carriages, signed "Carminati & Toselli" of Milan, with opening windows and cast-iron balconies between each carriage.

The Sila Train departs from the station of Camigliatello Silano, a mountain and ski village in the municipality of Spezzano della Sila, and arrives at the delightful little station of San Nicola Silvana Mansio, municipality of Casali del Manco, both in the province of Cosenza. On board, at particular times of the year, it is possible to attend events, re-enactments and tastings.

Among the tastiest itineraries for discovering Calabria by train, the one on board the Liquorice Train is the route dedicated to lovers of the precious root, one of Calabria's excellent food products, and the places where it is grown and enjoyed.

The Calabria Liquorice Train is the thematic convoy that crosses the provinces of Cosenza and Crotone in the footsteps of the renowned Liquorice of Calabria PDO.

Its scientific name is Glychirrhiza glabra, also known locally as "cordara", a leguminous plant with succulent roots. The mild climate and saline soil favour its spontaneous emergence in locations less than 650 metres from the sea. 

The Liquorice Train offers departures from Cosenza and Crotone and reaches the "Giorgio Amarelli" Liquorice Museum in Rossano (Municipality of Corigliano-Rossano), a partner in the initiative.

Here it is possible to visit the historic Calabrian liquorice factory, discover the processing stages from harvesting to the finished product and admire the many historical relics, machinery and documents of the Amarelli family. After the visit, the Calabria by train itinerary continues to discover the historical centres of Rossano and Corigliano.

Another not-to-be-missed itinerary of aromas and flavours is the one along the Middle and Lower Ionian Sea that runs along the Bergamot Train.

Like liquorice, the region's iconic citrus fruit is one of the world's best-loved agricultural and food products.

The Calabrian bergamot (whose essential oil holds the PDO), belongs to the Citrus Bergamia Risso species and releases its unmistakable aromatic notes appreciated by cosmetic and confectionery companies around the world.

Also known as the Train of Magna Graecia, this themed convoy travels the route along the Calabrian Ionian coast from Catanzaro Lido (CZ) to Brancaleone (RC), amidst bergamots in bloom and literary passages from the works of Cesare Pavese, the writer who was exiled from Fascism in Brancaleone and whose House Museum can be visited at the destination.

Continuing on to Reggio Calabria, lovers of Calabria by train and of bergamot can discover all the secrets of the prized citrus fruit by visiting the Bergamot Museum in Reggio Calabria. 

We close our itineraries to discover Calabria by train by boarding another historic train.

This time it is the Train of the Gods, which crosses the Riviera of the same name in the province of Vibo Valentia, the infamous Costa degli Dei, to reach the Costa Viola in the province of Reggio Calabria.

An experience that takes you back in time, aboard 1930s cars refurbished by the FS Foundation along the scenic Southern Tyrrhenian Railway. Two routes that can be travelled individually or in succession (the second of which can also be travelled at night, on the Costa Viola by Night). 

There are many fishing villages crossed by the train, which allows you to stop and visit Tropea (VV), one of The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy in Calabria, and Chianalea di Scilla (RC), the "Little Venice of the South", to name but two of the most famous.

Ready to discover Calabria by train? Hurry up, the stationmaster is waiting for you!