Travelling by train around Mount Etna in Sicily Photo: stock.adobe.com/Nathan
From our editorial team
Italy is not only a country of art, culture and cuisine, but also a paradise for railway enthusiasts. Whether steaming locomotives, narrow serpentines or spectacular bridges - here are five of the most beautiful historic railway lines in Italy.
Away from the modern high-speed trains such as the Frecciarossa, there are historic railway lines that entice you with their nostalgic charm, breathtaking landscapes and a journey back in time. Whether in the Alps, Sicily or Sardinia - each of these routes offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Italy from a decelerated perspective.
The Trans-Sardinian railway: island nostalgia
Photo: adobe.stock.com/Roman Babakin
The Ferrovia Turistica della Sardegna, often referred to simply as the "Trans-Sardinian Railway", runs through the rugged and unspoilt heart of Sardinia. The route between Mandas and Arbatax is one of the most impressive: the historic narrow-gauge railway winds its way through wild mountain landscapes, dense forests and past deep gorges for around 160 kilometres. The journey takes several hours, but offers an unrivalled view of rural Sardinia - far away from the tourist hotspots on the coast. A special highlight: the historic steam locomotive, which is used on certain days.
The Centovalli railway: a journey through a hundred valleys
Photo: stock.aobe.com/ON_Photography
The Centovalli railway connects Domodossola in Italy with Locarno in Switzerland and is considered one of the most spectacular Alpine railways in Europe. The name "Centovalli" means "hundred valleys" - and this is exactly what the railway runs through. Over impressive viaducts, through narrow gorges and past deep blue mountain lakes, the train winds its way through a dreamlike landscape that presents itself in completely different colours depending on the season. The highlight of the journey: The journey over the spectacular Isorno Viaduct, which towers high above a deep gorge.
The Ferrovia Circumetnea: Around Mount Etna
If you want to experience the Etna volcano in Sicily from a unique perspective, you should take the Ferrovia Circumetnea railway. This historic narrow-gauge railway circles Europe's largest active volcano for 110 kilometres, offering spectacular views of the lava landscapes, vineyards and small mountain villages. The journey starts in Catania and takes you through fascinating scenery in which black lava fields alternate with lush orange groves. The journey is particularly attractive in spring, when the contrast between snow-covered Mount Etna and blossoming lemon trees is especially impressive.
The Porrettana Railway: Italy's oldest mountain railway
Photo: adobe.stock.com/Lorenzo
The Ferrovia Porrettana was opened in 1864 as Italy's first mountain railway and connects Tuscany with Emilia-Romagna. It runs from Pistoia to Bologna and crosses the Apennines. The historic bridges, tunnels and viaducts, which date back to the 19th century, are particularly impressive. The route was once one of the most important connections between northern and central Italy, but was forgotten after the faster main lines were built. Today, it is an insider tip for railway enthusiasts who want to travel back in time to the golden era of the railway.
The Ferrovia dei Templi: travelling through antiquity by train
Photo: stock.adobe.com/Leonid Andronov
The Ferrovia dei Templi in Sicily connects Agrigento with Porto Empedocle and runs through one of the most fascinating archaeological landscapes in Italy: the Valley of the Temples. As the train rolls leisurely through olive groves and along the Mediterranean coast, breathtaking views open up of the ancient temple ruins, which have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An absolute highlight is the journey on a historic steam train.
