Solo trip by train to Europe coming up this fall which will include Naples/Amalfi and Sicily (east coast) in first half of October and flying back to the US from Catania. The train from Naples to Siracusa is supposed to be historical and scenic. Looking for suggested stop(s) in Calabria as I don't see much in guidebooks so am writing for recommendations. Also looking for recommendations for best 'base' locations in eastern Sicily when traveling by train. I plan to do group day trips in various locations , particularly for places I want to visit where a car is necessary. Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted by
Chicago
2215 posts
We just did this in April. Train from Florence to Rome then to Salerno via Naples. Finished up in Taormina in Sicily. Look on other threads as to the viability of staying in Naples vs. Salerno before departing for Sicily.
Buying first class tickets out of Salerno to Sicily, we paid about $40 apiece--a tremendous value--buying our tickets four months in advance to obtain the deep discounts. The train stops at Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, where the train car goes onto a ferry, which traverses the Strait of Messina in under a half hour. Once across, the train is back on track for the hour to Taormina. Flew back out of Catania to Munich then Boston. The Catania airport is quite the zoo so make sure you arrive plenty early!
I have never stayed in Calabria but I hear that Maratea, kind of on the train line, is gorgeous.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
669 posts
We took the train from Naples to Taormina Sicily in April 2023. We didn't stop in Calabria, so can't help with that. We stayed 3 nights in Taormina and 3 nights on Ortigia (Siracusa). I find that Taormina gets mixed reviews due to the crowds, but we had wonderful food there and really enjoyed our time. We caught a bus up to Castelmola, which has fabulous views).
Ortigia is again an interesting town to explore the narrow streets, there are lots of posts and reviews if you search the forum. We did not get to either Ragusa, Noto, or Catania. Maybe next time!
If you do take the train, make sure you take food. There is no dining car and it is a long trek. There is some food on the ferry, but that is a short period of time.
Posted by
NC
642 posts
Agree that that the best “base” locations are Taormina and Ortigia. Both beautiful. Both with great food. Both with easy access to nearby places of interest.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
9 posts
heyy, it looks like you've already done your research haha. I have never taken the train from Naples to Sicily but it is supposed to be scenic and historic, yes! BUT we took the ferry from south Calabria to Villa San Giovanni, an amazing spot in Calabria to experience authentic southern coastal views often overlooked in guidebooks. We got the idea from ferryhopper, it has nice suggestions.
Since we rented a car there, i can't help you for the base, I'm sure others can help with that. Enjoy! xx