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Tips, ideas and travel itineraries in Sicily

The train of desires is returning: from Palermo to Porto Empedocle between history, culture and traditions.


04 November 2022 - Categorie: Travel Tips, The places of the heart, Cultural tourism Tags: Trip to Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, Tourism in Sicily, Art and Culture in Sicily, Western Sicily, Visit Sicily, History of Sicily, 10 places not to be missed in Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily, 10 things to see absolutely in Sicily, The best destinations in Sicily, Beauties of Sicily

Sicily is a magical place made up of countless colours, scents, rich in history, invasions, domination and legends. A region rich in monuments, archaeological sites, natural parks and much more. An excellent combination of all this is the province of Agrigento, one of the many and wonderful historical destinations of Sicilian tourism. Right here, after a very long silence, the historic Train of the Temples will start again on November 6, 2022, which will take you from Palermo to the Sicilian hinterland to the Archaeological Park of Agrigento and the seaside village of Porto Empedocle.

This will offer you an excellent starting point to visit the beautiful province of Agrigento during your trip to south-western Sicily: from the beaches of Seccagrande and Eraclea Minoa to the natural reserves of the Foce del Fiume Plataniand Torresalsa, from the spectacular Scala dei Turchi and Punta Bianca to the mythical Valley of the Temples of Agrigento and still Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, Marsala, Trapani, Sciacca and its thermal baths and much more.

And why not rest, after a day full of adventure and discovery, in one of our fantastic villas, with a luxuriant or rural taste, with a private swimming pool in the surprising surrounding area?

The initiative was born of the Ferrovie Kaos association, which has an agreement with the FS Italiane Foundation, in collaboration with TrenoDOC Palermo, FAI and the archeoclub "The places of Empedocle". Departure is scheduled from Palermo Centrale railway station at 07:50 with various stops, including: Bagheria at 08:05, Termini Imerese at 08:25, Roccapalumba - Alia (9:10), Cammarata San Giovanni Gemini (09:40), Aragona Caldare (10:45), Agrigento Bassa (10:55).

From this last station, the famous Ferrovia dei Templi begins, an ancient line that connected Agrigento to Castelvetrano through Porto Empedocle, Ribera and Sciacca but closed since 1978. At 11:15 you will arrive at Tempio di Vulcano station, in the heart of the Valle dei Templi.

The Historic Train
Detail
Garden of the Kolymbethra
Valley of the Temples - Detail
Agrigento: Telamon
Valley of the Temples

Here, travellers will have two options: get off and with FAI operators spend the day inside the famous Garden of Kolymbethra and have free access (like every first Sunday of the month) to the Archaeological Park.

Alternatively, they can choose to continue the journey with arrival at the nineteenth-century central station Porto Empedocle at about 11:30 and here visit this ancient plant and then continue the tour to Porto Empedocle with the Archeoclub guides, who propose three itineraries between the historical centre of "Vigata", the Lido Marinella and the legendary Scala dei Turchi.

The return train to Palermo will leave from Porto Empedocle Succursale station at 17.07 and from Tempio di Vulcano at 5.15 pm with arrival in Palermo scheduled for 20.26.

Recommended villas


Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.

Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.

Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.

La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.

Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.

Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.