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This intercity train’s modern second-class carriages are comfortable and clean.
Carbon emissions
The rail service saves a total of 2.1 kg of weight, while the same journey by car saves 6.2 kg.
seat
This short, fast train is unreserved, so if the train is not shrouded in fog, try to get a seat on the right side of the train to enjoy views of Mount Etna on the way to Catania (Sicily’s second largest city after the capital Palermo). The left side of the carriage also offers views of the Sicilian coastline, which the train tracks hug throughout the journey.
luggage
Sicily itself has a lot of baggage, as evidenced by the following godfather trilogy, and more recently, the mayor of Agrigento in the southwest of the island has banned the sale of mafia-related and perpetuating memorabilia, such as T-shirts. But as this was a day trip, your reviewer’s luggage went back to the hotel in Taormina. If you’re transferring between cities and towns by train, newer high-speed trains have luggage storage areas at one end of each carriage, while older trains usually only have overhead luggage racks above the seats.
FFood + Drinks
One of the most enjoyable things about visiting Sicily by train is that there are often full bars or cafes on the platforms where you can buy espresso, alcoholic or soft drinks, and island specialities such as arancini – golden millet balls covered in breadcrumbs and stuffed with savory fillings, traditionally wrapped in paper and eaten with your hands. Unfortunately, the bars in Taormina-Giardini were closed on this trip, but the bars on the Catania platform were fully open.
One more thing
Arrive early to explore this fascinating station.Credit: Alamy
It’s best to arrive at Taormina-Giardini at least half an hour before departure to explore this charming station, but apart from the excellent platform bar, Catania Central Station is more practical and there’s not much to attract you.
price
One-way fares start from €5.80 ($9.64).
Verdict
This relaxing and enjoyable tour takes you from Taormina to the grand yet down-to-earth Catania for a fascinating and inexpensive day trip, and of course, visits to the wonderful The Godfather III Railway Station. See Italian Railways
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Our rating is five points
★★★★½
The author visited Italy as a guest of Albatross Tours’ “Southern Italy and Sicily” escorted tour group. albatrosstours.com.au
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