Train Trekking in Palmi: the Leonida Trail on the Costa Viola

Villa Repaci · Palmi, Costa Viola, Calabria

18 October 2026

RailTour's Train Trekking returns on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with a walk along the extraordinary Leonida Trail between Palmi and the Costa Viola. The roughly 6 km route runs mostly downhill and on flat ground, touching Big Bench no. 437, the ancient Porto Oreste at Rovaglioso, the archaeological caves of Trachina and sweeping views over the Scoglio dell'Ulivo sea stack, before reaching the special stop at Villa Repaci, the home of writer Leonida Repaci and Albertina Antonielli, with entrance and guided visit included. Participants travel to the meeting point by regional train from two directions, then continue on foot together, and can stop for lunch at Villa Repaci with either a packed lunch or a sandwich pre-ordered through RailBook.

RailTour's Train Trekking returns to Palmi

After last spring's experience, RailTour brings back one of its itineraries for travellers who love discovering Calabria by leaving the car at home and setting off on foot straight from the train. The new edition, scheduled for Sunday 18 October 2026, is built around the Leonida Trail, on the Costa Viola around Palmi, and adds a special new stop: Villa Repaci, the home of writer Leonida Repaci and Albertina Antonielli.

Two rail lines, one Train Trekking

Participants travel by train, accompanied by RailTour guides, from two directions that converge on Palmi station. From the north: Cosenza, Paola, Amantea, Lamezia Terme Centrale, Vibo Valentia-Pizzo, Rosarno and Gioia Tauro. From the south: Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni, Scilla and Bagnara. The two groups meet at Palmi station, the starting point of the walking route.

The route: 6 km of nature, history and archaeology

Around 6 km, mostly downhill and on flat ground, suitable even for those who aren't experienced hikers. The walk passes Big Bench no. 437, the Rovaglioso area, identified with the ancient Porto Oreste, the archaeological caves of Trachina, and viewpoints over the Scoglio dell'Ulivo sea stack, one of the most striking stretches of the Costa Viola.

Villa Repaci: the special stop

The route reaches Villa Repaci, set in one of the most beautiful scenery of the Costa Viola, with entrance and guided visit included in the fee. This is also where the group stops for lunch: participants can bring their own packed lunch or pre-order a sandwich through RailBook, delivered directly on site.

Fee, tickets and practical information

The fee covers the round-trip train journey, guides and entrance to Villa Repaci, and varies depending on the chosen departure station. The full programme, timetables, rates and bookings are available on the railtour.it portal; for information and assistance call 371 6911499, Monday to Saturday 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00.

A sustainable tourism project for Calabria

The initiative is carried out with the contribution of Regione Calabria under the Complementary Operational Programme (POC) Calabria 2014-2020, Action 6.8.3 "Support for the integrated use of cultural and natural resources and the promotion of tourist destinations", in line with the communication guidelines of the Calabria Straordinaria brand.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Train Trekking in Palmi take place?

On Sunday 18 October 2026, with train departures from stations on the two lines that converge on Palmi.

Which stations can I depart from?

From the north: Cosenza, Paola, Amantea, Lamezia Terme Centrale, Vibo Valentia-Pizzo, Rosarno and Gioia Tauro. From the south: Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni, Scilla and Bagnara. Groups meet at Palmi station.

How long and how demanding is the route?

About 6 km, mostly downhill and on flat ground, suitable even for those without hiking experience.

What is included in the fee?

Round-trip train travel, guides and entrance with a guided visit to Villa Repaci; the fee varies depending on the chosen departure station.

How does lunch work along the route?

The lunch stop is at Villa Repaci: participants can bring their own packed lunch or pre-order a sandwich through RailBook, delivered directly on site.

Where can I book and find all the information?

On the www.railtour.it portal, which publishes the full programme, timetables and rates; for phone assistance call 371 6911499, Monday to Saturday 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00.

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