"Where the road defines the race."
Born in 1906 from the vision of Palermitan aristocrat Vincenzo Florio, the Targa Florio was the oldest sports car race in the world — a breathtaking circuit through the Madonie mountains that drew the greatest drivers of every era, from Bugatti and Alfa Romeo in the early decades to Ferrari and Porsche in the legendary post-war years. When safety concerns finally brought the race to a close in 1977, it left behind a myth that Sicily has never forgotten.
Every October, that myth roars back to life.
The Targa Florio Classica 2026 takes place 15-18 October, bringing pre-1976 classic automobiles back to the roads of western Sicily in a regularity rally that retraces the legendary Madonie circuit — precision over horsepower, navigation over brute force, romance over recklessness.
Three categories compete: vintage cars built between 1900 and 1977 for the Targa Florio Classica, those built between 1978 and 1990 for the Targa Florio Legend, and Ferrari GTs of all years for the Tribute to Targa Florio. The field spans seven decades of automotive design — Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Ferraris, Lancias and Maseratis that once contested the original race, now negotiating the same hairpins and mountain passes that made Targa Florio both legendary and utterly unique.
The route covers more than 500km of Sicilian public roads across three days — from the coastal beauty of the salt flats near Marsala and Trapani, through medieval hill towns and olive groves, to the raw geology of the Madonie mountains where the ghosts of Nuvolari and Vaccarella still seem to linger in the mountain air. The event begins and ends with ceremonial pomp in Palermo — the spectacular opening ceremony takes place in the old town around the venerable Teatro Massimo.
For spectators:
The Madonie mountain stages offer the most dramatic viewing and the strongest connection to the original race. Mountain passes above the Tyrrhenian coast provide striking visual contrasts and are the most atmospheric vantage points. The cars pass through Castelbuono and the surrounding Madonie towns — making this one of the most spectacular free spectacles of the Sicilian sporting calendar. theivycourtyard
Castelbuono and the Targa Florio:
Whether it's Cerda or Caltavulturo, Polizzi Generosa or Castelbuono — you are warmly welcomed everywhere along the route. Castelbuono sits at the heart of the Madonie circuit, and during Targa Florio Classica week the town comes alive with the sound of classic engines on the surrounding mountain roads. International Jazz Day
Spectating is free. Competitor entries open at www.targa-florio.it
Planning to watch the Targa Florio Classica from the Madonie? The Ivy Courtyard offers exclusive accommodation in the heart of Castelbuono — perfectly positioned on the historic circuit. Discover The Queen's Chamber and book directly. stay@theivycourtyard.it
Event information is provided in good faith but may be subject to change. We recommend checking with official sources before travelling.