If you’re anything like me, the first time you plan a trip to the Aeolian Islands you’ll end up with the same dilemma: Beautiful, but how do I even get there? I’ve been through it, and it can sound like a lot of work at first.
The good news is that once you understand the steps, the journey is actually part of the adventure. Fly into Sicily, make your way to Milazzo, and from there the ferries and hydrofoils will carry you across the sea to the islands. It’s not complicated, but it helps to know the tricks – and that’s exactly what this guide is here for.
In this article
The Aeolian Islands are one of Sicily’s most magical escapes. Their postcard-worthy beauty and UNESCO status make them increasingly popular with travelers, but reaching them is still part of the adventure. There are no airports on the islands, so every journey involves a flight to Sicily or southern Italy followed by a transfer and a ferry ride.
That might sound complicated, but it’s quite straightforward once you know the steps. The simplest route is to fly into Catania, travel overland to Milazzo (the main ferry port), and then take a hydrofoil or ferry to your chosen island. Other gateways like Palermo or Reggio Calabria are also possible, and there are even overnight ferries from Naples. In this guide, I’ll break down all the options, flights, transfers, ferry companies, and practical tips so you can plan your trip in the blink of an eye.
Flying into Sicily
The first step in reaching the Aeolian Islands is deciding where to fly. Since the islands themselves don’t have airports, you’ll need to land on Sicily (or occasionally in Calabria) and continue your journey from there. The two main airports that work as gateways are Catania and Palermo. If you want the fastest and most straightforward option, Catania wins every time.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Catania is the main airport in eastern Sicily and the closest to Milazzo, the port where ferries to the Aeolian Islands depart. The airport is well connected to both domestic Italian cities (Rome, Milan, Naples) and international hubs like London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. From Catania Airport, it’s around 1.5 to 2 hours by road to Milazzo, making it the most practical choice for travelers who want to get to the islands quickly.
Airlines like Transavia, KLM, ITA Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air all operate here, and in summer the schedule expands with seasonal routes from even more European cities.
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO)
Palermo is Sicily’s capital and has the island’s second major airport. While Palermo offers plenty of flight connections (especially from northern Europe), it’s much further from Milazzo, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car or train. If you’re planning to spend some time in Palermo before heading to the Aeolian Islands, this can be a good option. Otherwise, be prepared for a long transfer day.
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)
On the Italian mainland across from Sicily, Reggio Calabria Airport is much smaller and less connected. Flights are usually limited to domestic routes, and reaching the islands requires a ferry from Reggio to Messina, then onward to Milazzo. This route is only worth considering if you find a convenient flight deal, but for most travelers it’s not the most efficient choice.
Seasonal and International flights
During summer (June to September), both Catania and Palermo receive a surge of seasonal flights from across Europe. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet run direct services from cities that don’t operate year-round. If you’re traveling in peak season, booking early is a smart move, not only do prices rise quickly, but ferry schedules also fill up fast.
Getting from the Airport to Milazzo
Once you’ve landed in Sicily, the next step is reaching Milazzo, the main ferry hub for the Aeolian Islands. Almost every route eventually funnels through this port as Milazzo offers the most frequent and reliable departures to all seven islands. The transfer can feel like an extra hurdle, but it’s manageable once you know your options.
From Catania to Milazzo
If you’ve flown into Catania, getting to Milazzo is straightforward. The most popular option is the direct shuttle busservice run by companies like GiuntaBus and Alibrando, which are timed to match ferry departures. The ride takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and drops you right at the port. Tickets can be booked online in advance, and this is highly recommended in July and August.
A faster but more expensive choice is a private transfer or taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours door-to-door. For families or groups, the cost per person often balances out, and you gain the comfort of leaving as soon as you arrive at the airport.
Car rental is another possibility, though it’s not always practical since cars are restricted on the islands in summer and ferries charge high fees for vehicles.
From Palermo to Milazzo
Travelers arriving in Palermo face a longer journey. The two main options are:
Train: From Palermo Centrale to Milazzo station, taking around 3.5 to 4 hours. From there, it’s a quick taxi to the port.
Bus: Several companies run long-distance buses between Palermo and Milazzo, often taking a similar amount of time as the train.
As a personal note, this trip can feel long if you’re trying to catch a same-day ferry. If your flight lands late, consider spending the night in Palermo and traveling to Milazzo the next day.
From Reggio Calabria to Milazzo
If you land in Reggio Calabria, you’ll need to cross the Strait of Messina first. Hydrofoils and ferries (such as La Caronte) connect Reggio to Messina in about 30 minutes. From Messina, it’s about 35 minutes by road to Milazzo, either by train, bus, or taxi. This makes the journey a two-step process, and unless you find a very convenient flight, most travelers prefer the Catania option.
Practical transfer tips
Align your flight and ferry schedules: last ferries often leave around 19:00. If your plane lands late afternoon, you may need to overnight in Catania or Milazzo.
Book shuttles in advance during high season to secure a seat.
Travel light if possible: buses and taxis handle large luggage, but moving with smaller bags makes ferry boarding much easier.
Stay flexible: traffic, delays, or weather can cause missed connections. If you’re on a tight schedule, consider arriving a day early.
A view on Porto Milazzo:
Taking the ferry to the Aeolian Islands
Once you’ve reached Milazzo, the adventure truly begins. The port of Milazzo is the beating heart of Aeolian Island connections, with ferries and hydrofoils leaving daily.
Ferry companies
Two main operators connect Sicily with the Aeolian Islands:
Liberty Lines: High-speed hydrofoils (so called aliscafi). These boats are fast and comfortable, designed for passengers only. They usually reach Lipari in just over an hour.
Siremar: Larger ferries (so called traghetti) that can carry both passengers and vehicles. They’re slower than hydrofoils but less affected by rough seas.
Both companies have ticket offices at the Milazzo port, and both allow online booking in advance. In summer, tickets often sell out on popular routes, so it’s smart to reserve early.
Types of boats
Hydrofoils (Aliscafi): The quickest option. These boats skim the water at high speed, cutting travel times in half compared to ferries. Downsides: they don’t carry cars, space for luggage is more limited, and if you suffer the sea they can be tough.
Ferries (Traghetti): Slower but sturdier, and they allow vehicles. Ferries are often preferred by locals carrying supplies or by travelers with larger bags. The trip takes longer but is usually more stable in bad weather.
Routes by island (with the Aliscafo)
- Vulcano: Often the first stop, about 1 hour.
Lipari: The main hub, with the most frequent connections (around 1.15 hour from Milazzo).
Salina: Accessible in 1.5–2 hours.
Panarea: 2–2.5 hours depending on route.
Stromboli: 2.5–3 hours
Filicudi & Alicudi: The most wild islands, taking 2.5–3 hours.
Booking Tickets
Online: Recommended in summer months; both Liberty Lines and Siremar have English-friendly websites.
At the port: Usually fine in shoulder or low season, but risky in July/August.
Travel agencies: Many agencies in Catania, Palermo, and Milazzo can book ferries together with airport transfers.
Seasonal variations & weather
From June to September, ferries and hydrofoils run frequently, with multiple daily departures to each island. Outside this period, schedules shrink considerably, and some smaller islands may only have one or two connections per day.
Weather is another factor: strong winds or rough seas can lead to cancellations, particularly for hydrofoils. Ferries are more reliable, but even they can be delayed in bad storms. Always check schedules a day before departure, and build flexibility into your itinerary.
Practical travel tips
Choose Milazzo if you can, it saves time, money, and stress compared to alternative ports.
Avoid last-minute panic, book summer tickets at least a few days ahead.
Plan buffer days, don’t schedule your flight home the same day as your return ferry.
If you suffer from nausea like me, bring motion sickness pills and consider using acupressure wristbands. Hydrofoils can feel bumpy on rough seas!
Pack light, boarding hydrofoils with large luggage can be inconvenient, especially in peak season.
View from the ferries (article continues after the images):
Alternative routes to the Aeolian Islands
While Milazzo is the easiest and most popular port for reaching the Aeolian Islands, there are a few alternative routes worth knowing about. Depending on where you’re traveling from, these can sometimes save time or create a nice travel experience.
From Naples
For travelers coming from mainland Italy, Naples offers overnight ferries to the Aeolian Islands. Companies like Siremar and SNAV run these routes, usually departing in the evening and arriving in the islands the following morning.
The big advantage here is efficiency: you skip the need for a separate hotel night, and you wake up in the Aeolians ready to start exploring. Ferries from Naples usually stop at multiple islands along the way, including Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari, and Vulcano. Travel time varies between 8–12 hours depending on your destination.
Cabins are available for added comfort, though you can also book a reclining seat if you’re on a budget. If you enjoy traveling slowly and want to add a classic Italian ferry crossing to your trip, this route can be a memorable option.
Travel tips & advice on how to get there
Even though reaching the Aeolian Islands is relatively straightforward once you know the steps, a little preparation can make the journey much smoother. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind.
Timing & connections
Check the last ferry times: Most ferries and hydrofoils leave Milazzo by around 19:00. If your flight lands in the afternoon, you may not have enough time to transfer. In that case, spend the night in Catania or Milazzo and continue the next day.
Buffer before your return flight: Don’t book your flight home for the same day you’re returning from the islands. Rough seas or delays can easily cause missed connections. Staying a night in Catania before flying out is a safer bet.
Book transfers that match ferry schedules: Shuttle services from Catania Airport are often designed to meet ferry departures. Booking them in advance will save you stress.
Luggage & comfort
Travel light: Hydrofoils don’t have a lot of space for big suitcases, and carrying large bags on narrow gangways can be awkward. A backpack or medium suitcase makes the whole journey easier.
Label your bags: On ferries, luggage is often stored in a common area. A clear tag saves time when everyone is grabbing their things at once.
Snacks & water: Not all ferries have onboard services, so it’s smart to bring your own.
Cars & transport
Don’t bring a car unless you must: Many of the islands restrict cars during summer months, and ferrying a vehicle is expensive. If you want to explore Sicily by car, it’s better to rent one on the mainland after your island trip.
Scooters and bikes: These are a must on the islands and are available for rent on Lipari, Salina, and Vulcano, and are often a better way to explore than bringing your own vehicle.
Seasickness & safety
Motion sickness is common: Hydrofoils move quickly, and the ride can be bumpy in rough seas. If you’re prone to nausea like me, pack motion sickness tablets and consider acupressure wristbands, they really help!
Choose ferries on windy days: They’re slower but more stable, making for a calmer crossing.
Stay flexible: Weather in the Tyrrhenian Sea can be unpredictable. Build an extra day or two of flexibility into your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling in spring or autumn.
FAQ: How to Get to the Aeolian Islands
How do you get to the Aeolian Islands from Catania?
The fastest route is to take a direct shuttle bus or private transfer from Catania Airport to Milazzo (about 2 hours). From Milazzo, you can catch a hydrofoil or ferry with Liberty Lines or Siremar to the Aeolian Islands.
Can you fly directly to the Aeolian Islands?
No, the Aeolian Islands don’t have an airport. The nearest airports are Catania, Palermo, and Reggio Calabria. From there, you’ll need to transfer to a ferry port (most commonly Milazzo).
Which is the best port to reach the Aeolian Islands?
Milazzo is the best and most reliable port. It offers year-round connections to all seven islands with frequent departures. Other ports like Palermo, Messina, and Naples also have ferries, but they are seasonal or less frequent.
How long is the ferry from Milazzo to Lipari?
The hydrofoil from Milazzo to Lipari takes about 1 hour, while the slower ferry takes about 2–2.5 hours. Travel times to other islands vary: Salina takes around 1.5–2 hours, and Stromboli about 2.5–3 hours by hydrofoil.
How much does the ferry to the Aeolian Islands cost?
Prices vary depending on the route and season. A return hydrofoil ticket from Milazzo to Lipari usually costs around €30–€45 per person, while longer routes to Stromboli or Alicudi can cost €45–€60. Car ferries are cheaper for foot passengers but more expensive if you bring a vehicle.
Conclusion: how to get to the Aeolian Islands
Getting to the Aeolian Islands may take a little extra planning, but the reward is worth every step. With no airports of their own, the islands stay refreshingly remote, and that’s part of their charm. For most travelers, the easiest and most reliable route is simple: fly into Catania, transfer to Milazzo, and catch a hydrofoil or ferry to your chosen island.
That said, alternatives like overnight ferries from Naples or seasonal hydrofoils from Palermo can also be great options depending on where your trip starts. The key is to match your flights and transfers with ferry schedules, build in a buffer for unexpected delays, and travel as light as possible.
Reaching the Aeolian Islands takes a little more effort than booking a flight and a taxi, but that’s exactly why they remain so special. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, and when you finally step off the boat in Lipari, Stromboli, or Salina, you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with these volcanic jewels of the Mediterranean.
Ready to leave? Discover the different islands here!
