Ferries Aeolian Islands

Companies that operate ferry routes to the Aeolian Islands usually offer free travel for children up to 3 years old and discounts for children up to 11 years old. Discounts are sometimes also available for residents of the Aeolian Islands.

The best time to book your ferry tickets to the Aeolian Islands largely depends on what time of year you want to travel. If you want to explore the archipelago during the high season (June to September), it's best to book 2-3 months in advance. This will ensure more availability and allow you to choose the ferry that suits your schedule best.

For the low season months, such as April, May, October, and November, we still recommend booking in advance, even though the Aeolian Islands are less busy. By booking in advance, you may be able to take advantage of a greater selection of special offers or discounted fares.

Please note that some routes have more limited departures during the low season, so make sure to check the ferry schedules on our search engine.

The Aeolian Islands are located off the northern coast of Sicily. The archipelago consists of 7 main islands: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these islands offer a unique combination of unspoiled nature, fascinating culture, and outdoor adventures.

Lipari, the largest and most populated island, is famous for its picturesque beaches and charming historic center. Salina, with its lush green landscapes and vineyards, is an ideal destination for those seeking food and wine tastings and a relaxing holiday. Vulcano and Stromboli attract hiking enthusiasts because of their active volcanoes, which offer unforgettable experiences like observing nighttime eruptions.

Panarea, the smallest island, is renowned for its nightlife and crystal-clear waters. Filicudi and Alicudi are the most remote and unspoiled.

Visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities during their stay on the Aeolian Islands, including hikes up volcanoes, scuba diving, boat tours, excursions to archaeological sites, and sampling local specialities such as the renowned Malvasia wine and the famous capers. The islands also offer black sand beaches, hidden coves, and natural thermal springs, ensuring a diverse and fascinating travel experience.

Lipari’s picturesque historic town center

Here are 6 tips for your trip to the Aeolian Islands:

1. During the summer and on weekends, it's best to arrive at your departure port 1 hour before your departure to ensure a seamless boarding.
2. The Aeolian Islands tend to be more expensive during the high season. Book your ferry and hotel well in advance to get the best prices.
3. If you're traveling from the Italian mainland, you can take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands directly from Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia and Naples.
4. From Sicily, most departures are from the port of Milazzo, but you can also take a ferry from Messina and Palermo.
5. Enjoy an island-hopping adventure in the Aeolian Islands! There are numerous daily connections on high-speed ferries between the islands, and travel times are relatively short.
6. Remember to check local rules about driving vehicles as restrictions apply to some Aeolian Islands, especially during the summer months.

Most routes to the Aeolian Islands are served by high-speed vessels, though some conventional ferries are also available.

Hydrofoils and high-speed ferries are ideal for those who want to reach the archipelago quickly. These vessels generally have assigned seats in air-conditioned areas. They usually don't have cabins or outdoor decks, and motor vehicles are not permitted on board.

Conventional ferries are more spacious and offer seating and cabin options, which are perfect for longer trips, such as from Naples. These ferries often have outdoor decks where you can enjoy the sea views and cafés where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals. Conventional ferries usually have car decks where you can leave your vehicle.

Onboard services may vary depending on the company and type of vessel. Be sure to check the details when booking to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Getting to the Aeolian Islands is easy and quick. Here’s some information on the main ports of each island to help you plan your island-hopping adventure.

• Lipari: The port of Sottomonastero (known as Lipari Porto), located near the town center, is where most ferries and hydrofoils dock. Another port, Marina Corta, is mostly used for local connections and boat tours.
• Salina: Santa Marina Salina, on the east coast, is the island’s main port, offering frequent connections around the archipelago and Sicily.
• Vulcano: The port of Levante is located on the northern coast and serves as the island's main port. Nearby, you’ll find the famous thermal springs and mud baths.
• Stromboli: The island has 2 ports. Scari, located in the northeastern part of the island, is the main port. Ginostra is a small port located on the southwestern side, primarily serving smaller boats.
• Panarea: The port of San Pietro is located on the island's eastern coast. It is the only port and is used by ferries, hydrofoils, and private boats.
• Filicudi: Porto Pecorini, the main docking point for ferries and hydrofoils on the island, is located on the southeastern coast of Filicudi.
• Alicudi: The port of Alicudi is a small docking area used by ferries and hydrofoils.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Aeolian Islands, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.