Messina – Lipari
Ferries to Aeolian Islands
Messina – Lipari
Ferries to Aeolian Islands
The Messina Lipari ferry route connects Sicily with Aeolian Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Liberty Lines Fast Ferries. The crossing operates up to 21 times each week with sailing durations from around 2 hours 25 minutes.
Messina Lipari sailing durations and frequency may vary from season to season so we’d advise doing a live check to get the most up to date information.
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Located on the north east coast of Sicily, Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, and is widely regarded as the door of Sicily. There are several ferry routes departing from the port of Messina, typically crossing to other coastal resorts belonging to Italy. At first glance the city may not seem like it has much to offer, but beyond the dull landscape and heavy traffic near the harbour, Messina is a hotbed of cultural landmarks. For a holiday of sightseeing, the first trip should be made to the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, which embodies the stunning architecture synonymous with Italy. After the cathedral, The Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of Orion are popular tourist attractions, especially for those with an interest in history. The abundance of major attractions can be overwhelming for visitors who like to pack as much in as possible, so for a more leisurely approach, head to the Botanical Gardens which are an oasis of calm. Aside from the cathedral, Messina exudes a modern feel; many of the historical buildings were struck down in the earthquake in 1908 and the mass bombings in WWII, so it seems the entire city has been built completely from scratch. The port of Messina is accessible via car and train; the railway station is only around 100m walk from the harbour, and there are road links heading directly to the ferry terminal.
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, an island group off the west coast of Sicily, Lipari is a volcanic archipelago with transport links to Sicily. The only ferry route out of Lipari typically lasts around an hour and heads to Milazzo on the island of Sicily. Most visitors will opine Lipari as a relaxing holiday destination, but for those travelling from neighbouring Aeolian Islands it may seem like a busy, vibrant island. The main town hosts the ferry terminal, and around the harbour, tourists are offered the chance to sample authentic Italian cuisine at the many restaurants dotted around the charming, narrow streets. Aside from food, there are ample shops selling souvenirs and several vintage wine stores offering high quality wine at an affordable price. The town is so aesthetically pleasing that many hours could be spent wandering around the quaint streets, decorated with colourful houses hosting friendly, welcoming locals. For a splash of culture, head to the highly regarded archaeology museum, or to the impressive churches and cathedrals residing around the area. Away from the town, there are rugged coastlines to be explored, hot thermal springs to enjoy and pebble and sand beaches perfect for a relaxing day bathing in the sun. Lipari’s desirability is in its ability to appease everyone who visits. The vast majority of the hotels and apartments are in Lipari Town, therefore it is a relatively short walk to the ferry terminal. Most resorts will book a taxi to the port for their guests, or offer directions for any lost tourists.
