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AEOLIAN ISLANDS 1 DAY TOUR: VULCANO AND LIPARI BY FERRY

13 September 2024 • Valeria Olivato

If you only have one day to discover the timeless charm of the Aeolian Islands, don’t worry! An Aeolian Islands tour from Milazzo is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to an unforgettable excursion, condensing beauty, history, and nature into a few hours. Departing by ferry from Milazzo, you’ll immerse yourself in breathtaking volcanic vistas, turquoise waters, and the authentic atmosphere of these wonderful islands.

If you want an experience that steps outside the box, this day trip is ideal for discovering the best that Vulcano and Lipari have to offer. Keep reading to find out how to best organize your Aeolian tour, turning every moment into an unforgettable memory!

How to Get to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo

If you have decided to go on a 1-day Aeolian Islands tour, the first stop is Milazzo, the ideal starting point for exploring these spectacular islands.
Milazzo is well connected and easy to reach: you can get there by car along the A20 highway from Messina or Palermo, by train with direct connections from major Sicilian cities, or by bus from Messina, Catania, and Palermo. Once in Milazzo, the journey continues by ferry!

Companies such as Liberty Lines, Caronte & Tourist, and Siremar offer frequent and fast rides to the Aeolian Islands. In less than an hour, you can reach Vulcano, and from there, it only takes another 25 minutes to reach Lipari. By choosing your ferry schedules carefully, you can enjoy your Aeolian Islands excursion to the fullest, amid nature, history, and breathtaking views.

Milazzo – Vulcano Ferries

The ferry connection between Milazzo and Vulcano is one of the most popular for those wishing to explore the Aeolian Islands.
The crossing is operated by several companies, including Liberty Lines, Caronte & Tourist, and Siremar, which offer both traditional ferries and fast hydrofoils.
Travel time varies depending on the means chosen: hydrofoils take about 45 minutes, while conventional ferries take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Ticket prices can vary, starting at about 20-25 euros per person each way, depending on the season and type of service.

First Stop: Vulcano

Lighthouse located on a rocky coast of Vulcan Island
An ancient lighthouse on the coast of Vulcano, the first stop on an Aeolian Islands tour.
Source: Pixabay

The first stop on your 1-day Aeolian Islands tour from Milazzo is Vulcano, an island that will welcome you with its unique landscape and unmistakable scent of sulfur. As soon as you get off the ferry, get ready for a hike to the Gran Cratere: an excursion that repays with breathtaking views of the entire archipelago.
Prefer to relax? The Terme di Vulcano offers natural mud and sulfur springs for a rejuvenating bath.

If you love the sea, the Black Sand Beach, with its crystal clear waters and volcanic sand, is perfect for a dip or some relaxation in the sun. After so much exploring, why not stop for lunch at one of the local little restaurants? You can enjoy the authentic flavors of the island, including fresh fish and typical dishes that will make your Aeolian tour even more special.

Second Stop: Lipari

Lively square in the coastal town of Lipari with several rowboats placed neatly on the pavement
A sunny day in Lipari’s bustling harbor square is a perfect stop for a day tour of the Aeolian Islands.
Source: Pixabay

The second leg of your 1-day Aeolian Islands tour from Milazzo takes you to Lipari, where you will be immediately captivated by the lively atmosphere of the Marina Corta harbor, with its colorful boats and breathtaking views. Lipari is an island rich in history and culture, so don’t miss Lipari Castle and the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, where you can take a journey into the Aeolian past.

A walk through the historic center will take you through picturesque alleys, craft stores, and ancient churches, giving you an authentic taste of island life.
For those who love the sea, a stop at Canneto Beach or Spiaggia Bianca is a must for a refreshing dip. Before catching the ferry again, relax with a sea-view aperitif in one of the many quaint bars-the perfect way to end your DIY Aeolian tour.

Vulcano – Lipari Ferries

The ferry connection between Vulcano and Lipari is very convenient and frequent, ideal for those who want to visit both destinations during a tour of the Aeolian Islands. The main companies operating on this route are Liberty Lines and Siremar, with a choice of fast hydrofoils and traditional ferries.

Hydrofoils cover the route in about 10 to 15 minutes, while ferries take about 30 minutes, offering a more relaxed scenic journey. Ticket prices generally range between 5 and 8 euros per person each way, depending on the season and type of vessel.

The Return Trip to Milazzo

After a busy day between Vulcano and Lipari, it’s time to return to Milazzo. Return ferries leave in the late afternoon and evening, so you can choose the time you prefer. Check the schedules of companies such as Liberty Lines, Caronte & Tourist, and Siremar to find the ideal solution! Once you arrive in Milazzo, end your Aeolian 1-day tour from Milazzo with dinner on the waterfront.

You’ll find restaurants and trattorias offering fresh fish and authentic Sicilian specialties. A pasta with clams or a pizza prepared with local ingredients, accompanied by a good glass of wine, will be the icing on the cake of this perfect day. It’s a delicious and relaxing way to say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and return home with a smile.

Lipari – Milazzo Ferries

The ferry ride from Lipari to Milazzo is one of the main routes back to Sicily after a day exploring the Aeolian Islands. This connection is served by companies such as Liberty Lines and Siremar, which offer both fast hydrofoils and traditional ferries.

Hydrofoils cover the distance between Lipari and Milazzo in about 1 hour, while conventional ferries take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing for a quieter and more scenic journey. Ticket prices for this route usually range between 15 and 22 euros per person each way, depending on the type of vessel and time of year.

Useful Tips for Your Aeolian Islands Tour

Sunset over the sea with the sky colored in shades of blue and orange on the island of Vulcan
The Aeolian Islands offer an evening show with shades of blue and orange.
Source: Pixabay

To best enjoy your 1-day Aeolian Islands tour from Milazzo, it is important to be well prepared. Here is what should not be missing from your backpack: comfortable shoes for hiking, a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a light jacket for the ferry ride and any evening breezes. Booking the ferry in advance is essential, especially in the summer months when crowds increase.

We recommend buying tickets online using Ferryscanner – book a few days in advance to ensure the best seats and times to suit your itinerary. The best time for an excursion to the Aeolian Islands is from May to September when the weather is ideal and the islands show all their splendor. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, avoid the peak season of August, when the islands are most crowded.

Discover Vulcano and Lipari in one day with Ferryscanner!

If you only have one day but want to discover the best of the Aeolian Islands, the ferry tour from Milazzo to Vulcano and Lipari is the ideal choice.
Vulcano will enchant you with its lunar landscape and hot springs, while Lipari will make you fall in love with its alleys, beaches, and authentic flavors.
Planning your trip is easy, and by following these tips you can make every moment memorable.

To learn more about the other wonders of this archipelago, read our article dedicated to the most beautiful Aeolian islands. When you’re ready to go, use Ferryscanner to book your ferry tickets and turn your dream trip into a reality!

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