Getting to the Aeolian Islands might seem tiring, but we assure you that with a few tips and our assistance, your journey will go smoothly.
The first secret is to accept that there might be an unexpected event: the sea is in charge, and you can’t go against its will. But the charm of the archipelago, a UNESCO heritage site, is also this: the majesty of its nature, which we can only admire and respect.
All the ways to get to Salina from the main airports can be found here, with indicative travel times.
What we want to share with you in this post is what you can do or see along the way.
Let’s start by saying that if your flight doesn’t align with the arrival or departure from Salina on the same day, you can take the opportunity to visit the city of the respective airport.
Palermo, for example, is a fascinating and diverse city, worth stopping in for even just one night to enjoy an arancina (in Palermo, it’s feminine). The same goes for Catania, with its walls blackened by Etna (and remember, here the arancino is masculine). Both are vibrant and lively cities, perfect for getting into the Sicilian mood.
Even Milazzo, the town where the hydrofoils to the Aeolian Islands depart, is not bad for a stop; you can visit the Castle or take a walk on the endless Ponente Beach.
If you’re arriving from Catania by car, you can stop in Taormina, but above all, remember to look out the window to admire first Etna and then the Strait of Messina.
If you’re coming from Palermo by train towards Milazzo (but as explained here, during certain times of the year you can take the hydrofoil to Salina directly from Palermo), we recommend sitting on the sea side. This way, you can see Cefalù and the entire northern coast of Sicily. And at some point, when you least expect it, the Aeolian Islands will appear before you.
Another tip on where to sit is for the Milazzo-Salina hydrofoil. If you can, sit on the left facing the bow, near a window. You will be able to see all the islands of the archipelago.
And if you’re coming from Naples?
Well, in that case, we recommend the ship. Yes, it’s twelve hours, but you’ll leave Naples bidding farewell to Vesuvius at sunset and arrive at the Aeolian Islands with the spectacle of dawn.
Make the most of the journey, always.
