Navigating Your Way to Salina
A Complete Guide to Transportation
Welcome to Salina, a serene escape in the Aeolian Islands! Whether you're planning a tranquil retreat or an adventurous journey, getting here is the first step. This guide provides detailed instructions to help you navigate the best transportation options to reach our beautiful island, complete with direct booking links for your convenience. Once you select your route, you can find all the direct links for each journey on our website: How to Get to Salina.
1. Choosing the Right Airport:
- Catania Fontanarossa (CTA): The closest airport to Salina, offering flexibility with multiple daily connections to Milazzo. From Catania, you can take a bus or car to Milazzo, followed by a hydrofoil to Salina. Flights should ideally land by 3 pm to ensure you catch the last hydrofoil. For departures, the earliest you can reach Catania is 10 am, so plan accordingly.
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO): Offers a direct hydrofoil to Salina during the high season. Arrive by 11 am to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Palermo before your afternoon hydrofoil. The return journey departs early in the morning from Salina, so consider an afternoon flight.
- Naples Capodichino (NAP): Best for travelers visiting from June to September, with a direct hydrofoil service to Salina. Arrive by 9 am to explore Naples before your journey. The rest of the year, there is an overnight ferry that departs only a few days a week (changing depending on the season). Although it's one of my favorite experiences, it can be a bit time-consuming.
2. Traveling with a Vehicle:
- High Season Requirements: A 7-night minimum stay is required to bring a car to Salina. Alternatively, park your vehicle in Milazzo, which offers many secure parking options near the port, and take a hydrofoil to Salina Santa Marina.
- Ferry: While it is possible to travel to Salina with your vehicle, there are some limitations to consider, particularly during the high season (mid-June to September). However, if you're open to the experience, ferry options are available, although they may take longer compared to hydrofoils. The rental car you acquire in Sicily tends to be more economical than those available for rent in Salina. For ferry bookings and timetable information, you can visit the website: Caronte Tourist.
3. Hydrofoil and Ferry Services:
- From Milazzo: Hydrofoils run hourly and take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Note that these do not carry cars, so plan accordingly. Hydrofoils are the fastest way to Salina (Santa Marina is always the recommended port) and are available throughout the year from 6 am till 6 pm approximately.
- From Palermo: A direct hydrofoil is available during peak season, taking about 4 hours. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance as there is only one ride per day, so it's always better to book ahead.
- From Naples: A longer journey, with hydrofoils running from June to September, taking around 6 hours. Ensure to book your tickets early to secure a spot and get the best deal.
4. Pros and Cons of Each Route:
- Catania Route: Quickest transfer to Milazzo, but requires a bus / private car or car rental (only suggested if you plan to park it in Milazzo and having it waiting for you at your return from the island). Ideal for those who prefer a straightforward journey that offers much time flexibility.
- Palermo Route: Offers a cultural experience with a direct hydrofoil, but limited to high season. Perfect for those who enjoy exploring the city and are okay with a slighter longer hydrofoil.
- Naples Route: Direct hydrofoil available, but longer travel time. Best for those visiting during peak season who are exploring mainland Italy before or after the island.
5. Transport in Salina:
- From the Port to the Hotel: We would be more than happy to organize a pick-up service for you; this is the best way to reach the hotel stress-free. Once at the hotel, we can support you if you feel like renting a vehicle for some days of the stay.
- Renting a Vehicle: If having a vehicle for your entire stay is a must, it might be useful to save money on the pick-up and get it right at the port, where you will also be able to leave it at your departure.
6. Additional Travel Tips:
- Luggage: Hydrofoil tickets consider one small carry-on for each person. If you are traveling with more and purchasing your own ticket, make sure to add the bags to avoid extra queues at the ticket office.
- We Are Experts: Instead of trying to figure it all out and stressing about it, we don’t overcharge and would be happy to take it over for you. Share your time of arrival and details, and we will share all the options.
- Local Transport: Once on Salina, local buses and taxis are available for easy island exploration. Renting a scooter or bike is also a popular option for getting around. At Principe, we have 4 e-scooters; if you want to reserve one, make sure to do it ahead as they are in high demand.
- Make sure you select the Salina Santa Marina port - closer and better connected to us.
Direct Booking Links:
- Book Your Stay at Our Hotel
- Contact Us for Personalized Travel Plans
- Liberty Lines Agency in Salina (able to purchase tickets and support you)