How to Get to Salina — The Complete Guide
Let me be upfront with you: getting to Salina is not the easiest journey you'll ever make. There's no direct flight, no motorway, no shortcut. What there is, however, is a sequence of small adventures that slowly peel away the stress of everyday life — until you step off the hydrofoil and realise you've arrived somewhere truly special.
I've made this journey hundreds of times. I've watched guests arrive frazzled and leave transformed. And I can tell you with complete confidence: every ferry, every transfer, every minute of travel is worth it.
Here's everything you need to know — from your front door to ours.
Step 1: Choose Your Airport
Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) — our top recommendation
Catania is the closest airport to Milazzo, where you'll catch your boat to Salina. It has the most flight connections, the most flexibility, and the most straightforward route to the island.
One non-negotiable: your flight must land by 3pm to guarantee you catch the last hydrofoil of the day. On your return, plan your flight no earlier than 10am — the earliest you can realistically reach Catania from Salina.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO) — the scenic option
During high season, there's a direct hydrofoil from Palermo to Salina — which is genuinely lovely if you want to spend a few hours exploring the city first. Arrive by 11am, have a long lunch somewhere beautiful, then board your hydrofoil in the afternoon. Just remember: there's only one departure per day, so book ahead.
Naples Capodichino (NAP) — for the adventurers
From June to September, there's a direct hydrofoil from Naples — around 6 hours, which sounds like a lot until you're sitting on the deck watching the Aeolian Islands appear on the horizon. Outside peak season, there's an overnight ferry running a few days a week. Honestly? One of my favourite ways to arrive. Just plan carefully around the schedule.
Step 2: Get to Milazzo
From Catania, Milazzo is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car or shared minivan.
Let us handle it. Arranging your transfer from Catania to Milazzo is something we do all the time, at no extra cost to you. Share your flight details and we'll take it from there — someone reliable waiting for you, no stress, no guesswork.
Travelling with your car? You can bring a vehicle to Salina during high season, but it requires a minimum 7-night stay and involves a ferry (not the hydrofoil — hydrofoils don't carry cars). Honestly, most of the time I'd recommend leaving the car in Milazzo — there are several secure car parks near the port — and renting something on the island if you need it. It's cheaper and far less complicated.
Step 3: Hydrofoil to Salina
This is the moment everything changes.
Hydrofoils depart from Milazzo roughly every hour, from around 6am to 6pm, and take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to reach Salina. They're run by Liberty Lines — tickets can be bought at the port or online, and in July and August I'd strongly recommend booking in advance.
Always choose Santa Marina as your arrival port — it's the closest to us and the best connected on the island.
One practical note: standard hydrofoil tickets include one small carry-on per person. If you're travelling with more luggage, add your bags when purchasing tickets to avoid queues and extra charges at the port.
Step 4: Getting Around Salina
Salina is 27 square kilometres — compact, but hilly. Here's what works:
Hotel pick-up — the easiest start. We'll collect you from Santa Marina port and get you here stress-free. Just let us know your arrival time.
Public bus — genuinely good, connects all seven towns, costs 2-3 euros. Our reception always has the current timetable.
Taxi — available but limited on the island. Book through us in advance rather than hoping to flag one down.
Car or scooter rental — available right at Santa Marina port, which is handy if you want wheels from day one. Cars run around 50-70 euros a day, scooters from 30-35 euros. Sicilian rental cars tend to be cheaper than those available on the island, so if you're driving from the mainland, it can make sense to bring your own.
Our e-scooters — four of them, available exclusively for Principe guests at 40 euros a day. They're always in high demand, so book yours when you book your room. Exploring the island quietly, with nothing but sea breeze and cicadas — trust me on this one.
The Honest Bottom Line
The journey to Salina will ask a little of you. A connection here, a boat there, a moment of trusting the process. But somewhere between Milazzo port and the first glimpse of green on the horizon, something shifts.
And we'll be here waiting when you arrive.
Need help planning your journey? Write to us — we're experts at this, we don't overcharge, and we genuinely love making it easy.