Milazzo is the main port with connections to the Aeolian Islands. Liberty Lines operates hydrofoil ferries to the Aeolian Islands on a daily basis. You can book tickets online, or on their app (as I did), or in person at the port. They do say that if you book online or on the app you still need to check in at the ticket office an hour before departure. To ensure you have a seat, it is probably a good idea to book in advance.
The hydrofoils are very fast, sound and feel more like airplanes when you’re in them. There was no feeling of the ocean or that you might become seasick. Most people choose an island or two as their base to explore the Islands. There are seven significant islands that make up this archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the northeast coast of Sicily, they include Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. I decided to make Salina, known as the “green island” my base and I was happy that I did. I started my stay on Salina at A’Alera in Malfa, where I rented a scooter and spent 3 days exploring Pollara, Leni and Malfa. The rest of my stay on Salina was at the main port of Santa Marina at Le Sette Vele di Riccardo B&B. Malfa is a great little village, but it is very quiet and three days was plenty. It was nice to get to Santa Marina for a little more activity and choices of restaurants and cafes.
