Ferry operator
Siremar
Profile of Sicily's island operator: routes to Ustica and the Aeolian Islands, ships, ports, boarding, pets and tickets
- Two routes on this domain: Ustica - Palermo daily in summer, and Naples - Aeolian Islands - Milazzo overnight
- Part of the Caronte & Tourist group since 2016; the ferries run as Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori
- Boarding by QR code with no counter, Pet Cabin on the long routes, vehicles carried even unaccompanied
About Siremar
Table of Contents
About Siremar
Siremar is the brand of the ferries to Sicily's small islands: the Aeolian and Aegadian Islands, the Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria and Ustica. Since spring 2016 it hasn't run as an independent operator: ferry services are run by Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori S.p.A., based in Messina under the leadership of the Caronte & Tourist group, while Liberty Lines took over the former Siremar's hydrofoil routes. The lines run as publicly contracted services with fixed fares, supplemented by extra departures in summer.
Ships
The group's fleet for the small islands ranges from the small car ferry Sibilla (70 metres, deck passage and bar only) on the Ustica route, through the Nerea, an LNG hybrid that entered service in 2023 with cabins, to the Laurana and Sansovino, 123 metres long, with inside and outside cabins, a seating lounge, self-service restaurant and bar, running on the overnight Naples - Aeolian Islands - Milazzo line. Cabins and seats are only available on the long routes from Naples, Porto Empedocle and Trapani.
Routes to Sicily
Two lines count on this domain. Ustica Cala Cimitero - Palermo is the small island's car ferry off Palermo: daily on the summer timetable, nonstop in around 2.75 hours, or around 3.5 hours calling at both of the island's berths. Naples - Milazzo is the overnight ferry via the Aeolian Islands, running two to three times a week from June to end of September, leaving Naples in the evening, off Stromboli in the morning, and reaching Milazzo at midday. The operator docks in Palermo at Calata Marinai d'Italia, in Naples at Molo XVIII and Molo XV, and in Milazzo at the Moli Eolie.
Boarding, vehicles and pets
Anyone buying online, in the app or by phone from Caronte & Tourist gets a ticket with a QR code that gives direct boarding rights; tickets without a code are exchanged for a boarding pass at the port agency, at least 90 minutes before every departure at the island counters. Anyone using a discounted fare shows ID when boarding. Cars, motorbikes and campers travel on board, even unaccompanied by reservation, with gas-powered vehicles travelling with the system switched off. Dogs must wear a muzzle and lead, small animals travel in a carrier, and on the long routes they go in the pet kennels or Pet Cabin. More in the guides Motorhome on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Fares & booking
Tickets are available online and in the Caronte & Tourist app, by phone with customer service, at the port agencies (with a fee) and at travel agents. Fixed fares apply per route, accommodation and vehicle, residents of the islands have their own rates, and the Navigo Per Te loyalty programme gives priority boarding. The from-price comes live from the operator's data, and the price overview gives a general picture.
FAQ Siremar
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Siremar and the ferries to Sicily's small islands
Which Siremar routes belong to Sicily?+
Two on this domain: the car ferry Ustica - Palermo in around three hours, daily on the summer timetable, and the summer overnight ferry Naples - Milazzo via Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano in around 16 hours. The operator also sails to the Aegadian and Pelagie Islands and to Pantelleria.
Is Siremar still an independent operator?+
The brand yes, the company has belonged to the Caronte & Tourist group since spring 2016: the ferries run as Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori - Siremar, based in Messina, while Liberty Lines operates the former Siremar's hydrofoils. Booking is through Caronte & Tourist.
How does boarding work?+
Tickets bought online, in the app or by phone carry a QR code that the crew scans; tickets without a code are exchanged for a boarding pass at the port agency. The operator doesn't state a fixed number of minutes; with a vehicle, arrive well ahead of departure. Island counters guarantee ticket sales at least 90 minutes before every departure.
Does Siremar take pets?+
Yes. Dogs must wear a muzzle and lead, small animals travel in a carrier; on board, pets are allowed everywhere except the restaurant, but may not stay in the car on the vehicle deck. On the long routes they belong in the pet kennels or with the Pet Cabin option. Details at Taking your dog on the ferry.
Can I bring a car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorbikes and campers travel on board, even unaccompanied by reservation; gas-powered vehicles only with the system switched off. Some islands impose summer vehicle restrictions. Details in the guide Motorhome on the ferry.
What do tickets cost?+
The lines run as publicly contracted services with fixed fares per route, accommodation and vehicle; residents of the islands have their own fares. A fee is added at the port counter. The from-price comes live from the operator's data, and the price overview gives an idea.