Ferry to Sicily
Vibo Valentia - Milazzo
From the Coast of the Gods to Sicily through the Aeolian island realm: the hydrofoil from Vibo Marina, twice a week in summer
- Summer route by Liberty Lines, currently only on Thursdays and Sundays
- Around 4.5 hours by hydrofoil, calling at Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano
- Foot passengers only, check-in at the berth 15 minutes before departure
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
The hydrofoil departs from the port of Vibo Marina, the harbour town on the coast below the city of Vibo Valentia. Liberty Lines' seasonal sales point there is at Corso Michele Bianchi 32; outside the season it's closed, so buy online or in the app instead. Vibo Marina has its own railway station on the line to Tropea, with the A2 a few kilometres inland.
In Milazzo the journey ends at the hydrofoil terminal on Via Luigi Rizzo, where Liberty Lines staffs a counter daily from 05:30 to 19:30.
Check-in & departure
You need to be at the berth at least 15 minutes before departure, with a ticket and valid ID; arrive later and you no longer have a right to travel. Ground staff check you in before boarding, and you show your boarding pass on your smartphone. The ticket is personal and valid only for the departure it's booked for.
The line runs on the summer timetable from June, currently only on Thursdays and Sundays in the afternoon from Vibo Marina; the return leaves the islands on the same days in the morning. The season ends in late September. Check the timetable before travelling to see whether your preferred day is included.
On board
Liberty Lines' hydrofoils and fast craft have around 200 to 300 seats in air-conditioned salons. During the crossing you stay seated until the ship has docked; passengers board and disembark at the island stops, where the boat only calls briefly. One item of hand luggage up to ten kilos (60 × 40 × 20 cm) is free, more costs a luggage ticket at the standard rate. In strong wind or heavy seas, stops can be dropped or the crossing cancelled, with the operator giving notice on-site and on its website.
Vehicle, bike & pets
The hydrofoils carry passengers only. With a car, motorbike or motorhome, take the car ferry from Villa San Giovanni; the rules for that are at Motorhome on the ferry. Whether a bicycle can travel is something to check with Liberty Lines customer service before buying.
Dogs and cats travel: small animals stay in a carrier the whole journey, medium and large dogs wear a lead and muzzle, and the operator may require a health certificate. Animals stay in the designated areas. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
Milazzo lies on Sicily's north coast; from the terminal on Via Luigi Rizzo you're on foot in the old town. The A20 starts at the edge of town: half an hour east to Messina, a good two hours west to Palermo. Milazzo railway station lies outside the centre and is reachable by city bus.
Tickets & fares
A fixed fare applies per journey. Tickets are available online, in the app, at Liberty Lines' counters and via the operator's WhatsApp sales. Groups of 25 or more adults get a discount, and children travel at a reduced fare. The displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data.
Vibo Valentia - Milazzo
Via the Aeolian Islands to Sicily in summer
In summer, a Liberty Lines hydrofoil runs from Vibo Marina on the Calabrian Coast of the Gods via the Aeolian Islands to Milazzo: departing Vibo in the afternoon, calling at Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano, and reaching Milazzo after around 4.5 hours. In the current summer timetable, the departure runs only on Thursdays and Sundays.
This is a route for foot passengers without a car who want to combine Calabria, the islands and Sicily in one trip. With a vehicle, the route via Villa San Giovanni remains the option.
- Crossing
- approx. 4.5 hrs
- Operator
- Liberty Lines
- Frequency
- Thu and Sun (summer)
- From-price
- €33
Next departures
FAQ Vibo Valentia - Milazzo
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Vibo Valentia-Milazzo route
How long does the hydrofoil from Vibo Valentia to Milazzo take?+
Around 4.5 hours with all the island stops: Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano are on the way. The departure time and stops for your day are in the timetable.
Which days does the line run?+
On Liberty Lines' summer timetable, only Thursdays and Sundays, with one departure in the afternoon from Vibo Marina; in the opposite direction the boat leaves the islands in the morning on the same days. The line doesn't run outside the summer season.
Where does the boat depart from in Vibo Valentia?+
From the port of Vibo Marina, the harbour town below the city of Vibo Valentia. Liberty Lines' seasonal sales point there is at Corso Michele Bianchi 32; outside the season it's closed, so buy online instead.
When do I need to be at the berth?+
At least 15 minutes before departure, with a ticket and valid ID; after that your place isn't guaranteed. Ground staff check you in before boarding, and you show your boarding pass on your phone.
Can I bring my car or bicycle?+
Not the car - the hydrofoils carry passengers only. With a car or motorhome, take the car ferry from Villa San Giovanni; the rules for that are at Motorhome on the ferry. Whether a bicycle can travel is something to check with Liberty Lines customer service before buying.
What does the trip cost, and can my dog come?+
The displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data, and the price overview gives an idea. Dogs travel: small animals in a carrier, larger ones on a lead and with a muzzle, in the designated areas. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.