VENUE & LOGISTICS
AEOLIAN ISLANDS
LIPARI
Nestled in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lipari is the largest and most vibrant of Sicily’s seven stunning Aeolian Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this captivating volcanic island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Italian charm.
From its dramatic coastlines featuring black sand beaches and secluded coves to its bustling main town dominated by an ancient citadel, Lipari invites exploration. Wander through charming streets, savor delectable fresh seafood, and immerse yourself in the island’s fascinating past, evident in its archaeological museum and historic fortifications.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic views from a scenic hike, a relaxing dip in the crystal-clear sea, or a taste of genuine Sicilian island life, Lipari promises an unforgettable escape. It’s the ideal base for island hopping to its volcanic neighbors, making it a truly indispensable stop on any Aeolian adventure.
For suggestions on activities and places to visit in the Aeolian Islands, visitsicily.info
CONFERENCE VENUE
This year the conference will be held in the island of Lipari at Aktea Hotel.
Aktea Hotel is a modern and elegant 4-star hotel located in a peaceful area of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Its colorful building reflects the classic Aeolian style, with typical “pulera” balconies. Situated just a 5-minute walk from the harbor and the historic town center with its famous castle and archaeological park, the hotel offers a convenient location. For business travelers, the hotel also features a well-equipped conference room, making it suitable for meetings and events.
From Catania Airport
Lipari is approximately 3 hours from Catania Airport. Catania Airport is one of Italy’s busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic and offers excellent national and international connections.
Catania Airport is directly connected by bus to Milazzo, and Milazzo is directly connected to Lipari by hydrofoil. Let’s break down the route.
From Catania Airport to Milazzo Port
The bus operator from Catania Airport to Milazzo is Giuntabus Srl. The journey takes around 2 hours.
For the month of September 2025, the timetable (Monday to Sunday) is as follows:
From Catania Airport to Milazzo Port:
09:00 – 09:45 – 10:30 – 11:00 – 12:30 – 13:45 –15:30 – 16:30 – 17:00 – 19:00
From Milazzo Port to Catania Airport:
05:30 – 06:30 – 07:45 – 08:30 – 09:50 – 11:00 – 12:30 – 13:30 – 14:30 – 15:45
As shown in the map below, the bus stop in Milazzo is located directly in front of the hydrofoil terminal:
From Milazzo Port to Lipari
The hydrofoil operator from Milazzo to Lipari is Liberty Lines. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. The timetable for hydrofoils, valid from June to September 2025, is available HERE.
Once you arrive at the Port of Lipari, it’s a 600-metre walk to Hotel Aktea.
For reference, see the walking route below.
In any case, all hotels offer a shuttle service to and from the port.
From Messina Railway Station to Milazzo Port
It is possible to join Milazzo Port also from Messina Railway Station, directly by bus.
In this case the Bus Operator is Giuntabus Trasporti srl.
NB: For all journeys, we recommend purchasing your tickets two weeks in advance of your travel date. Please also note that it may not yet be possible to purchase tickets for travel in September.
For any clarification and/or information regarding the journey, please do not hesitate to contact us at ahr2025@unime.it.
For your stay in Lipari, we suggest the subsequent Hotels:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Aktea (NB: Rooms are available from September 25th)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Bougainville
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mea Hotel
We have secured exclusive conference rates with the hotels listed above. Special rates will be available for a limited number of rooms.
For B&Bs, holiday apartments, and other accommodation options, please also check the following link.