Getting to Lipari
MINE 2027 will take place in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, located off the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. This section provides useful information to help participants plan their trip, reach the island, and identify suitable accommodation options.
★ UNESCO World Heritage
Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Set in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, MINE 2027 combines academic excellence with an inspiring environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Largest of the Aeolian IslandsOff the northern coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian Sea
- An inspiring island settingCulture, history, and natural beauty in the Tyrrhenian Sea
Your journey to MINE 2027
The recommended gateway to reach Lipari is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Sicily’s largest international airport. Thanks to its extensive network of domestic and international flights and the availability of direct transfer services to the Port of Milazzo, Catania represents the most convenient option for participants travelling to MINE 2027.
Fly to Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
- Recommended airport: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
- Distance from Catania Airport to Milazzo Port: approximately 170 km
- Travel time by car or shuttle: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
To ensure a smooth journey to Lipari, participants are strongly recommended to arrive at Catania Airport no later than 2:00 PM on their day of arrival. This allows sufficient time to reach Milazzo and board one of the afternoon or evening hydrofoils to Lipari.
Similarly, when departing from Lipari, we recommend booking flights departing from Catania Airport after 2:00 PM, allowing enough time to travel from Lipari to Milazzo by morning hydrofoil and continue to the airport.
Transfer from Catania Airport to Milazzo Port
Milazzo is the main departure port for the Aeolian Islands. Participants can easily travel from Catania Airport to Milazzo using scheduled bus services, shared shuttle services, private transfers, rental cars, or taxi services.
Several companies operate daily transfers coordinated with the hydrofoil departures from Milazzo, including:
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the high season (June–September).
From Milazzo to Lipari
Once you arrive at Milazzo Port, you can easily reach Lipari by hydrofoil or ferry. Milazzo is the main maritime gateway to the Aeolian Islands, with frequent departures throughout the year and increased services during the summer season.
Hydrofoil
The hydrofoil is the fastest and most popular way to reach Lipari — ideal for passengers travelling without vehicles.
Ferry
Ferries are recommended for participants travelling with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or large amounts of luggage.
Useful Information
- Ferry and hydrofoil tickets can be purchased online, at the port, or through travel agencies.
- We recommend arriving at Milazzo Port 30–40 minutes before departure.
- Departure schedules may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
- During June, several daily departures are available, providing flexible travel options.
Additional travel information, including recommended transfer providers and useful links, will be published closer to the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Lipari on the same day as my flight?
Yes. We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) no later than 2:00 PM. This will allow sufficient time to travel to Milazzo Port and catch an afternoon or evening hydrofoil to Lipari.
When should I book my return flight from Catania?
To ensure a comfortable journey back, we recommend booking a flight departing from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) after 2:00 PM. This provides sufficient time to take a morning hydrofoil from Lipari to Milazzo and continue by shuttle or private transfer to the airport.
What happens if ferry or hydrofoil services are affected by bad weather?
Hydrofoil and ferry services may occasionally be delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Participants are therefore encouraged to plan their journey with some flexibility, monitor weather and sailing updates before travelling, and consider purchasing appropriate travel insurance.
Do I need to book the transfer and hydrofoil in advance?
Yes. We strongly recommend booking your transfer from Catania Airport to Milazzo and your hydrofoil or ferry ticket in advance, particularly if you are travelling during June, when demand for the Aeolian Islands is high.
Where to stay in Lipari
Lipari offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, boutique hotels, B&Bs, and holiday apartments, all located within walking distance or a short drive from the conference venue.
Participants are encouraged to book their accommodation as early as possible, as June is a popular travel period in the Aeolian Islands.
Official Conference Hotel
Hotel Aktea
Hotel Aktea is the Official Conference Hotel of MINE 2027 and the recommended accommodation for conference participants. The hotel offers modern facilities, comfortable rooms, and an excellent location within walking distance of both the conference venue and the Port of Lipari.
- DistanceConference Hotel (on site)
- Websitewww.hotelaktea.com
- Addressvia Falcone e Borsellino, Lipari (ME), Isole Eolie
- Phone+39 090 9814234
- Emailinfo@hotelaktea.it
Other Recommended Accommodation
The following hotels are conveniently located in Lipari and represent suitable alternatives for conference participants.
| Hotel | Category | Address | Distance from Venue | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Hotel La Giara | ★★★★ | Via Commendatore Bartolo Zagami | 0.2 km | Website +39 090 9880352 info@residencelagiara.it |
| Hotel Poseidon | ★★★ | Via Ausonia, 7 | 0.4 km | Website +39 090 981 2876 info@hotelposeidonlipari.com |
| Hotel Oriente | ★★★ | Via G. Marconi, 35 | 0.9 km | Website +39 090 9811493 Info@HotelOrienteLipari.com |
| Arciduca Grand Hotel | ★★★★ | Via G. Franza | 1.3 km | Website +39 090 9812136 info@arciduca.it |
| Hotel Tritone | ★★★★ | Via Mendolita | 1.4 km | Website +39 090 9811595 hoteltritone@bernardigroup.it |
The list of recommended accommodation options will be updated regularly as additional partner hotels become available.