The “Galactic Bars, Bulges and Disks” workshop will take place on the island of Lipari, the largest and liveliest of the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just off the northern coast of Sicily. This unique setting is not only breathtaking—it’s also the perfect environment to inspire creative thinking and meaningful scientific exchange.
The Aeolian archipelago is a cluster of volcanic islands known for their dramatic coastlines, deep blue waters, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Lipari itself offers a rare mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical charm, with picturesque whitewashed villages, archaeological sites, and panoramic views of the surrounding islands and volcanoes—including the ever-active Stromboli.
Lipari is easily reachable by hydrofoil or ferry from Milazzo, which is well connected to mainland Italy and nearby airports like Catania and Palermo.
We believe the exceptional setting of Lipari will make this workshop more than just a scientific meeting—it will be a memorable experience. Participants will have time to explore the island, connect with colleagues, and enjoy shared moments during social events against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Join us for an inspiring week of science and connection in one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations.
If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll most likely land in one of these Italian airports:
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) — Sicily’s busiest international airport with connections across Europe and beyond
Palermo Falcone‑Borsellino Airport (PMO) — the second-largest in Sicily, with frequent flights to and from major European cities
Other options include Naples, Reggio Calabria, and Lamezia Terme
From there, travel by land to the coast and then by sea to Lipari—there are no airports on the Aeolian Islands.
Fastest & Most Reliable (Train + Ferry via Milazzo):
Take the train from Palermo Airport station (Punta Raisi) to Milazzo (via Palermo Centrale), about 5 hours total journey time.
At Milazzo port, board a hydrofoil or ferry to Lipari.
Hydrofoils via Liberty Lines take about 1 hour and run frequently in summer, up to 10 crossings per day
Standard ferries take 1 to 2.5 hours and are operated by Siremar or similar
Journey takes around 5 hours total and costs approximately €30–75
Alternative (Direct Ferry Palermo–Lipari):
In peak season (June–September), Liberty Lines runs a once‑daily hydrofoil from Palermo port to Lipari (~3 h 45 m). Tickets are €28–40. This option is less flexible and only seasonal
More Complex Options:
You can also take flights from Palermo to Catania or Reggio Calabria, then proceed as below. However, this typically adds time and cost unless driven by flight availability
Easiest Route (Bus + Ferry via Milazzo):
Take a shuttle bus (e.g., Giuntabus or Flibco) from the airport to Milazzo, approximately 2 hours, costing €14–25
Walk a short distance to the Milazzo port.
Take a hydrofoil or ferry to Lipari (~1 hour by hydrofoil or up to 2.5 hours by ferry)
Total trip time: around 3¾ hours, cost ~€25–40
Alternative (Train + Ferry):
Train from Catania Airport station to Messina Centrale (~1h 45m).
Transfer to a train or bus to Milazzo, followed by ferry to Lipari.
This combination takes longer (around 4½ to 5 hours) and usually costs €21–41
If you’re flying into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) and prefer heading south by land rather than connecting flights, Naples is a great jump-off point to the Aeolian Islands—especially Lipari.
Step 1: Travel from Rome Airport to Naples
From Fiumicino Airport:
Take the Leonardo Express train (30 min) to Roma Termini (€14), then a high-speed train (Frecciarossa/Italo) to Napoli Centrale (~1 hr 10 min, €20–€50 depending on class/time).
From Ciampino Airport:
Take a shuttle or local bus to Roma Termini, then high-speed train as above.
Total Rome Airport to Naples travel time: ~2½ to 3 hours
Step 2: Get to Naples Port (Molo Beverello or Mergellina)
From Napoli Centrale, take a taxi (~10–15 min) or metro to Molo Beverello, the main departure terminal for hydrofoils to the Aeolian Islands.
Some ferries may also depart from Calata Porta di Massa (walkable from Beverello).
Step 3: Ferry from Naples to Lipari
SNAV operate direct connections from Naples to Lipari from June to early September.
Duration: ~6 hours
Frequency: Usually once daily, often in the morning
Booking strongly recommended in advance (Liberty Lines)
Alternatively, take an overnight ferry (e.g. Siremar) that includes a cabin option, with departure in the evening and arrival the next morning.
Duration: ~12–14 hours
Offers a relaxed, scenic overnight experience
Important: Ferry schedules from Naples vary significantly by season. Summer months (June–September) have more regular service.
High season (June to September) sees frequent hydrofoil services from Milazzo—from about 06:30 to 19:30, with hourly departures
Ferries are less frequent but more scenic and relaxing, though slower.
Always book ferry or hydrofoil tickets in advance, especially during peak months or holidays
No car ferries run from Palermo to Lipari—only passenger services are available
You can bring luggage and pets (small, regulated) on board under Liberty Lines policies—typically one 10 kg piece exempt of charge
Helicopter service exists from Catania airport to Lipari via Air Panarea during high season, but this is premium and less common