Milazzo
©
Milazzo

Milazzo

Sicilian port town on a narrow Tyrrhenian peninsula, with ferries to the Aeolian Islands.

Milazzo occupies a narrow peninsula jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea on Sicily's northern coast. Most travellers pass through on their way to the Aeolian Islands — the hydrofoil terminal here is the main departure point — but the town itself deserves a stop.

The Castello di Milazzo dominates the headland above the old town. It is one of the largest fortified complexes in Sicily, layering Arab walls, Norman towers, and a Spanish-era citadel (containing the ruined Duomo Vecchio) across a site that has been defended since the Bronze Age. The views from the ramparts stretch across to the Aeolians on a clear day.

Beyond the castle, the Capo di Milazzo promontory offers good walking along cliff paths, with spectacular views of the islands and sea caves at the water's edge. In 260 BC, the Romans won their first major naval battle off this headland — the place where Rome became a maritime power. Below, a small bay is popular for swimming in summer.

Milazzo is about 40 km west of Messina and well connected by train and bus.

Guide

Getting There

Milazzo is well-connected by both rail and road. The train station is on the main Palermo–Messina line; from Messina the journey takes about 35 minutes, from Palermo roughly 2.5 hours. The hydrofoil and ferry terminal for the Aeolian Islands is a short walk from the station.

By car from Messina, take the A20 motorway west and exit at Milazzo — about 40 km. From Palermo, the A20 runs the full length of the northern Sicilian coast.

Hydrofoils (aliscafi) and ferries to the Aeolian Islands depart from the Porto di Milazzo throughout the day in summer, with reduced service in winter. Liberty Lines and Siremar are the main operators; book ahead in July and August. The crossing to Lipari takes about 45 minutes by hydrofoil, 1.5 hours by ferry.

Guide

Things to Do

Milazzo's main attractions are its enormous castle complex and the Capo di Milazzo promontory beyond it. The town is also the jumping-off point for the Aeolian Islands, so many visitors are passing through — but the peninsula itself rewards a half-day or more of exploration.