Today we will explore the means and schedules for the Catania-Lipari route, so if you plan to vacation in the Aeolian Islands while in Catania, you’ll know exactly how to proceed. But first, let’s learn more about the beautiful city of Catania, which has been destroyed nine times by earthquakes, invasions, and eruptions, only to be rebuilt each time, more beautiful than before.
The Catania we see today is from the last reconstruction in 1693, after a violent earthquake completely leveled it. Today, Catania is in full Baroque style, with almost all the noble palaces and city churches rebuilt in this style. This architectural complex is of such significant value that the historic center is now protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
We recommend spending a few days in Catania to enjoy these architectural wonders, the vibrant local markets, the wild beauty of Mount Etna, and the clear sea along the coast. And let’s not forget that this wonderful city offers fantastic food and exceptional desserts.
Piazza del Duomo welcomes all visitors with “O Liotru,” the little elephant that has become the symbol of Catania. Various legends surrounding it consider it a magical place, a protector against Etna’s eruptions, and a reminder of a long-forgotten religion.
The name “O Liotru” seems to be a distortion of Heliodorus, a nobleman considered a magician who rode a stone elephant to Constantinople. The fountain took its current form in 1736, although it consists of elements from different eras: the base is marble, the elephant is stone, the obelisk was brought to Catania during the Crusades, and the trunk and tusks were restored and added after earthquake damage.
Means, Schedules, and Prices for the Catania-Lipari Route
Just like in any other southern city, you can find the true soul of the place by visiting the local markets, where the people of Catania show their daily life. There are several markets, but only two are unmissable.
The first is the Pescheria, located behind Piazza del Duomo, and Fera ‘o Luni, located in Piazza Carlo Alberto. The Pescheria is a fish market and is the most colorful, lively, and chaotic, making it the most characteristic of the city.
But now, let’s get to the main topic of the article. The distance between Catania and Lipari is 184 km, and the most economical way to travel between the two is by bus and ferry via Messina, which costs between €30 and €45 but takes a fair amount of time.
The bus will take you from Catania station to the city of Milazzo, from where all the ferries to the islands, including Lipari, depart. It takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes to travel from Catania to Lipari, including all transfers.
