Can anyone give me information how to get ferry/boat schedules from Milazzo to Lipari? Also, information about inexpensive lodging would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

You can find schedules for both ferries and ydrofoils to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo at http://www.bookingitalia.it/Navi-Ali...sole-eolie.htm

We stayed at Residence Mendolita in Lipari this spring for around $100 a night. The room included a very compact, but complete kitchen as well as a very nice porch draped with wisteria. There is also a breakfast room that provides a very nice continetal breakfast. We booked on venere.com. The website for the albergo is http://www.bernardigroup.it/mendolita/index.htm Lipari is lovely!

We are staying at Diana Brown's rooms in Lipari later in the year. Rates vary according to the season, we are paying 40 euro for a double room with ensuite. The rooms are recommended in quite a few guidebooks. Diana also emailed me with info on the ferries.

http://www.dianabrown.it/en_index.html

Kay

The two main operators are Siremar (www.siremar.it), the state-owned company running ships and fast craft, and Ustica Lines (www.usticalines.it) who run fast craft.

The hydrofoil (17 per day operated by Siremar and Ustica Lines) takes one hour, and usually calls at Vulcano prior to arriving at Lipari.

The traditional car ferry (three per day operated by Siremar) takes two hours, and also calls at Vulcano.

The FAST car ferry (three per day operated only by Siremar) takes one hour, is non-stop, and operates only from June through September.

High season fares Milazzo/Lipari: traditional car ferry Euro 6.60; fast car ferry Euro 8.40; hydrofoil Euro 11.30. Fares slightly lower in low and shoulder seasons.

If you want the BEST VIEWS, I suggest that you take the traditional car ferry, where you can sit or stand on the open top deck and take photos and videos. This is not possible on either the FAST car ferry or the hydrofoil.

If you're arriving by train at Milazzo, note that it's too far to walk (approx. 4 kms.), but there is frequent (hourly on Sundays) local bus service to the Port (tickets sold in the Station bar).

NOTE: any city map of Milazzo more than 10 years old shows the now-closed OLD train station, which was very close to the town center (within walking distance). The NEW train station is much farther out, in the countryside.

Thank you everyone for the information--you are truly terrific!

We stayed at this affitacamere in Lipari last May:
http://www.enzoilnegro.altervista.org/index_eng.html

It is just off the the marina piazza. Enzo's daughter owns a gift shop on the piazza and she speaks great english. We paid around 50E for an ensuite double with small balcony. Very clean. There is a wonderful rooftop terrace overlooking the marina, piazza and sea where breakfast is served every morning. Have a wonderful trip.