Ginostra (Stromboli) Ferries

The port of Ginostra (Stromboli) plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 9 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Ginostra (Stromboli) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Ginostra (Stromboli), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Palermo - Ginostra (Stromboli), Alicudi - Ginostra (Stromboli) connecting Ginostra (Stromboli) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Siremar, Liberty Lines run regular services from Ginostra (Stromboli), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Ginostra (Stromboli) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Ginostra is accessible exclusively by ferry and hydrofoil services that connect it to Sicily and mainland Italy, with most routes departing from Milazzo, Naples, or other Aeolian Islands. The journey from Milazzo typically takes about 2.5-3 hours depending on sea conditions and vessel type. From Naples, expect a longer voyage of approximately 5-6 hours. The village has a small jetty rather than a full harbor, so during rough seas, landings may occasionally be restricted. There's no vehicle access in Ginostra itself, so pack light as you'll need to carry your belongings up steep pathways from the port.

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Stromboli island, Ginostra stands as one of Italy's most isolated and enchanting villages. This tiny hamlet, accessible primarily by sea, offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life against the dramatic backdrop of an active volcano. With fewer than 40 permanent residents, Ginostra promises an authentic escape where narrow stone pathways replace roads and the rhythmic sounds of the Mediterranean Sea provide a constant soundtrack to your visit.

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the ideal balance of pleasant temperatures, reduced crowds, and reliable ferry services to Ginostra. Summer months (July-August) bring warmer weather perfect for swimming but also more tourists and higher prices throughout the Aeolian Islands. Winter visits (November-March) provide a truly authentic experience among the few year-round residents, though ferry services become less frequent and more subject to weather cancellations. The annual Festa di San Vincenzo in late May brings colorful celebrations to the island, while September offers warm seas alongside the spectacle of Stromboli's regular volcanic activity visible after sunset.

Ginostra serves as a tranquil gateway to the other spectacular Aeolian Islands, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Lipari, the largest island, lies just 1.5 hours away by ferry and offers bustling markets, archaeological sites, and beautiful beaches. Vulcano, approximately 2 hours from Ginostra, entices visitors with its therapeutic mud baths and smoking crater hikes. The lush island of Salina, reachable in about 1 hour, presents twin volcanic peaks and the famous sweet Malvasia wine. For a particularly breathtaking journey, take the boat around Stromboli itself to witness the 'Sciara del Fuoco' – the dramatic river of fire where lava flows into the sea.

Life in Ginostra revolves around simple pleasures and natural wonders, beginning with the breathtaking hike to Punta Corvi viewpoint which rewards visitors with panoramic vistas across the Tyrrhenian Sea. The village's small pebble beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. Don't miss sampling local specialties at the village's single restaurant, where fresh seafood and Aeolian caponata showcase the island's culinary heritage. As evening falls, join locals at the small piazza to witness Stromboli's regular eruptions painting the night sky – a natural fireworks display that has earned the volcano its nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'.

Until 2004, Ginostra held the distinction of having the smallest port in the world, where only boats under 2 meters could dock – earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The village remained without electricity until 2004, when solar panels were finally installed, giving residents their first consistent power supply in the settlement's centuries-long history. Ginostra's isolation has preserved ancient traditions, including a unique whistling language once used by residents to communicate across the steep terrain. Despite its tiny size, the village features in numerous Italian poems and literature, often symbolizing the ultimate retreat from modern civilization.