Sole 
How to get to Montalbano Elicona
By plane, car, train or ferry: every way to reach the medieval village between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains.
Where Montalbano Elicona is
Montalbano Elicona is in the province of Messina, in north-eastern Sicily, more than 900 metres above sea level between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains. The sea is close: the Falcone exit of the Messina–Palermo motorway, on the Tyrrhenian coast, is about 20 km from the centre. It is a convenient location whether you arrive from Catania, Messina or Palermo.
By plane
Catania Fontanarossa airport
The most convenient and best connected, with flights from all over Italy and Europe. It is about 100 km away, roughly an hour and a half by car. All the main car hire companies are at the airport.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino airport
Useful if you combine your visit with western Sicily. Take the A20 motorway all the way towards Messina to the Falcone exit: just under three hours in total.
Reggio Calabria airport
About 95 km away, but you need to cross the Strait of Messina by ferry: worth it mainly if you find a good flight.
By car
A car is the easiest way to get here and to explore the area, from Argimusco to Malabotta Wood and day trips.
- From Messina: A20 Messina–Palermo motorway, Falcone exit, then about 20 km of mountain road to the village. About an hour in total.
- From Palermo: A20 motorway towards Messina, Falcone exit. About two and a half hours.
- From Catania, via Etna: drive up towards Randazzo and continue from there across the mountains to Montalbano. A scenic route across the northern slopes of the volcano.
- From Taormina: follow the Alcantara valley to Francavilla di Sicilia and continue via Roccella Valdemone.
From mainland Italy by ferry
If you are driving from the mainland, head down to Villa San Giovanni and take the ferry across the Strait to Messina. From there take the A20 motorway towards Palermo, Falcone exit.
Good to know: the last stretch is a winding mountain road, best driven at a relaxed pace. In winter there may be fog and, occasionally, snow. Parking in the village is free, and the historic centre is best explored on foot.
By train and bus
The nearest stations are on the Messina–Palermo line: Falcone, about 20 km away, and Novara-Montalbano-Furnari, about 22 km away. The stations of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto and Patti are also served.
From Falcone to the village there is an AST bus (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti), which takes about 50 minutes. Services are infrequent and change with the seasons, so always check the latest timetable before you travel. Without a car, the simplest option is a taxi from the station.
By sea
The port of Milazzo, about 40 km away, has connections with Naples and the Aeolian Islands, so you can combine Montalbano with a few days on the islands. The port of Messina, about 70 km away, has ferries to mainland Italy and national connections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Montalbano Elicona?
The most convenient is Catania, about 100 km away, an hour and a half by car. Reggio Calabria airport is slightly closer as the crow flies, but requires the ferry across the Strait.
Can I get to Montalbano without a car?
Yes: by train to Falcone and then by AST bus or taxi. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable before you travel.
Which motorway exit is for Montalbano Elicona?
The exit is Falcone, on the A20 Messina–Palermo motorway. From the exit to the village it is about 20 km.
Where can I park?
Parking in the village is free. The historic centre is best explored on foot.
Location
For your satnav
Copy the address or the coordinates and paste them into Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps or your car's satnav.Sole Luna B&B is in the heart of the village, on the main street of Montalbano Elicona, right in the historic centre and 400 metres from the castle.