Alilauro

Alilauro is an Italian shipping company based in Naples whose ferry service in the Gulf of Naples began in 1948 with ship-owner Agostino Lauro's Freccia del Golfo. The company is the market leader for connections to the island of Ischia and carries around five million passengers a year.

Alilauro connects Naples with the islands and coastal towns of the Gulf of Naples. The main routes run from Naples to Ischia, Capri and Sorrento, and between Sorrento and Ischia. From Naples' Molo Beverello, twelve destinations are served, ranging from Forio in the west to Amalfi in the east. From June to September, additional ferries run from Naples' Mergellina to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano.

The fleet comprises 10 ships, with capacity for up to 525 passengers per vessel. Alilauro mainly operates hydrofoils but also offers some connections with high-speed ferries. The crossing from Naples to Sorrento takes around 37 minutes, and to Ischia around 50 minutes.

In the late 1960s Alilauro expanded its fleet with three small hydrofoils to meet growing tourist demand and the need for shorter journey times. Food and drink are available onboard, seating is comfortable and Wi-Fi is available. Vehicles cannot be carried with Alilauro, since only passenger fast craft are operated.