Il Postino, caper honey, Malvasia grape dessert wine, extinct volcanoes, and lush green landscapes…..
Salina is one of the seven Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily. Salina is considered one of the archipelago's most tranquil and scenic islands, perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying local cuisine.
If you're planning a trip, I'd like to share tips on how to get there, stylish accommodations, the most beautiful beaches, and unique highlights of this paradise that only Salina offers.
Magnificent coves and the greenest, most authentic island
Salina is the second-largest of the Aeolian Islands, or as many call the archipelago, the Lipari Islands. The island boasts freshwater springs and is magnificently green and blooming. The best time to visit is in spring and from September onwards. Whether it's a stroll through the villages of Malfa or Pollara, amidst the typical Aeolian houses, trendy bars, and restaurants that create a special atmosphere with island-specific hospitality, Salina is incredibly beautiful and ideal for trekking tours amidst wild and untouched nature.
From Malvasia Grape Dessert Wine to Rare Caper Honey
The island's fertile soil provides ideal climatic conditions for producing the sweet dessert wine from the white grape variety Malvasia delle Lipari. It is one of Southern Italy's oldest and most characteristic wines, known for its aromatic richness, notes of honey and apricot, and its origin from volcanic soils.
A beautiful winery that offers guided tours is Tenuta Virgona in the district of Malfa: https://www.malvasiadellelipari.it/
Salina is synonymous with caper cultivation. Even before the beautiful caper flower opens, these small green treasures are picked. Caper production is still entirely manual, from picking to preserving, a centuries-old tradition. They are considered the best capers in the world.
In 2013, Swiss native Lukas Ruflin his farm in the Ginostra district. He produces a priceless rarity: the unique honey from the caper blossom, made by the Sicilian black bee (ape sicula): https://costamandorla.com/our-story/
Getting there
Salina has 2 ferry ports: Santa Marina Salina in the east and Rinella in the southwest. Both ports offer ferry connections to Sicily (ports of Palermo, Milazzo, and Messina) as well as to the other Aeolian Islands.
In summer, you can also reach Salina by ferry from the ports of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia.
Beaches
Here are our favorite beaches on Salina.
Scario: A small pebble beach with crystal-clear water, just a 5-minute walk from Malfa village. Great for snorkeling, and sun loungers are available for rent.
Rinella: A volcanic beach dotted with caves, ideal for diving and with coarse black sand.
Santa Marina: Ideal for children, it's located next to Santa Marina port.
Lingua: There's even a salt lake there. The beach is pebbly.
Pollara: Filming location of the famous movie "Il Postino". It is situated beneath a steep cliff and is the ideal spot for sunsets.
Our insider tips for where to stay
Capofaro Resort
Unique rooms and stays amidst the vineyards, and even in a lighthouse: https://capofaro.it/stay
I Cinque Balconi
A fragrant Mediterranean garden in the heart of this small, shabby-chic hotel, with an attached small restaurant: https://www.icinquebalconi.it/
La Locanda del Postino
Breathtaking views and privacy: https://www.lalocandadelpostino.it/
