Salina Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Salina in Aeolian Islands with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Salina

Salina is a beautiful island in the Aeolian Islands, which is a UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Salina is known for its picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and natural beauty. The island’s economy revolves around agriculture, especially the cultivation of capers and grapes. Visitors to Salina will be treated to a unique island charm, distinct culture, and gastronomic delights.

List of Places to Visit in Salina

Salina is an island with many great places to visit. Here are some of the must-visit destinations that you should include on your trip to Salina.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visitors to Salina can learn about the island’s rich history and culture by visiting its museums and historical places. Some of the famous attractions of Salina are:

  • Museum of Emigration: It is a small museum in the village of Malfa, which tells the story of the islanders who emigrated to the USA at the end of the 19th century.
  • Santa Marina Church: This church is located in the heart of the village of Santa Marina. It is renowned for its beautiful majolica dome and its portal containing a medieval inscription.
  • Ancient Village of Lingua: Lingua is a small village located on the southern coast of Salina. It is famous for its ancient Roman ruins, which include baths, houses, and an amphitheater.

Natural Attractions of Salina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Salina is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island is home to many natural attractions, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. Some of the top natural attractions of Salina are:

  • Fossa delle Felci: Fossa delle Felci is the highest mountain peak on the island, and it is a popular hiking destination. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea from the top of the peak.
  • Monte dei Porri: Monte dei Porri is another popular hiking destination on the island. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands from the top of the mountain.
  • Pollara: Pollara is a picturesque location on the island’s western coast. It is famous for its natural amphitheater, which was created by a collapsed volcanic crater. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs from this location.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Salina

Salina offers ample opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are many scenic trails and routes on the island that visitors can explore. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Salina are:

  • Sentiero per il Monte dei Porri: This trail takes visitors from the village of Pollara to the top of Monte dei Porri. It is a challenging hike, but visitors are rewarded with stunning views at the top.
  • Sentiero per la Fossa delle Felci: This trail takes visitors from the village of Valdichiesa to the top of Fossa delle Felci. It is an easy to moderate hike, and visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the island along the way.
  • Salina Bike Tour: This bike tour takes visitors to some of the most scenic parts of the island. Visitors can explore the villages, natural landscapes, and coastlines of Salina on this tour.

Best Things to Do in Salina: Activities and Tours

Salina is a great destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities and tours on the island. Some of the top things to do in Salina are:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Salina is famous for its sweet Malvasia wine. Visitors can go on a wine tasting tour to some of the island’s vineyards and taste some of the best wines on the island.
  • Boat Tour: Visitors can explore the stunning coastline and crystal clear waters of Salina on a boat tour. The tour takes visitors to some of the island’s hidden beaches, coves, and bays.
  • Cooking Class: Visitors can learn how to prepare typical Salina dishes and pastries on a cooking class. The class takes place in a traditional Salina house, and visitors can learn about the island’s culinary traditions and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Salina

Visitors to Salina can explore the island in a week or less. Here is a recommended itinerary for a week-long visit to Salina:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the village of Santa Marina, Santa Marina Church, and Marina di Salina
Day 2 Go on a boat tour or a hike to Fossa delle Felci
Day 3 Visit the ancient village of Lingua, Pollara, and view the sunset from the cliffs
Day 4 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Lipari and enjoy the night life in Lipari
Day 5 Take a cooking class and go on a wine tasting tour
Day 6 Visit the village of Malfa and go on a bike tour
Day 7 Relax on one of the island’s beaches, such as Spiaggia delle Rinelle or Spiaggia dello Scario

Food and Drink Scene of Salina

Salina offers a variety of local dishes and drinks, which reflect the island’s traditions and gastronomic culture. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages of Salina:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Caponata: It is a typical Sicilian dish made with eggplants, tomatoes, capers, celery, and olives.
  • Pasta alla Salina: It is a special pasta dish made with fresh cherry tomatoes, capers, and salted ricotta cheese.
  • Malvasia Wine: This sweet wine is famous in Salina and is made from the Malvasia grape.

Local Beverages

  • Granita: This refreshing Sicilian drink is made with ice, sugar, and fruit flavors such as lemons, almonds, or strawberries.
  • Limoncello: This sweet and strong lemon liqueur is a popular digestif in Salina and the rest of Italy.

Where to Stay in Salina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Salina offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some of the best places to stay in Salina are:

  • Hotel Signum: This luxury hotel is situated in the village of Malfa and offers breathtaking views of the Aeolian Sea. It features a spa, a swimming pool, and an onsite restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  • La Sirena: This boutique hotel is located in the village of Santa Marina and features 15 individually decorated rooms. It also has an onsite bar, restaurant, and a beach club with sun loungers and umbrellas.
  • B&B Le Sette Vele: This budget-friendly guesthouse is located in the village of Leni and offers comfortable rooms with views of the Aeolian Sea. It also has a garden with a terrace and a shared kitchen for guests to use.

What to Buy in Salina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Salina is known for its local products, which are great to bring home as souvenirs. Here are some of the best local products to buy in Salina:

  • Capers: Salina is famous for its capers, which are smaller and sweeter than other varieties. They are great for adding flavor to salads, pasta dishes, and more.
  • Malvasia Wine: This sweet wine is a perfect gift to bring back home as a souvenir that will remind you of your trip to Salina.
  • Handmade Ceramics: Visitors can find beautiful handmade ceramics in the village of Leni, which are a great item to bring back home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Salina

Salina has a rich cultural heritage and customs that visitors should be aware of when visiting the island. Some of the customs and traditions of Salina are:

  • Feast of San Lorenzo: This festival takes place every year on August 10th in the village of Malfa. It features live music, dancing, and food.
  • Carnival: Salina celebrates Carnival with colorful parades, costumes, and floats.
  • Religious Processions: Salina has several religious processions throughout the year, which are important events for the locals.

Best Time to Visit Salina

The best time to visit Salina is from May to September. During this time, visitors can enjoy warm weather, sunny skies, and clear waters. The peak season in Salina is from mid-June to mid-September, so visitors should book their accommodations and activities in advance during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salina

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Salina:

Do:

  • Do try the local food and drinks, such as capers, Malvasia wine, and granita.
  • Do explore the island’s natural beauty and landscapes on foot or by bike.
  • Do respect the island’s cultural heritage and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the island’s natural landscapes.
  • Don’t wear inappropriate clothing when visiting religious places.
  • Don’t negotiate prices in small shops or markets.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Salina should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and health. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Safety in Salina

  • Visitors should be aware of their surroundings when exploring Salina’s natural landscapes, as some areas can be steep or slippery.
  • Visitors should keep their valuables safe and secure when traveling around the island.

Health in Salina

  • Visitors should be aware of the sun’s intensity and take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours.
  • Visitors should drink bottled water to avoid water-borne illnesses.

Getting to Salina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Salina is easily accessible by ferry from different parts of Italy. Here are some transportation options and logistics to consider when traveling to Salina:

Airports Near Salina

The closest airport to Salina is the Catania Fontanarossa Airport in Catania, Sicily. From Catania, visitors can take a bus or train to Milazzo, and then catch a ferry to Salina.

Bus Stations Near Salina

The nearest bus station to Salina is in Milazzo. Visitors can take a bus from Rome, Naples, or Palermo to Milazzo and then take a ferry to Salina.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Salina by private boat or chartered helicopter.

How to Get Around in Salina

Salina is a small island that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to get around the island.

Where to Go Next from Salina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Salina can extend their trip to other nearby destinations on the Aeolian Islands, such as Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli. Lipari is the largest island in the archipelago, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and historical sites. Vulcano and Stromboli are famous for their volcanic landscapes and thermal baths.

Conclusion

Salina is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique cultural experience and natural beauty. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Salina has something for everyone. By planning well and following our guide, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable trip to this stunning island.