Travel Guide to Salina

The forests and dense Mediterranean vegetation make Salina stand out as an enchanting green oasis amongst the Aeolian Islands, an island rich in nature that extends a luxurious welcome to visitors. Visitors should arrive here with expectations of being pampered. First find a beach that you like (there is an embarrassment of choices for this), and then immerse yourself in the crystal blue waters, or perhaps think about enjoying some snorkelling around the island's sea beds.

You could then sit back and enjoy the amazing views on offer, or listen to some of the many local stories about the island's volcanic activity and fishing history. Finally you could spend the evening enjoying the local speciality recipes based on fresh fish, capers and a tasty drop of Malvasia.

Things to See and Do
Walk around the salt lake at Lingua
Visit the Bay of Pollara where 'Il Postino' was filmed
Travel through the forests of Mont Fossa delle Felci
Visit the Madonna of Terzito Sanctuary
Walk around the Civic Museum at Lingua
Take a guided tour of the Saracene Caves
Book a night voyage to search for squid
Drink an Malvasia aperitif accompanied by biscuits
Visit the Immigration Museum and the Marchetti Palace

Events in Salina
June
The caper, grown locally, is considered a symbol of Salina, representing both the fertility of the earth and the hard work of man. It is an integral part of local cuisine and a source of pride for the island's inhabitants culminating in the annual 'Festival of the Caper'. In its tenth year, the celebrations take place in the Piazza of Sant Onofrio a Pollara where you can taste many local recipes that are based on capers, including chicken stuffed with fresh squid or pasta with fresh basil sauce.
August
The Patron Saint of Fishermen, Saint Bartholomew, is the symbolic guest of honour at his annual celebration held in Lingua. The party atmosphere of singing and dancing attracts visitors from nearby islands as people abandon their reserve for an evening of fun. The surrounding streets are filled with animated performances and open air markets, culminating in a fantastic firework display over the sea.

Local Food and Drink

Nacatuli
Speciality biscuits of Salina, the 'nacatuli' used to be made only during the Christmas period but now you can find them at the local bakeries all year round. A delicious sweet biscuit filled with almond paste, orange juice, cream and sugar.
Malvasia
A dessert wine with a scent of honey and fruit, Malvasia is best enjoyed with a Sicilian dessert such as cassata.

Spotlight on Pollara, the location for Il Postino
There are five volcanoes on Salina, Pollara being the youngest. This north-western corner of the island, in the area of Malfi, is where you will find the stunning landscape of jagged rocks and overhanging cliffs immortalised in the film 'Il Postino', starring Massimo Troisi. Climb down a stone staircase and you will see the building that is now known as the 'postman's house', arriving into the heart of the enchanting fishing village of Balate, where you can still see the remains of ancient dwellings built into an ancient crater, where the first inhabitants of the island lived.

How to get there
Northwest of Lipari, in the Aeolian Archipelago, Salina is second largest island and the greenest. Like all the Aeolian Islands it is reachable from various ports in the area.
By Air: The nearest airports are Reggio Calabria, Catania and Palermo. Reggio Calabria is served by Airone and Air Italy whilst Catania and Palermo have regular services with most major airlines including Ailtalia, Windjet, Ryanair and Easyjet. From these airports it is possible to take a bus to the local port or it is possible to continue by helicopter.
By car: Cars are welcome on Salina and can be used without restriction. If you chose not to bring your own, there are plenty of car hire firms available upon arrival.
By boat: The maritime ports that connect to Salina include Naples, Messina, Milazzo, Palermo, Capo D'Orlando and Reggio Calabria. The main companies operating crossings are Siremar, Ustica Lines, Alilauro and NGI. There is a hydrofoil service from Catania or Palermo which takes you to the port of Lipari, half an hour from Salina.
Other: Salina can be reached by helicopter (Icarus and Air Panarea) with a heliport at Malfa, one of the three towns on the Island.