Guidebook to Salina
Sightseeing
A guide to the must see places in Salina.
The quaint town of Pollara and the magnificent view of its bay, is located 9km from Capo Faro. Pollara is also where some of the most famous scenes of Massimo Troisi's 1994 masterpiece, Il Postino, were shot, including the house of Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret).
Pollara bay, was formed by the collapse of an ancient extinct volcanic crater. You can reach Pollara beach, by taking the path which runs from behind town's main church. Please note, at the fork in the road, after the town's church, the path to the bay is on the right. Access via the left road has been closed due to the danger of falling rocks.
From the water's edge, you can marvel at the beauty of the bay and the elegance of its volcanic rocks, sculpted by the wind and sea. The beach of Pollara contains rough stone, so bringing a yoga mat and beach towel is recommended, in order to allow you to lay down with some degree of comfort.
When descending the final flight of steps, to the shore, on your right is the fisherman's hut from where the opening scene of Il Postino was shot. From this flight of steps, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset from the month of August onwards (before then, the sunset can be seen from the viewing platform, located at the fork in the road, along the path from the town's church). From the very end of Pollara beach or from the sea, you can gaze upon Pollara's natural arch.
After enjoying the sunset, why not enjoy an Eolian dinner on the terrace at the 'Il Cappero' restaurant in Pollara?
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pollara
The quaint town of Pollara and the magnificent view of its bay, is located 9km from Capo Faro. Pollara is also where some of the most famous scenes of Massimo Troisi's 1994 masterpiece, Il Postino, were shot, including the house of Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret).
Pollara bay, was formed by the collapse of an ancient extinct volcanic crater. You can reach Pollara beach, by taking the path which runs from behind town's main church. Please note, at the fork in the road, after the town's church, the path to the bay is on the right. Access via the left road has been closed due to the danger of falling rocks.
From the water's edge, you can marvel at the beauty of the bay and the elegance of its volcanic rocks, sculpted by the wind and sea. The beach of Pollara contains rough stone, so bringing a yoga mat and beach towel is recommended, in order to allow you to lay down with some degree of comfort.
When descending the final flight of steps, to the shore, on your right is the fisherman's hut from where the opening scene of Il Postino was shot. From this flight of steps, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset from the month of August onwards (before then, the sunset can be seen from the viewing platform, located at the fork in the road, along the path from the town's church). From the very end of Pollara beach or from the sea, you can gaze upon Pollara's natural arch.
After enjoying the sunset, why not enjoy an Eolian dinner on the terrace at the 'Il Cappero' restaurant in Pollara?
The prehistoric village of Portella is located between Capo Faro and the town of Santa Marina, along the main road of Salina. The entrance to the archaeological site, is a small parking area with steps leading to village.
Portella is a Middle Bronze Age (1500 BC) village, composed of a series of circular stone footprints of prehistoric huts. The location of along of the spot along an ancient lava ridge, with stunning views of Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli, highlights why its inhabitants chose the site for its defensive and observational advantages.
Visiting Portella provides a pleasant, but not strenuous, workout due to the number of steps leading to the top. The best time to visit the site is either, early in the morning at dawn, to take in the rising sun, or in the evening when the setting sun paints Lipari with pink and orange hues.
Portella village
The prehistoric village of Portella is located between Capo Faro and the town of Santa Marina, along the main road of Salina. The entrance to the archaeological site, is a small parking area with steps leading to village.
Portella is a Middle Bronze Age (1500 BC) village, composed of a series of circular stone footprints of prehistoric huts. The location of along of the spot along an ancient lava ridge, with stunning views of Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli, highlights why its inhabitants chose the site for its defensive and observational advantages.
Visiting Portella provides a pleasant, but not strenuous, workout due to the number of steps leading to the top. The best time to visit the site is either, early in the morning at dawn, to take in the rising sun, or in the evening when the setting sun paints Lipari with pink and orange hues.
One of Salina's six ancient volcanoes and the island's highest point (962 meters), Fossa delle Felci provides stunning views of the Aeolian Islands, Sicily and the Italian mainland.
There are several paths which lead to the Fossa, but the suggested one starts at the 'Santuario della Madonna del Terzito', in Valdichiesa, which is located between Malfa and Leni. A guide is not required for the Valdichiesa path. It is recommended to begin the hike in the early morning, in order to avoid ascending the Fossa in the midday sun.
Depending on your speed, the ascent can take between two to three hours. The lower portion of the hike is through Mediterranean vegetation, with a variety of scents and flora. The upper portion, is through the pine and chestnut forest which crowns the Fossa delle Felci and provides cool shade from the hot sun.
Bring hiking shoes, plenty of water, energy snacks and a panino and fruit, to be enjoyed at the top while enjoying the spectacular view.
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Monte Fossa delle Felci
One of Salina's six ancient volcanoes and the island's highest point (962 meters), Fossa delle Felci provides stunning views of the Aeolian Islands, Sicily and the Italian mainland.
There are several paths which lead to the Fossa, but the suggested one starts at the 'Santuario della Madonna del Terzito', in Valdichiesa, which is located between Malfa and Leni. A guide is not required for the Valdichiesa path. It is recommended to begin the hike in the early morning, in order to avoid ascending the Fossa in the midday sun.
Depending on your speed, the ascent can take between two to three hours. The lower portion of the hike is through Mediterranean vegetation, with a variety of scents and flora. The upper portion, is through the pine and chestnut forest which crowns the Fossa delle Felci and provides cool shade from the hot sun.
Bring hiking shoes, plenty of water, energy snacks and a panino and fruit, to be enjoyed at the top while enjoying the spectacular view.
Spiaggia dello Scario is Malfa's beach, which is located in a picturesque ancient volcanic formation. The beach can be reached in twenty minutes on foot from Malfa's town center, walking through the backstreets of the town, or by car. There is a parking area next to the steps (several) leading down to Spiaggia dello Scario. On the way down, take in from above, the beauty of the beach and its crystal clear and turquoise waters.
I recommend visiting the beach in the mornings, when it is lit by the sun, and not the afternoon when it is in the shade. The beach is formed of large stones. Therefore an inflatable mattress is recommended, or you can rent one, along with a umbrella, at the beach.
There is also a beach bar, at the very end of the steps, where you can buy refreshments and food.
Via Punta Scario
Via Punta ScarioSpiaggia dello Scario is Malfa's beach, which is located in a picturesque ancient volcanic formation. The beach can be reached in twenty minutes on foot from Malfa's town center, walking through the backstreets of the town, or by car. There is a parking area next to the steps (several) leading down to Spiaggia dello Scario. On the way down, take in from above, the beauty of the beach and its crystal clear and turquoise waters.
I recommend visiting the beach in the mornings, when it is lit by the sun, and not the afternoon when it is in the shade. The beach is formed of large stones. Therefore an inflatable mattress is recommended, or you can rent one, along with a umbrella, at the beach.
There is also a beach bar, at the very end of the steps, where you can buy refreshments and food.
Town
A guide to the lovely towns of Salina, which one shouldn't miss.
The town of Lingua is located at the end of the Salina's main road, after the town of Santa Marina.
The town's name derives from its formation as a flat tongue of land jutting out into the sea. In Lingua, you will also find the salt evaporation pond, which gives Salina its name.
The walk 4km walk from Santa Marina to Lingua, can be present in the late afternoon, providing beautiful views of the island of Lipari.
In the town itself, are located some of the island's best and most famous restaurants, including 'Il Delfino' and 'Alfredo', where you can enjoy a granita or an aperitivo.
The town's beach provides a spectacular view of Lipari, which is especially gorgeous in the hour leading up to sunset, when the setting sun paints the island in pink and orange shades. Part of the beach is sheltered by artificial breakers, providing calm and shallow inlets, which are ideal for babies and small children who do not swim. The beach is made up of large pebbles, so an inflatable mattress or yoga mat is recommended to ensure comfort while laying down.
On the beach of Lingua, you can rent boats to explore the hidden beaches of Salina or the islands of Lipari and Vulcano.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lingua
The town of Lingua is located at the end of the Salina's main road, after the town of Santa Marina.
The town's name derives from its formation as a flat tongue of land jutting out into the sea. In Lingua, you will also find the salt evaporation pond, which gives Salina its name.
The walk 4km walk from Santa Marina to Lingua, can be present in the late afternoon, providing beautiful views of the island of Lipari.
In the town itself, are located some of the island's best and most famous restaurants, including 'Il Delfino' and 'Alfredo', where you can enjoy a granita or an aperitivo.
The town's beach provides a spectacular view of Lipari, which is especially gorgeous in the hour leading up to sunset, when the setting sun paints the island in pink and orange shades. Part of the beach is sheltered by artificial breakers, providing calm and shallow inlets, which are ideal for babies and small children who do not swim. The beach is made up of large pebbles, so an inflatable mattress or yoga mat is recommended to ensure comfort while laying down.
On the beach of Lingua, you can rent boats to explore the hidden beaches of Salina or the islands of Lipari and Vulcano.
The town of Santa Marina, was founded by the Greeks in the 4th Century BC. The town has preserved its Eolian architecture, with pastel colors, decorative doors and round windows, making it a quaint and enjoyable town to stroll through.
The town has two main roads running parallel to the sea. Via Lungomare, running along the sea, is the less picturesque of the two, though it has an esplanade along which you can enjoy a view of Lipari.
Via Risorgimento, running one street up from Via Lungomare, has maintained its local architectural style and relaxed atmosphere. Along this street you can find various boutique delicatessens and local shops where you can buy local products as well as fruits and vegetables (though they tend to be more expensive than the supermarket in Malfa).
Due to traffic and parking restrictions in the center (during high season, the local traffic police are very vigilant and ready to issue parking fines), it is recommended to park the car in the parking area at the beginning of the town, when coming from the direction of Capo Faro. The parking area is located in front of Hotel Punta Barone, where the main coastal road splits into Via Lungomare (on the left) and Via Risorgimento (on the right). From the parking area, you will see houses along Via Risorgimento on the right, where you can walk along towards the center, soaking up the beauty and quaintness of the town.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Santa Marina Salina
The town of Santa Marina, was founded by the Greeks in the 4th Century BC. The town has preserved its Eolian architecture, with pastel colors, decorative doors and round windows, making it a quaint and enjoyable town to stroll through.
The town has two main roads running parallel to the sea. Via Lungomare, running along the sea, is the less picturesque of the two, though it has an esplanade along which you can enjoy a view of Lipari.
Via Risorgimento, running one street up from Via Lungomare, has maintained its local architectural style and relaxed atmosphere. Along this street you can find various boutique delicatessens and local shops where you can buy local products as well as fruits and vegetables (though they tend to be more expensive than the supermarket in Malfa).
Due to traffic and parking restrictions in the center (during high season, the local traffic police are very vigilant and ready to issue parking fines), it is recommended to park the car in the parking area at the beginning of the town, when coming from the direction of Capo Faro. The parking area is located in front of Hotel Punta Barone, where the main coastal road splits into Via Lungomare (on the left) and Via Risorgimento (on the right). From the parking area, you will see houses along Via Risorgimento on the right, where you can walk along towards the center, soaking up the beauty and quaintness of the town.
Malfa is the smaller sister of Santa Marina, but no less picturesque and quaint.
The town still boasts backstreets with un-restored houses and villas, bursting with Mediterranean flora and citrus trees. In order to immerse yourself in this authenticity, I particularly recommend walking along Via Pastificio (just before the Ravesi Lounge Bar) and let yourself wander the backstreets of this lovely town. The backstreets also lead to Punta Scario beach.
Malfa has a supermarket which is a good selection of products as well as a delicatessen, where you can buy cheeses, bread and cold cuts from the Sicily and the mainland. The supermarket has lower prices than what you will find in Santa Marina, including for delicatessen products. I recommend going early in the morning, as some products can run out.
Malfa is also where you will find the 'Signum' hotel and restaurant which boasts a Michelin star. For a decent lemon granite or aperitivo, I recommend the 'Irish Caffe' located in the center.
Parking and the direction of traffic is restricted in the center of Malfa. Therefore, I recommend parking your vehicle in the area just after the gas station on the left, when coming from Capo Faro. From the parking area, there is a street leading down to the center.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Malfa
Malfa is the smaller sister of Santa Marina, but no less picturesque and quaint.
The town still boasts backstreets with un-restored houses and villas, bursting with Mediterranean flora and citrus trees. In order to immerse yourself in this authenticity, I particularly recommend walking along Via Pastificio (just before the Ravesi Lounge Bar) and let yourself wander the backstreets of this lovely town. The backstreets also lead to Punta Scario beach.
Malfa has a supermarket which is a good selection of products as well as a delicatessen, where you can buy cheeses, bread and cold cuts from the Sicily and the mainland. The supermarket has lower prices than what you will find in Santa Marina, including for delicatessen products. I recommend going early in the morning, as some products can run out.
Malfa is also where you will find the 'Signum' hotel and restaurant which boasts a Michelin star. For a decent lemon granite or aperitivo, I recommend the 'Irish Caffe' located in the center.
Parking and the direction of traffic is restricted in the center of Malfa. Therefore, I recommend parking your vehicle in the area just after the gas station on the left, when coming from Capo Faro. From the parking area, there is a street leading down to the center.
Food scene
Apart from enjoying the beauty of Salina and the Eolian Islands, one must also try the delicacies on offer.
The restaurant of the luxury hotel 'Signum', located in Malfa, has a Michelin star, and it is well deserved.
The menu provides modern twists to Eolian and Sicilian cuisine, with bold experiments in combining unexpected flavors. The price are not for the fainthearted, but if you are willing to go all-out, then Signum is definitely a restaurant to try.
Reservations are recommended.
Hotel Signum
15 Via ScaloThe restaurant of the luxury hotel 'Signum', located in Malfa, has a Michelin star, and it is well deserved.
The menu provides modern twists to Eolian and Sicilian cuisine, with bold experiments in combining unexpected flavors. The price are not for the fainthearted, but if you are willing to go all-out, then Signum is definitely a restaurant to try.
Reservations are recommended.
Il Delfino, located along the esplanade in Lingua, is potentially the best restaurant in Salina where one can try genuine Eolian and Sicilian cuisine.
The pasta all'Eoliana and the Calamaretti alla Malvasia, are highly recommended.
Il Delfino
5 Via Marina GaribaldiIl Delfino, located along the esplanade in Lingua, is potentially the best restaurant in Salina where one can try genuine Eolian and Sicilian cuisine.
The pasta all'Eoliana and the Calamaretti alla Malvasia, are highly recommended.
Simply known as "Da Alfredo", this thriving bar in Lingua, is the mecca of Sicilian granite (fruit based ice sorbets). A must if and when you are in Salina.
The granita, hark back to the Moorish rule of Sicily, around the 9th Century, when snow and ice were brought down from the Etna, and infused with sweet fruit syrups, to provide a fresh dessert for the island's Arab rulers.
Alfredo's granite have three simple ingredients: fresh fruit, water and sugar. The result is a an delicious and refreshing spuntino to close out a day at the beach or a pleasant evening meal. I recommend trying the various local fruits when they are in season, such as fig, peach, melon, watermelon, but also almond is highly recommended.
Alfredo also offers the now famous 'pane cunzato' which consists of a pizza base, overflowing with different toppings. If you are not overly famished, one may suffice for two. Judging by the hoards that descend on Alfredo's at lunchtime, the pane cunzato is a very popular lunch option, but when in Salina, there are many other local delicacies that I would try first.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lingua
Simply known as "Da Alfredo", this thriving bar in Lingua, is the mecca of Sicilian granite (fruit based ice sorbets). A must if and when you are in Salina.
The granita, hark back to the Moorish rule of Sicily, around the 9th Century, when snow and ice were brought down from the Etna, and infused with sweet fruit syrups, to provide a fresh dessert for the island's Arab rulers.
Alfredo's granite have three simple ingredients: fresh fruit, water and sugar. The result is a an delicious and refreshing spuntino to close out a day at the beach or a pleasant evening meal. I recommend trying the various local fruits when they are in season, such as fig, peach, melon, watermelon, but also almond is highly recommended.
Alfredo also offers the now famous 'pane cunzato' which consists of a pizza base, overflowing with different toppings. If you are not overly famished, one may suffice for two. Judging by the hoards that descend on Alfredo's at lunchtime, the pane cunzato is a very popular lunch option, but when in Salina, there are many other local delicacies that I would try first.
The Franco Manca of London, this pizzeria has landed in Lingua, of all places.
Quite possibly the best pizzeria in Salina and the most authentic in terms of approaching the famous Neapolitan pizza. If you have a craving for pizza, this is the place to come to.
Franco Manca Salina
3 Via Marina GaribaldiThe Franco Manca of London, this pizzeria has landed in Lingua, of all places.
Quite possibly the best pizzeria in Salina and the most authentic in terms of approaching the famous Neapolitan pizza. If you have a craving for pizza, this is the place to come to.
An excellent restaurant in Pollara.
Although 10 km Capo Faro, it is an excellent option after visiting the beach in Pollara. From the terrace of the restaurant, one can enjoy the sunset with Alicudi and Filicudi in the distance.
Reservations are highlt recommended.
Ristorante- punto Vendita Al Cappero
8 Via MarinaAn excellent restaurant in Pollara.
Although 10 km Capo Faro, it is an excellent option after visiting the beach in Pollara. From the terrace of the restaurant, one can enjoy the sunset with Alicudi and Filicudi in the distance.
Reservations are highlt recommended.