The 15 things to do in Salina

For your next holiday, head to an unusual archipelago, north of Sicily! Discover the best things to do in Salina, one of the Eolian Islands.

For a sunny holiday away from the beaten paths, choose the archipelago of the Isles in the north of the Sicily And go visit Salina! This volcanic island with breathtaking landscapes is full of things to do. It allows to dive into the island life and enjoy the Dolce Vita Southern Italy.

Two volcanoes stand majesticly on each side of Salina, giving it an impressive look when discovered from the boat. On site, the hospitality of the inhabitants, the many activities, the beaches and the gastronomy give the guarantee of an unforgettable and relaxing stay. To prepare your trip, we compiled a list of the top 15 things to do in Salina.

1. Santa Marina village

Peated by less than 1,000 inhabitants, the city of Santa Marina is no less capital of the island . It hosts one of the two ports where ferries go and is an ideal base to start your visit to Salina.

Walk through the historic centre and alleys overlooking beautiful balconies in wrought iron. Houses with light shades plunge you without waiting in the Mediterranean atmosphere. A few shops allow you to make a lot of memories, while restaurants and glaciers will delight your taste buds.

The village tower will take you about an hour and a half . Santa Marina also has one of the only renters of scooters on the island, a good way to visit Salina the hair in the wind!

2. Falaise de Pollara

Following the road to the west of the island, we reach the end of the road and the charming village of Pollara. The place served as a decor to the film He's postino ("The Factor"), which tells Pablo Neruda's exile, played by Philippe Noiret.

Cross this pretty village and follow the steps that lead to the sea. You will find a beautiful pebble beach lined with stone huts and troglodyte shelters that serve as fishermen's refuges.

When entering the turquoise waters, turn left to admire the majestic cliff of Pollara, one of the must-sees in Salina. At the end of the day, you will watch the sunset from the lighthouse on the village heights.

3. Percioto Rock Arch

Not far from Pollara, a new immanquable to visit in Salina is the rocky ark of Percioto. This geological formation impresses by its size and the finesse of its natural architecture. It stands above the Adriatic Sea like a perfect bridge.

This place to visit in Salina is only accessible by boat , you will have to book a trip to enjoy it. In clear time, you see it Stromboli in the background, the ideal to take original photos with beautiful perspectives on the volcano.

4. House of Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda's house is that in which Philippe Noiret resides in the film. Pablo Neruda has never really lived there, but it serves as a symbolic place for film lovers.

This small property with ochre colored walls is perched on the heights of the village of Pollara. Pippo Cafarella, its owner, will be pleased to tell you about the film anecdotes and the many purchase requests he received for his little corner of paradise.

By descending, have fun going on the footsteps of the factor. You will find a statue to his homage, the fresco representing the actor Massimo Troisi on the church square and visit the mini-museum. Every evening, a screening of the film is organized under the pine forest of the snack l’Oasi the opportunity to meet the inhabitants of the island!

5. Madonna Shrine of Terzito

The Maria Santissima shrine of Terzito stands in the center of the island, in the municipality of Leni , on the road leading to Rinella, the second port of Salina. This church was built around 1630 in tribute to the Virgin.

You will discover the history of Alfonso Mercorella, a logger to which the Virgin appeared in 1922, and the legend surrounding the construction of the sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places in the Eolian Islands for weddings, and we easily understand why. Between sea and volcano, the church offers an enchanting setting to immortalize the most beautiful day of a life!

6. Admire the faucons on the slopes of the Pizzo del Corvo

Visiting Salina is also a variety of wildlife, including many bird species. The most easily observable are the nozzle, the crecerel and the imperial corbeau. On the west coast and the slopes of the Pizzo del Corvo , you may have the chance to see a queen’s falcon specimen. Being one of the few faucons of the Mediterranean, he lives almost exclusively on the Eolian Islands.

7. Visit the fishing village of Rinella

Rinella represents a must when visiting Salina. The village is built by the sea and rises quickly on the foothills of the volcano. At the bottom, a large black sandy beach is waiting for your bath towel.

Several bars and restaurants with terraces give the opportunity to taste the island cuisine, quietly installed in front of the sea. You will observe the ballet of the fishermen who return to moor their colored boats along the pier and unload their catch.

8. Climb on the Fossa delle Felci

"The fern pit" is the literal translation of Fossa delle Felci . With a summit 962 meters above sea level , this volcano is the highest point of the island and the entire archipelago of the Eolians. He faces his twin, Monte dei Porri and offers magnificent views to the islands of Lipari and Vulcano .

The climb is not very long but can be leaned in places. Count two and a half hours ascent as part of a family trip. You can ask for a map at the tourist office before leaving. When you arrive at the top, you will observe the ferns that cover the crater and give its name to the mountain.

9. Make a boat ride

Several companies offer day trips to discover the island from the sea. On an organized or private tour, with friends or family, you will contemplate the beauties of Salina from a boat. It is possible to make the full tour of the island or to choose a combination to Lipari or Stromboli.

Bath breaks are planned as well as a meal served on board or in a restaurant according to the chosen formula. Be careful, find out if a crew member speaks French! In any case, it’s a beautiful day in perspective, and beautiful pictures to add to your holiday album.

10. Try diving

The Eolian Islands are among the best diving spots in the Mediterranean Sea. If you are going to visit Salina for the holidays, don't miss discovering its magnificent underwater funds. More than a dozen diving sites are listed around the island, accessible to beginners and experienced divers.

Sandy thoughts for baptisms or falling descending up to 50 meters for the most seasoned, everyone will find his happiness when putting his head under the water. Rich, the funds are home to a wide variety of fish and shellfish. Mérous, serioles, shrimps, lobsters, murènes and other nudibranches await you during an unforgettable immersion.

11. Taste of local specialties

Like any good Mediterranean island, Salina has a rich and sea-oriented cuisine. Each small restaurant has its speciality, some offering even a unique dish depending on the fishing of the day.

The capers, pride and speciality of the region, are present on all tables. They are deliciously suited with dishes, in the form of condiment or to pick up sauces. Herbs such as laurel, fennel or apsinth are marvelous with lip caps or fish.

12. Enjoy the beaches

Visiting Salina is also relaxing and enjoying the sun almost all year round on the wind archipelago. The island extends over 26 km2 and has several dozen kilometres of coastline. On foot, by bike, by scooter or by boat, have fun discovering the small coves cut into the volcanic relief of the island.

Sand or pebble beaches await you for long sessions Farniente . Think about taking mask and tuba, the water is clear and rich in fish, even a few meters from the edge!

13. Go to Lingua Lake

At the extreme southeast of the island is the charming town of Lingua, located directly by the sea. This peaceful place where it's good to rely on several perfect hotels and restaurants to spend a few days of vacation.

Separated from the sea by a dam, the lake was exploited to produce the salt that gave its name to the island. You can bathe in the clear waters that border the large pebble beach and admire the rocky blocks testifying to the old volcanic activity.

A lighthouse stands at the tip of Lingua to guide the boats. The old house of the guard was restored and now houses a small museum of the sea.

14. Discover the village of Malfa

Visit Salina without passing through the village of Malfa is unthinkable! This picturesque locality in the north of the island unveils houses with pastel walls, which cut off with harmony on the sea as a backdrop. They make up a set of choices for amateur photographers!

Another reason to go to Malfa: he vino ! The vines cultivated around the village are used to produce the wine Malvasia de Salina . This nectar with sweet and sweet notes is ideal for aperitif. It will perfectly accompany your meals on the terrace alongside seafood or freshly fished dishes. Spread your desires along the narrow streets and discover local life!

15. Rent a scooter to tour the island

To be totally autonomous, we recommend renting a scooter that will accompany you throughout your stay in Salina. Alone two loueurs are present on the island, to Santa Marina and Malfa . If the rates are a little high, nothing like walking a small island volcanic hair to the wind. You can easily connect all the localities of the island and go to the discovery of the trails, in adventure fashion.

How to get to Salina?

By plane

There exists no airport on the island of Salina. The most convenient thing is to take a flight to Sicily, then take a ferry from Milazzo. The two main airports in Sicily are the airport Palermo Falcone-Borsellino and that of Catania-Fontanarossa .

To find the most suitable flights to your budget, use the search engine Skyscanner . By returning your preferential criteria, you will find in a few clicks the ticket that suits you.

By ferry

Ferries ensure daily the link between all the islands of the archipelago of the Isles. To reach Salina, you will pass in all cases by Panarea, Lipari or Filicudi, with possibility to make a call or not.

The nearest port of Salina is Milazzo Sicily. Other lines connect the archipelago from the Italian continent, but the crossing will be longer. Count 5:30 Navigation since Naples For example. From Milazzo , the crossing lasts between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the companies.

Where to stay in Salina?

Several choices are available to you in terms of accommodation when you visit Salina. Far from the hordes of travelers, the island has a plethora of accommodations, which allow you to spend a pleasant stay whatever your desires.

On the site Airbnb many people offer beautiful houses or apartments with panoramic views. Using one Compare hotels , you can enter your criteria and find the one that suits you.

Spend a few nights in one agriturismo is also one of the things to do in Salina. In addition to the cottage, these farms offer a food formula based on products grown in the field. You are thus guaranteed to taste fresh and seasonal products!