Salina Tourist Information

The island of Salina has a surface of 26.8 Km2.  Its name derives from an old little lake once used to produce salt.

It is characterised by two volcanoes and in ancient times its name was “Dydime”, “the double”, due to the similar shape of the two mountains forming the island: Monte Fossa delle Felci (elevation 962 metres - 3,155 ft.) and Monte dei Porri (elevation 860 metres -  2,821 ft.). The island is rich in Mediterranean vegetation.

Viticulture is extremely important for the production of the famous Malvasia, a valuable  grape wine produced from grapes withered on the vine.  The sweet and aromatic taste make it a very good dessert wine, which is the result of the traditional care for the land and for the product handed down from one generation to the next.

Another typical fruit of this island is the caper, which is exported all over the world and is used for flavouring many dishes.  This island is also special from the administrative point of view: it is the only one in the archipelago that does not depend on the municipality of Lipari.
The island itself is divided into three autonomous municipalities: Malfa, Leni and Santa Marina Salina. There are two ports: Santa Maria Salina and the small Rinella.

The most important beaches are: Lingua, which is located next to the small and picturesque salty lake, and the romantic beach of Pollara, dominated by a huge white vertical cliff, which is part of an ancient crater.

In the volcanic cone of the highest mountain there is a wonderful tree fern forest (Fossa delle Felci), which is today a protected natural reserve and can be reached through a track. It takes around 2 hours to get there on foot and the starting point is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Terzito in Valdichiesa.

There is also another track starting from Santa Maria Salina. To better enjoy the natural beauty of the island of Salina, we suggest you to rent a car or a scooter; for these services, please contact our booking office.