Salina — Things to See, Do, Eat & Experience

Often called the prettiest of the Aeolian Islands, Salina is also the greenest—carpeted with vineyards, caper fields, and volcanic peaks. Known for producing the world’s best capers and the celebrated sweet wine Malvasia delle Lipari, Salina blends natural beauty with authentic island life.

I’m planning my upcoming sailing trip to Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands, and I’ve been gathering ideas for what to see, do, and taste while I’m there. From charming villages and local food specialties to scenic hikes and sailing stops, these are the experiences I’m most excited to try and the places I want to make sure I don’t miss.

Villages of Salina

• Santa Marina Salina
  The island’s main port and bustling hub, Santa Marina is lively with shops, cafés, and ferries arriving from Sicily and the other Aeolian Islands. It’s the best place for strolling the promenade, enjoying boutique shopping, and feeling the island’s energy.
• Malfa
  Perched on the north coast, Malfa is surrounded by vineyards and is known for producing the sweet Malvasia wine. With its clifftop views, stylish restaurants, and relaxed vibe, it’s often considered Salina’s most elegant village.
• Lingua
  A charming fishing hamlet famous for its salt lake (which gave Salina its name) and for Alberto’s legendary granita. I will see if I can find it. Lingua’s long seaside promenade makes it a perfect spot for sunset walks.
• Rinella
  A smaller, picturesque fishing village with colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. It’s laid-back, less touristy, and loved for its black-sand beach and authentic, local feel.
• Leni
  Set inland on the slopes of Monte Fossa delle Felci, Leni is quieter and more agricultural, with terraced fields and hiking access. It’s a good base for exploring Salina’s green interior.
• Pollara
  Tiny but unforgettable, Pollara sits on the edge of a dramatic volcanic crater overlooking the sea. Famous for its sunset views and for being a filming location of Il Postino, it captures the island’s wild beauty.

Beaches

• Pollara Beach – The island’s most famous stretch, set beneath an amphitheater-shaped cliff. Here, you can sunbathe beside a vineyard and a dormant volcano. The cove is filled with sea life and striking geological formations, and it was featured in the 1994 film The Postman.
• Cala di Ponente – Crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling.
• Smaller coves such as Valdichiesa are perfect for a swim and to buy the day’s catch straight from local fishermen.

Sites & Experiences

Greenest Aeolian Island

• Salina’s fertile soil supports the cultivation of Malvasia grapes and its world-renowned capers, both carrying a Protected Designation of Origin.

Snorkeling & Diving

• Pollara Cove – A dream for snorkelers, with caper bushes tumbling toward the water and schools of colorful fish.
• Cala di Ponente – Known for underwater volcanic activity and excellent clarity.

Fossa delle Felci

• A nature preserve within an extinct volcano, where trails pass through cloud forests, freshwater springs, and lush vegetation. Fossa delle Felci on All Trails

Sentiero dei Due Laghi (Two Lakes Trail). I will try and find more info on this trail…

• Hike at dawn to wander through morning mist, past springs, and end at a black-sand beach.

Pollara Cliffside Village

• Charming and rustic, this village is set among caper fields that slope dramatically toward the sea.

Capo Faro Lighthouse

• A rewarding hike leads to the lighthouse, where you can see Stromboli glowing on the horizon. I will try and find more info on this hike too…

Culinary Traditions

• Sample a simple caper salad (capers, tomatoes, potatoes).
• Taste the local caper and lemon liqueur, a sweet and zesty island specialty.
• Always buy salt-packed capers, considered superior to vinegar-brined.

Dining Highlights

• La Locanda del Postino – Perfect for aperitivo and dinner, inspired by the film The Postman. La Locanda del Postino Website
• Da Alfredo – Known for excellent granita, a refreshing island treat. Da Alfredo Website
• Ristorante Signum – A gourmet dining experience blending Aeolian flavors with creative flair. Ristorante Signum Website
• In Sé Natura in Malfa, Salina is a cliffside restaurant and lounge bar known for its stunning sunset views, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the best seafood pastas on the island. In Se Natura Website
• Pa.Pe.Rò in Rinella, Salina, is a beloved café-bar where the standout specialty—ricotta granita enriched with candied capers and caper powder—captures the island’s essence in a refreshingly savory-sweet treat, served against a picturesque fisherman’s village backdrop. Pa.Pe.Ro Website

Wine & Vineyard Experiences

• Carlo Hauner Azienda Agricola – Sip Malvasia wines while gazing at Stromboli’s eruptions. I have a wine friend/Sommelier who told me this is his favorite Malvasia wine. Caro Hauner Azienda Agricola Website
• Fenech Azienda Agricola Biologica – Organic vineyard producing fine Malvasia. Fenech Aziends Agricolo Biologica Website
• Capofaro Malvasia Resort – A luxurious estate renowned for its wines and panoramic views. Capofaro Malvasia Resort Website
• Azienda Agricola Virgona – Book a vineyard hike or tasting, especially during the September grape harvest. Azienda Agricola Virgona Website
• Sapori Eoliani, a century-old caper farm perched above the bay of Pollara in Salina, is celebrated for its artisanal, Slow-Food–protected capers—harvested by hand under the warm Aeolian sun and preserved in traditional ways—making them a world-renowned essence of the island. Sapori Eoliani Website

Marinas & Anchoring

• Santa Marina – The island’s main port, with a tourist marina offering full services.
• Porto delle Aeolian (Santa Maria Salina) – Another well-equipped harbor for yachts and sailing boats. Contact: +39 090 9022167.
• https://marinedi.com/en/marina-salina/

Travel Tip: For the ultimate Salina experience, spend a day hiking the Fossa delle Felci, cool off with snorkeling in Pollara Cove, and end the evening with a glass of Malvasia as the sun sets over Stromboli.