Hidden Sicily: Why Salina is the Aeolian Island to Visit

Written By Elena Frank

There’s something about volcanoes that keeps drawing me back. Last year, I celebrated my birthday in Naples and visited Mount Vesuvius. This year I found myself on another volcanic adventure: This time on the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily. 

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of seven very different islands. Lipari is the largest and most developed, Stromboli is famous for its fiery eruptions, Vulcano lives up to its name with steaming (but smelly) craters, Panarea is the chic playground of the jet set, Filicudi and Alicudi are remote and wild—and then there’s Salina, the greenest island of them all. With its twin volcanic peaks and lush green hillsides it felt like the perfect choice.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Salina: why it’s worth the trip, the best things to do, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and how to explore the other islands. If you’re dreaming of a Sicilian escape that feels both adventurous and authentic, Salina might just be the Aeolian island for you.

Top Things to Do on Salina

Salina may be small, but it’s packed with experiences for every kind of traveler—whether you’re chasing beaches, food adventures, or charming villages. Here’s what we loved (and what’s on our list for next time).

  • Spiaggia di Rinella: This black sand beach in Rinella is the perfect spot for calm, relaxing waters. Two beach chairs and an umbrella cost €25 (September 2025).

    📌 Tip: Make sure to try the unusual but delicious Ricotta Granita with candied capers at Pa.Pe.Ro' al Glicine. I thought I didn’t even like capers, but this treat completely surprised me.

    Spiaggia dello Scario: Located in Malfa, this small beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a bit rocky getting in and out, so bring water shoes for comfort. You can also rent air mattresses to lounge more comfortably while soaking up the sun.

  • One of my favourite things on Salina was diving into the local cuisine. We joined a Sicilian cooking class with Maria via Airbnb Experiences, which was an unforgettable authentic experience. I’m still dreaming about those crispy fried sage leaves! You’ll also get to try the famous Malvasia di Salina wine. If you love hands-on food adventures, this is a must.

  • Santa Marina is the busiest village and where you’ll most likely be arriving via ferry. It’s full of small shops perfect for browsing and grabbing souvenirs. By contrast, Malfa, where we stayed, is quiet and peaceful, ideal for slowing down and soaking in the island’s atmosphere. Both villages are worth exploring for very different vibes.

  • While we didn’t get to these, they’re high on the Salina bucket list:

    • Hiking Monte Fossa delle Felci – the highest peak on Salina

    • Boat tours around the island – a great way to see hidden coves and dramatic cliffs

    • Watching the sunset at Spiaggia di Pollara – this iconic beach, famous from the movie Il Postino, is the best place to see the sun setting over the ocean.

Where to Stay on Salina

We stayed in Malfa. It offers a very relaxed atmosphere and proximity to some of the island’s nicest beaches. A bus network connects Malfa to the harbour in Santa Marina or Rinella in 15 - 20 minutes, making it easy to explore the island. The bus runs approximately every hour. Tickets can only be purchased on board in cash or by card. The ticket cost ranges between €1.90 (to Santa Marina) and €2.40 (to Rinella) per person. 

We stayed in a beautifully designed, modern Airbnb right in the center of Malfa, just steps from restaurants, bars, and the bus stop. → Book it here.

Tip: Tap water on the Aeolian Islands is not drinkable, so stock up on some water bottles from the nearest, open supermarket.

Where to Eat on Salina: Food & Wine

Salina is a foodie haven, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Sicilian sweets. Here are some of our favourite spots:

Santa Marina

  • Nni Lausta – perfect for an elevated lunch in the heart of town when you arrive on Salina.

  • Chioschetto Da Silvio – ideal for a coffee and granita before catching the ferry.

Malfa

Rinella

Tip: In September, we didn’t need to book ahead, but if you’re visiting in August or peak season, it’s a good idea to reserve tables and winery visits in advance to avoid disappointment.

Visiting Stromboli and the Other Aeolian Islands

Stromboli, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, is a must-see: you can take night boat tours from Salina to watch the volcano erupt, but I highly recommend spending a night on the island and joining a guided sunset hike up the volcano. We booked the tour with Stromboli Fire Trekking and it was great. The whole tour lasted from 4.30pm and ended at 10pm. One of the most unique hikes we’ve ever done—when else do you get to eat a sandwich on top of a volcano spitting lava? Finish the day with a late dinner at Terranera.

Tip: Grab the “Stromboli” sandwich from Muddica Stromboli di Sefora e Giovanni before the hike.

Other islands can be reached via Liberty Lines hydrofoils (check timetables in advance) or by booking a tour with a local operator.

What You Need to Know About Visiting Salina

  • Salina may take a bit of planning to reach, but the journey is well worth it for this volcanic paradise.

    Airports

    If you arrive via plane, you’ll fly into either Palermo, Catania or Reggio Calabria. From Reggio Calabria, you can head straight to the Aeolian Islands, whereas you have to take a bus or train to Milazzo or Messina when you arrive in Catania or Palermo.

    Ports

    Salina has two ports: Santa Marina Salina (the main port on the east side) and Rinella (smaller, on the south side). If you’re staying in Malfa, you’ll be slightly closer to Santa Marina.

    Hydrofoil ferries are the quickest option and run from Milazzo, Messina, Reggio Calabria, and (in summer only) from Palermo and Naples. The shortest journey is 1h30 from Milazzo. Check routes and book tickets on the Liberty Lines website.

    Note: Bringing a car on the bigger ferries is expensive and disembarkation is not allowed from 15 June to 15 September for stays under 7 nights.

  • June & September

    This is the best time to visit Salina if you like warm weather and fewer crowds. Perfect for swimming, hiking, and dining outdoors.

    July & August

    Peak season. Beaches and restaurants are busy, and advance bookings are recommended. Expect higher prices—but also the liveliest atmosphere.

    May & October

    Those months offer a quieter, more local feel. Some restaurants and hotels may be reopening/closing, but it’s a lovely time for a quiet escape. Check the ferry routes in advance though!

  • I stayed on Salina for three nights, which was just enough to get a feel for the island and enjoy the beaches and food.

    Ideally, plan for three to five nights to experience Salina at a relaxed pace and still have time for a day trip to the other Aeolian Islands.

    If you’re after pure relaxation and prefer not to move around much, you could easily stay a week—Salina’s calm island vibe makes it the perfect place to slow down and unwind.

Elena Frank