You should spend a week in Salina

When I was young I always cried leaving Salina after a four-week holiday.

Picture me - eyes full tiers - sailing away on the ferry to Naples, and seeing the island becoming always smaller. I promised my 10 years old self I would have built a life where there was no “leaving Salina”. And so we did.

I am not telling you moving to the island should be in your plans (however if you want to - I am here for advice & to invite you over for dinner) but YES, you need to give this tiny 26,1km island a longer chance.

The best perk of Salina is the vibe, that chill relaxed, hot island vibe which relaxes you instantly. Leave outside the stress and indulge in it, because you might come out a different person. A happier one.

So, fact: Salina is 26,1 km²

Tiny, yes. Boring? no. Salina is located in the middle of the Aeolian archipelago - being the best spot to reach all the other islands. If you made it all the way - you are charmed by the island life, and the first rule is: don't rush it! It takes time to let go of all that weight on your shoulder & moving around like a trotter won't get the job done. Trust me. Laying on a pool bed all day is not your type of holiday either. We got you: you will feel a week is too short.

1. WELCOME TO SALINA

You made it to Salina, I know it takes a journey but look outside and understand why is totally worth it. Unpack, get your flip-flops (flip-flop lover, here I am!) & sunglasses out. The beach bag is waiting in your room, ask for a beach towel at Reception and out you go: Explore the town of Malfa!

Malfa town is within walking distance and filled with little paths connecting you with the real nature of the place, embrace the freedom of wondering & getting lost in the tiny pedestrian streets. Stop for a gelato in the main square and enjoy some people watching, kids playing and locals chatting.

Hello there, you are Home.

2. WHERE AM I?

To get a full feel of your new home, Salina, seeing it from the sea is the best way. Plus, the Aeolian sea is warm and dark blue & you must jump in that water. The best way is to jump on a boat and plan an island tour (we can do it for you :) ). It takes 3-4h and a private or a group boat can bring you around Salina, showing you all the little hidden corners not accessible by land. Great overview of all and tons of options for a swim.

Swim, catch the sun & spot your fav locations where to stop.

If you go private, you can combine it with lunch-stop on the other side of the islands (Lingua or Rinella), because we never say no to Italian yumminess, and then ask to be back to Malfa.

You can be dropped in Santa Marina and catch a bus from there, so you get the chance to visit the little shop street there before heading home.

3. ITALIAN ADVENTURE

Ah, finally. Renting an e-scooter for the day is a brilliant idea. E-scooters are available at Principe & they are light, easy to drive and silent - island soundtrack is all you need. If you believe a scooter is “too much” for you, we can support you in renting a car or organizing a tour with the Ape car (aka Sicilian tuk-tuk)

If you want to get it all down in one day, leave right after breakfast. Otherwise splitting the island in two is the way to go & use the rest of the day to relax by the pool.

Ask us about our Principe Map in the hand, tell us your wishes and we will share our secrets.

4. AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Salina is in the middle of the archipelago, pick and choose what you feel exploring & invest 1-2 days on this.

If you want to make 2 in 1 shot, consider islands close to each other:

- Aim for Stromboli and stop in Panarea on the way

- Go all the way to Alicudi and then reach Filicudi for lunch and a tour.

If you want to deep dive into one island: catch the hydrofoil & explore like a local. Want to combine exploration + time by the sea? Go for private boats or shared ones.

5. GET THOSE STEPS IN

You can reach the best sunset spots overviewing Pollara by walking 40 min vs west in a hilly, almost desert and breathtaking road & making it back for our dinner. It is a great option for a 4k run too.

Directly from Malfa, there is a path to Monte Fossa Delle Felci (962mt - approx 3-4h), take away breakfast/lunch & go check that impressive view. The path is mostly shadowy because of the high tree. Snickers are mandatory.

Or if you prefer a gentle way out reach Valdichiesa with the bus and start your hike over there, on the way back you can aim for the Principe: it is visible from the top.

6. WINE O’CLOCK

It is a Malvasia - Caper situation. Let's save water (which is limited, btw) and drink Malvasia.

Salina is renowned for its vineyards and capers production, and - no - you don't want to miss either of those. Vineyards are within walking distance from the Principe and often they have tastings in the evenings. Capers are all over, but there is a farm in Pollara that specialized in all forms & shapes.

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Give the island time: dancing to the same beat of the island is what makes a holiday unique. And, as with any beautiful thing, it takes time.

A small reminder to give yourself some extra time to have “that” granita again, or swim in that magically hidden spot.

Now that you know the drill, you can grab an e-scooter from the Principe, walk, take the bus, ask for a taxi to move around the island, or simply invest in some good chill time at Principe - by the pool, with a cocktail.