Just north of Sicily, there's a tiny cluster of rock formations known as the Aeolian islands. I've visited a few times, and my favourite of the bunch is undoubtedly Salina. It's less glitzy than nearby Panarea (mind you, I also love it there), but still has all the charm and magic you want on vacation. It's lush and volcanic, known as perla verde for its saturated natural landscape. The island is warm, sweet and idyllic, small towns and piazzas surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and translucent blue water. It's paradise and one of my favourite spots to vacation.
Maybe you're in Sicily right now (jealous) or maybe you're plotting Europe 2026 — either way, I've compiled my personal guide to Salina, from the best boutique hotels to vineyards, boat trips and the best-ever way to stuff a fresh panini.
How to get to Salina
The easiest way to get to Salina is by ferry. In the high season, there are frequent departures from major surrounding ports, especially Palermo, Milazzo and Messina. It's also really easy to ferry between the Aeolian islands, including Lipari and Panarea. Also a hot tip: last time I was in Italy, I ferried directly from Ischia to Salina — it a longer trip, but easier than trains and flights to and from the mainland, especially if you're coming from northern Italy.
Once you're on the island, it's likely your hotel will pick you up from the port. If you want to get around the island during your stay, the easiest option is to hire a scooter. Taxis are few and far between, and I wouldn't recommend a hire care (for starters there's hardly any available, plus the parking is a challenge).
Where to stay in Salina
Salina is a small island with a few main hubs, including Santa Maria (the port), Pollara and Malfa. There's not really a bad choice, but some spots are more isolated than others. Personally I like staying in or near Malfa as there's a handful of restaurants, the views are incredible and its nearby Spiaggia dello Scario, one of my favourite swim spots. But the entire island is beautiful — I feel you can't really go wrong.
As for specific hotels, I've stayed at a few and would recommend them all for different reasons:
This is probably my favourite spots for its charm and the views. The rooms are quaint but beautiful (book one with a terrace), the pool is a Slim Aarons dreamscape and the aperitivo is the best you'll ever have. The staff are also lovely — it's a family-owned business, and there's a palpable warmth to it.
Principe is a few streets up the hill from Ravesis, and feels like heaven. It's slightly more modern and considered in terms of design, and the food is unbelievable. Each night, dinner is served family style, encouraging guests to chat and connect.
Signum is next door to Ravesis, and while it doesn't have as breathtaking a view, it does have the best food on the island (maybe the best food of my life). Long lunch on the restaurant terrace is everything you could every want and more. The spa is also really, really good.
I stayed here for a few nights the first time I visited Salina. It's a small family-run spot in Pollara with humble rooms but sweeping views of neighbouring islands Alicudi and Filicudi. It's converted from an old farmhouse, and really has the feeling of being stuck in time. It's also walking distance to one of the most beautiful swim spots ever, Spiaggia di Pollara. There used to be a bar walking distance from the hotel, L'Oasi, where they would play the same movie, Il Postino, every single afternoon. They'd also ferry food and drink down to the beach on a makeshift conveyer belt, too. Sadly it's closed, but I still think Pollara is worth looking at if your holiday goal is to go totally off the grid.
Where to eat in Salina
Salina isn't exactly brimming with restaurant recommendations, it's quite small and the options are limited. But you can access fresh, simple, gorgeous food almost anywhere. However, my stand outs include:
- Signum, a Michelin restaurant that feels like a halfway point between fine dining and home cooking. I've eaten here a few times and maintain it's some of the best food I've ever had in my life.
- Bar Ravesis for aperitivo
- Principe di Salina for dinner
- Capofaro (combine it with wine tasting)
- As a final note, some of the best meals I've had on the island included panini with white anchovies, artichoke, eggplant and capers made with ingredients bought from the deli.
What to do in Salina
Swim: the island is full of beautiful rocky beaches. Spiaggia di Pollara and Spiaggia dello Scario are my favourites. You can buy and hire beach beds and chairs if you plan on hanging around. And don't forget your reef shoes.
Wine tasting: There are so many small vineyards on the island. Ask your hotel to share some recommendations. There are strict regulations surrounding viticulture in Sicily — what we'd refer to as 'natural wine' is just their way of doing things. Truthfully, some of the best wine I've had in my life has been on the island. Personally I love Barbanacoli — ask your hotel to call them and see if they'll have you in for a tasting.
Hire a boat: The best way to experience the Aeolian islands in my opinion is by boat. Even if you're unlicensed, you can hire a small boat and cruise around Salina itself, or head to nearby Lipari. The waters are calm, clear and blue — all you need to do is pack lunch and something to drink.
