SamuelSalina is an island in the archipelago of Aeolian Islands in the south of Italy. Its shape is rather unique. Formed from prehistoric volcanic activity, this island is basically two neighboring volcano peaks conjoined together with settlements located around these peaks.
There are plenty of things to be explored in this island. Miles of hiking trails criss-cross this island for the adventurous. Pretty villages are spread over its area. The views are also amazing.
This trip to the Salina island was part of my island-hopping adventure in the Aeolian Islands. Check out also my other stories from this adventure in Stromboli, Panarea, Vulcano, and Filicudi.
Getting there
There are two ports on the island where visitors can land, at the town of Santa Marina Salina or at Rinella. Both are well connected with frequent services to the other Aeolian Islands, especially to the more populated ones such as Lipari and Vulcano.
The boats are all operated by Liberty Lines, which have a fleet of high speed catamarans, or aliscafo as it is called in Italian. The boat schedule and price can be found in its website, or in the booklet that can be obtained from their offices in each of Aeolian Islands’s dock.
To get to the Aeolian Islands itself, travelers can take the frequent boat from Milazzo, a medium sized town in the north of Sicily, also operated by Liberty Lines. Lipari and Vulcano are the main ports in the Aeolian islands, with connection to all other islands.
Around Salina
Upon arriving in Santa Marina Salina, Mario, the owner of the B&B in which I would stay, had been waiting for me at the dock. Driving an antiquated old white Fiat, he brought me over to the southern part of the island, in Lingua, where his house is located.
After a short drive through a winding coastal road, we arrived at his seaside property overlooking the island of Lipari in the distance, shining brightly basking under the afternoon sun.
Mario’s elderly mother welcomed me while sitting down cleaning vegetables that she was about to cook. I won’t forget his mother’s compliment on my short-sleeved shirt that I wore as I was heading out to buy a panini in the nearby town center of Lingua. “Bella, bella”, she said while pointing to my shirt and giving her thumbs up. It definitely brightened my mood, as I munched on my panini while sitting next to the beach enjoying the panorama.
On Mario’s advice, I took the bus early next morning to visit the settlement of Pollara. Such as nice place he said. I have to admit, he was not lying. As my bus approached Pollara from up the hill, this village unraveled its unique location: set within an ancient giant half-circle volcanic crater, bordered by a precipitous cliff dropping to the sea. “Bella!”, I excitedly thought.
I could walk on a small trail moving away from the village to get a clearer view of the setting. Back in the small village square against an old church, I sipped my morning coffee in silence, with hardly anyone to be seen around, while looking at the slopes of the giant crater in the distance.
Hiking to Salina’s tallest peak
Taking yet another bus, I headed this time to the village of Valdichiesa to start climbing the higher peak on this island. Valdichiesa, literally translated as valley of the church, is indeed situated in the valley cutting right in between the two peaks.
A trail beginning at the back of the church can take hikers to the peak. I trekked for two hours, taking me through thick bushes and forests, decorated by beautiful spring flowers next to the trail.
The rather warm midday temperature made me drenched in sweat upon reaching the peak, only to find obstructed view thanks to the hanging cloud and fog. I waited as I kept telling myself, “good things come to those who wait”, whilst praying for a clear view.
Indeed, soon after all the natural beauty of the Salina Island is laid bare before my eyes. Blue sea and sky, sprinkled with some cloud, and the lush green valley perfectly framed the opposite peak. Such a unique and memorable vista.
