Located in Santa Marina di Salina, these caves are reached after a roughly 10 km trek with a 500 m elevation gain — challenging, but rewarding with stunning views of the Aeolian archipelago. Carved into tufa rock in the area known as "Serro dell'acqua", they were used as a cave settlement where the inhabitants of Santa Marina would take refuge during pirate raids, which explains the many interconnected rooms.
One of the best ways to discover the island of Salina is to sail around it, and we recommend doing this excursion with Sunrise Boat Eolie. On these trips you'll appreciate views that are almost impossible to see from the shore — like the cliffs, sculpted by wind and sea over millennia.
As you travel around the island you'll notice the many terraced hillsides cascading down to the sea. It's this extraordinary environment — blessed with sunshine, volcanic soil, sea breeze and light — that has allowed the production of truly unique wines over the decades. If you'd like to visit a winery with a tasting, you'll be spoilt for choice. Among the most well-known estates: Cantine Colosi, Hauner Winery, Fenech Malvasia delle Lipari, Cantine D'Amico Salina, Caravaglio Vini, Tasca d'Almerita and Azienda Agricola Virgona.
No visit to Salina is complete without a trip to Pollara, famous worldwide as the setting for Massimo Troisi's film "Il Postino". Pollara is breathtaking: ancient boat houses, a sea stack rising from the middle of the bay, and Punta Perciato — a truly dramatic natural arch. Don't miss the sunset here, best enjoyed with a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Known as the "Green Pearl", Salina is the most walking-friendly island in the Aeolian archipelago. Monte Fossa delle Felci, an ancient volcano dormant for centuries, is the highest peak in the Aeolians. It's ideal for hikers and nature lovers, and is also a nature reserve — a testament to the importance of its lush vegetation. After about 3 hours of climbing, with some steep sections, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the other six islands, and on clear days you can even spot Etna on the horizon.
Opened in 1999 in the 19th-century Palazzo Marchetti, this museum tells the story of the mass emigration of the islanders following the phylloxera disaster, and their journeys to Australia, the United States, Canada and Argentina. The collection features artefacts from the era: tickets, passports, photographs, original documents, vintage suitcases and rare film footage. A moving journey through the history of Aeolian people around the world.
Another unique spot on Salina is Punta Scario beach, in the municipality of Malfa. Easily reached via a path carved into the rock, after just a few minutes of walking you'll discover this small corner of paradise, with crystal-clear water and typical Mediterranean vegetation. The beach is almost untouched, set in a beautiful cove of pebbles and stones — perfect for snorkelling and diving. You can also admire the old stone warehouses, once used to store fishing nets and boats.
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