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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Love Sicily but not the crowds? Visit the island of Salina instead.
Hop on a hydrofoil from Milazzo, Sicily, and in less than two hours you'll find yourself on the beautiful island of Salina. Stromboli's volcano stands tall on the distant horizon, and unlike Sicily, there are not many crowds of people. Locals whizz by on mopeds while only a few tourists relax at a sea cove on the side of the road. Salina is the second-largest island in the Aeolian archipelago (Lipari is the largest), yet it is home to only around 2,500 residents, making the island the perfect immersion into relaxed Italian island culture and lifestyle. (Is the future of Italy tropical? Why Sicilian farmers are trading olives for papayas) 'Salina is like stepping into a love story—it's not about flashy attractions but about the quiet beauty that slowly captures your heart. It's the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, with lush landscapes, volcanic peaks, and the most incredible sea views," says Anita Motta, owner and hotel director of Principe di Salina, a boutique hotel on the island. Though much smaller than Sicily, Salina does not lack in personality. Upon arriving at Santa Marina's port, one of the island's three cities, travelers will discover Santa Marina's narrow streets are populated with cafes, restaurants, bars, and clothing boutiques that have sourced items from across Italy. The town's mainstay is its 18th-century yellow-and-white-trimmed church with bell towers. "What makes it truly special is its authenticity. You won't find crowds or over-commercialized spots here. Instead, you'll discover artisan wineries, caper farms, and locals who welcome you like family," says Motta. "It's a place to immerse yourself in nature, indulge in slow living, and feel the rhythm of the Mediterranean." This charming island can be easily divided into small regions. Begin the adventure in Malfa, a lovely town with boutiques, restaurants, and vineyards. Savor the local cuisine at In Sé Natura, perched on a cliff with direct views of the sea, or at the Michelin-starred Signum. Salina is best known for its fine grapes and Malvasia wine, which can be dry or sweet. Stroll downhill and you'll encounter Punta Scario Beach, a cove that is home to a rocky beach where sunbathers can rent inflatable mattresses from a local sitting in a chair at the bottom of the steps. (This volcanic Italian island was made for wine) Pollara is one of the most stunning areas to the northwest of the island; it was created by a partially collapsed volcanic crater that formed a bay on the island. The location is known for being the primary set of the 1994 movie Il Postino. Capers are one of the island's largest exports, and visitors can spend hours at the Sapori Eoliani caper farm in Pollara learning about the salty fruit. There is a small World War I fort on the road between Malfa and Pollara, popular for its panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. 'Watching the colors of the sky shift over the ancient volcanic cliffs is an experience that stays with you forever,' says Motta. The southwestern village of Rinella has two different noteworthy attractions. First is the Spiaggia di Rinella black sand beach, which is ideal for spending a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun. Second is restaurant, known for its ricotta granita. Granita is a Sicilian dessert that is essentially a shaved ice dessert with flavoring. Lingua is at the southernmost end of the island, and has a scenic short promenade walk that ends at the lighthouse. You'll find shops, cafes, and the not-to-be-missed Da Alfredo restaurant. Da Alfredo is a family-run restaurant overlooking the esplanade, known for its pane cunzato, a traditional Sicilian open-faced sandwich. The town is at sea level, and you'll see locals and tourists lounging in the water while waiting for their food to be served. Principe di Salina is a boutique hotel set on the cliff of the island with views of the sea and Stromboli volcano. The hotel is run by a wife-and-husband duo: Anita runs the hotel, and Filippo is the baker. Upon entering the open-air lobby, guests will find towels and towel baskets at the front desk, a tell-tale sign of relaxed island life. Rent an e-scooter or book a boat tour around the island. Guests can indulge in a daily poolside happy hour, bask in the sun around the hotel's centerpiece, the aquamarine-colored pool, or lounge in one of the hotel's many hammocks, mattresses, or couches for an afternoon siesta. Breakfasts and dinners are served communal style, on a long table where guests can mingle. If there is leftover food, Anita will personally serve a second (and even third) helping to guests craving more. 'The story of Principe di Salina is deeply rooted in my family's history and love for this island. It all began when my grandfather Alfredo first came to Salina with my mother, Silvana, who was just a little girl at the time. Their connection to the island was instant and profound," says Motta. "Fast forward to 2017, my parents and I decided to honor that legacy by opening Principe di Salina." Hotel I Cinque Balconi is another island favorite. It's a great stop for the first or last night on the island since Santa Marina is where the hydrofoil docks. It's been family-owned by the Lo Schiavos since the 18th century. The great-grandfather of the current owners was a sea merchant and collaborated with the owner of the adjacent building, also a sea merchant. The hotel is known for having five balconies, hence the hotel's name, which means "overlooking the sea." The building presents hints of historical architecture and has an impressive garden of fig and pomegranate trees, roses, and mint, among a number of other beautiful and fragrant plants. The hotel's Casa Lo Schiavo restaurant is well-regarded by locals and tourists for its open kitchen and flavorful traditional dishes. (10 must-do experiences in Sicily) Latifah Al-Hazza enjoys writing about all things travel, whether it's about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. Her first international flight was when she was three months old and since then she has traveled to over 80 countries. She currently resides between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow her adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Love Sicily but not the crowds? Visit this Aeolian island instead
Hop on a hydrofoil from Milazzo, Sicily, and in less than two hours you'll find yourself on the beautiful island of Salina. Stromboli's volcano stands tall on the distant horizon, and unlike Sicily, there are not many crowds of people. Locals whizz by on mopeds while only a few tourists relax at a sea cove on the side of the road. Salina is the second-largest island in the Aeolian archipelago (Lipari is the largest), yet it is home to only around 2,500 residents, making the island the perfect immersion into relaxed Italian island culture and lifestyle. (Is the future of Italy tropical? Why Sicilian farmers are trading olives for papayas) A small island with a big personality 'Salina is like stepping into a love story—it's not about flashy attractions but about the quiet beauty that slowly captures your heart. It's the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, with lush landscapes, volcanic peaks, and the most incredible sea views," says Anita Motta, owner and hotel director of Principe di Salina, a boutique hotel on the island. Home to about 2,500 residents, Salina offers a quiet introduction to the Aeolian Islands. Photograph by DanieleC, Alamy Stock Photo (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Raffaele Celentano, laif/Redux (Bottom) (Right) Though much smaller than Sicily, Salina does not lack in personality. Upon arriving at Santa Marina's port, one of the island's three cities, travelers will discover Santa Marina's narrow streets are populated with cafes, restaurants, bars, and clothing boutiques that have sourced items from across Italy. The town's mainstay is its 18th-century yellow-and-white-trimmed church with bell towers. "What makes it truly special is its authenticity. You won't find crowds or over-commercialized spots here. Instead, you'll discover artisan wineries, caper farms, and locals who welcome you like family," says Motta. "It's a place to immerse yourself in nature, indulge in slow living, and feel the rhythm of the Mediterranean." What to do in Salina This charming island can be easily divided into small regions. Begin the adventure in Malfa, a lovely town with boutiques, restaurants, and vineyards. Savor the local cuisine at In Sé Natura, perched on a cliff with direct views of the sea, or at the Michelin-starred Signum. Salina is best known for its fine grapes and Malvasia wine, which can be dry or sweet. Stroll downhill and you'll encounter Punta Scario Beach, a cove that is home to a rocky beach where sunbathers can rent inflatable mattresses from a local sitting in a chair at the bottom of the steps. The grapes grown on Salina are used to produce Malvasia wine, which can be dry or sweet. Photograph by Kirchner, laif/Redux (This volcanic Italian island was made for wine) Pollara is one of the most stunning areas to the northwest of the island; it was created by a partially collapsed volcanic crater that formed a bay on the island. The location is known for being the primary set of the 1994 movie Il Postino. Capers are one of the island's largest exports, and visitors can spend hours at the Sapori Eoliani caper farm in Pollara learning about the salty fruit. There is a small World War I fort on the road between Malfa and Pollara, popular for its panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. 'Watching the colors of the sky shift over the ancient volcanic cliffs is an experience that stays with you forever,' says Motta. The southwestern village of Rinella has two different noteworthy attractions. First is the Spiaggia di Rinella black sand beach, which is ideal for spending a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun. Second is restaurant, known for its ricotta granita. Granita is a Sicilian dessert that is essentially a shaved ice dessert with flavoring. Lingua is at the southernmost end of the island, and has a scenic short promenade walk that ends at the lighthouse. You'll find shops, cafes, and the not-to-be-missed Da Alfredo restaurant. Da Alfredo is a family-run restaurant overlooking the esplanade, known for its pane cunzato, a traditional Sicilian open-faced sandwich. The town is at sea level, and you'll see locals and tourists lounging in the water while waiting for their food to be served. Where to stay Salina is the second-largest of the Aeolian Islands. Photograph by Image Professionals GmbH, Alamy Stock Photo Principe di Salina is a boutique hotel set on the cliff of the island with views of the sea and Stromboli volcano. The hotel is run by a wife-and-husband duo: Anita runs the hotel, and Filippo is the baker. Upon entering the open-air lobby, guests will find towels and towel baskets at the front desk, a tell-tale sign of relaxed island life. Rent an e-scooter or book a boat tour around the island. Guests can indulge in a daily poolside happy hour, bask in the sun around the hotel's centerpiece, the aquamarine-colored pool, or lounge in one of the hotel's many hammocks, mattresses, or couches for an afternoon siesta. Breakfasts and dinners are served communal style, on a long table where guests can mingle. If there is leftover food, Anita will personally serve a second (and even third) helping to guests craving more. 'The story of Principe di Salina is deeply rooted in my family's history and love for this island. It all began when my grandfather Alfredo first came to Salina with my mother, Silvana, who was just a little girl at the time. Their connection to the island was instant and profound," says Motta. "Fast forward to 2017, my parents and I decided to honor that legacy by opening Principe di Salina." Hotel I Cinque Balconi is another island favorite. It's a great stop for the first or last night on the island since Santa Marina is where the hydrofoil docks. It's been family-owned by the Lo Schiavos since the 18th century. The great-grandfather of the current owners was a sea merchant and collaborated with the owner of the adjacent building, also a sea merchant. The hotel is known for having five balconies, hence the hotel's name, which means "overlooking the sea." The building presents hints of historical architecture and has an impressive garden of fig and pomegranate trees, roses, and mint, among a number of other beautiful and fragrant plants. The hotel's Casa Lo Schiavo restaurant is well-regarded by locals and tourists for its open kitchen and flavorful traditional dishes. (10 must-do experiences in Sicily) Latifah Al-Hazza enjoys writing about all things travel, whether it's about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. Her first international flight was when she was three months old and since then she has traveled to over 80 countries. She currently resides between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow her adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels
Euronews
06-02-2025
- Euronews
Volcanic drama and tuna feasts: Why you should visit The Odyssey's Italian island filming locations
Favignana is an Italian island of pale sand beaches, cliffsides covered in Mediterranean scrub and whitewashed hamlets. It was in this paradisiacal location that poet Homer's Greek hero Odysseus came ashore and roasted goats in The Odyssey. Director Christopher Nolan has announced that the island - part of the Egadi archipelago off Sicily's north-west coast - will also be one of the filming locations of his adaptation of the epic poem. Other scenes will be set on the equally idyllic Aeolian islands lying off the north-east of Sicily. As they join the list of set-jetting destinations for 2025, we bring you expert advice on how to make the most of these under-the-radar islands. Visit the Aeolian islands for volcanic treks and night sailing The Aeolian islands offer experiences suited to every travel style, according to Claudia Emanuel from boutique tour operator Emotional Sicily. Adventure seekers can explore volcanoes, trek through rugged landscapes, or sail between the islands. 'Night sailing around Stromboli to witness Sciara del Fuoco, the lava cascading down the volcano, is an unforgettable experience,' Emanuel says. As for trekking, you can join a late afternoon guided hike up Stromboli volcano to 400m (the highest point allowed) to witness the volcanic activity up close. On the neighbouring island of Salina, a four-hour trek takes you up Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak in the Aeolian Islands with breathtaking views. On Alicudi, Emotional Sicily organise custom trekking experiences with a local guide to explore the car-free island where transportation is by foot or mule along volcanic stone steps. Beach lovers can enjoy crystal-clear waters and secluded coves, best accessed by boat. Those looking for a hit of culture are recommended to visit Ginostra, a tiny Stromboli village accessible only by sea, known for having one of the world's smallest ports, Il Buco. Emanuel also recommends visiting archaeological sites and museums, such as the Luigi Bernabò Brea Archaeological Museum in Lipari or the Museo Eoliano dell'Emigrazione in Salina - a well-curated museum in Malfa that tells the story of Aeolian migration. Best restaurants in Panarea and Vulcano Foodies will find a hyper-local cuisine of fresh seafood including tuna, swordfish and octopus. Emanuel suggests the restaurant Cusiritati on Panarea to enjoy fish alongside a stunning view. Before a volcano hike, you might want to fuel up on 'spaghetti alla Stromboliana', a pasta dish with wild fennel, mint, anchovies, cherry tomatoes and breadcrumbs. A must-try light-bite is 'pane cunzato', a legendary Aeolian-style sandwich with wood-fired bread soaked in local olive oil and topped with tomatoes, capers, tuna, mozzarella, and other fresh ingredients. Emanuel recommends Malvasia in Vulcano, where the owner sold the sandwiches from a pushcart before opening his now-famous garden restaurant. The islands are also famous for Malvasia, a sweet dessert wine produced mainly in Salina. Excellent wineries for tastings include Caravaglio and Hauner wineries, Emanuel says. When is the best time of year to visit the Aeolian islands? The best time to visit is May to June and September to October when the weather is perfect but the islands are less crowded, Emanuel says. Most Italians take their long summer holidays in July and August so this is when holiday destinations see the most visitors. If you have limited time to visit the islands, she recommends prioritising Salina for its green landscapes, wineries and excellent restaurants, and Stromboli for its dramatic volcanic activity, unique hiking experiences and the Sciara del Fuoco night display. Find hidden grottoes and garden tunnels on Favignana Favignana, part of the Egadi Islands, lies off the west coast of Sicily near Trapani and Marsala. Unlike the volcanic landscapes of the Aeolians, the Egadi Islands have a softer, limestone-based terrain, creating unique coastal formations and hidden grottoes. Favignana offers a blend of natural beauty and leisurely island exploration. Emanuel recommends hiking up to Castello di Santa Caterina, an ancient fortress perched on the highest point of the island, or visiting La Tonnara Florio, an old tuna fishery with a fascinating history. Visit Cala Bue Marino, a cove located on the rocky eastern coast known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone quarries, and Giardino dell'Impossibile, a Mediterranean garden built within sunken tufa-stone courtyards, tunnels and caves. Emanuel also suggests setting aside a day to visit the nearby islands of Levanzo (charming and quiet, with prehistoric cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese) and Marettimo (the wildest of the Egadi, great for trekking and boat excursions). Feast on tuna on Favignana Favignana's cuisine is heavily influenced by its tuna fishing heritage and fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Some must-try dishes include a 'panino con il tonno' - a tuna sandwich often paired with Sicilian olive oil, capers and tomatoes - and 'couscous di pesce', a dish inspired by North African flavours served with fresh fish broth. Standout dining spots include Trattoria La Bettola, the oldest trattoria on the island, and Formica Osteria, a Japanese-Sicilian fusion restaurant. When are the best times to visit Favignana? The best months to visit Favignana are May to June and September to October when the weather is warm but the crowds are smaller. July and August are peak seasons, with more tourists and higher prices, but are also the best time for a lively atmosphere. If you enjoy cycling, hiking, and exploring, spring and autumn are ideal. For swimming and sunbathing, summer is perfect.
