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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- 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
10-06-2025
- 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
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Signum Aviation achieves a King's Award for Enterprise - Middle East Business News and Information
Signum Aviation, the UK-based flight planning and operational support specialist for the private aviation industry has been honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, announced 6 May, 2025. These Awards are the most prestigious award a UK company can receive. His Majesty The King approves the winners, which recognises companies of all sizes. Signum has also been active in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located at the General Aviation private terminal since January this year, identifying the Kingdom as a ripe and expanding market. Awais Babar leads Signum Aviation in the Middle East as Regional Vice President. He has led a number of projects in the region and is now based in Riyadh. 'We are honoured to have been chosen for this special award,' said Jonathan Gill, managing director and founder, Signum Aviation. 'It is a terrific achievement and underscores our commitment to our valued clients across the globe. I would like to thank our dedicated and proactive team who continue to work tirelessly and with the upmost professionalism every day to make our business successful.' Founded by Jonathan in 2007, the business has grown substantially from a small office in Chester in the UK and just one client, to a global business supporting over 300 aircraft tails around the world each year. Aircraft types supported range in size from the Pilatus PC-12 through to the Boeing 777. Its facility at Manchester's City Airport, UK and Riyadh is complemented by locations in Denver, USA and Subang, Malaysia. Signum Aviation has become a benchmark company in the business aviation industry, providing flight planning and operations support to an international client base spanning the Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa and China. Its clients include Heads of State, government aircraft and many high-net-worth individuals across the globe. The company specialises in providing a personalised service offering tailored and flexible support to its customers on a 24/7 basis. Its service portfolio consists of providing flight planning, handling setup, overflight and landing permits, weather briefings and runway analysis, as well as airfield performance, flight watch services and third-party charters. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the UK. The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King's desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II's by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services, delivering impressive social mobility programmes, or showing their commitment to excellent sustainable development practices.
Local Sweden
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Local Sweden
How immigration is fuelling the growth of the Catholic Church in Sweden
This week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers features an interview with Magdalena Dahlborg, an editor for a Swedish-language Catholic magazine. Advertisement How did the Catholic Church in Sweden recover from the brink of extinction and what role does it play in Swedish public life today? The Local's deputy editor Becky Waterton raised these questions in a conversion she had recently with Magdalena Dahlborg about the history of the Catholic Church in Sweden. Dahlborg is the author of a book on Catholicism and an editor for the Swedish Catholic magazine Signum. In this episode she talks about the huge role immigrants have played in the growth of the church in recent decades, how important she thinks the church can be for helping immigrants to integrate in Sweden, and why she hopes the Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius isn't named as the new pope. Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra, out April 30th. READ ALSO: Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers. Sign up to Membership+ now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription on a podcast platform. If you prefer to listen on the site, you can find all episodes at the bottom of our podcast page.
The Guardian
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Ravel: Complete Songs album review – fine performances for the composer's 150th anniversary
After collections devoted to Duparc, Fauré and Poulenc, pianist Malcolm Martineau adds Ravel to the surveys of French song he has curated for Signum, nicely timed for the composer's 150th anniversary this year. As before, Martineau is partnered by a lineup of mostly British singers, who tackle the songs as if determined to demonstrate that this repertoire should never be seen as the exclusive preserve of Francophone artists. The settings, 37 of them altogether, are arranged chronologically across the two discs, from the Ballade de la Reine Morte d'Aimer (Ballad of the Queen Killed by Love), which Ravel composed in 1893 when he was just 18 but already showing the fastidious ear for texture and colour that would characterise all his music, to the three settings that make up Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, originally commissioned for a film by Pabst starring the great Russian bass Chaliapin, but belatedly completed in 1934, three years before Ravel's death. Martineau is of course the common denominator through the discs, whether evoking the shimmering orchestral colours in the piano version of Shéhérazade (which does, though, recruit a flute for the second number, La Flûte Enchantée), the rustic humour of the Chants Mélodies Populaires Grecques, or the pictorial impressions of Histoires Naturelles, while the exquisite Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé are performed in Ravel's original instrumentation with the soprano partnered by two flutes, two clarinets and string quartet. For many, though it will be the one-off songs, those that do not form part of a well-known cycle or set, that are the big discoveries here, whether it's the early, bleak setting of Verlaine, Un Grand Sommeil Noir from 1895, or the touching little Tripatos from 1909, an arrangement of a Greek folk song that Ravel composed after his father's death. But among the better known numbers there are some fine performances, as well as a few disappointments: the soprano Paula Murrihy brings a real sultry intensity to Shéhérazade, and baritone Simon Keenlyside finds precisely the right light touch for the epigrammatic Histoires Naturelles, while the mezzo Julie Boulianne proves more convincing in the Mallermé settings than she is in Chansons Madécasses, perhaps the greatest of all Ravel's vocal works. In the end, though, there are far more treats here than disappointments. This article includes content hosted on We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as the provider may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Listen on Apple Music (above) or Spotify
