SalinaAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Salina

Once known for the quality of its salt production, Salina’s very name comes from the Italian for ‘salt mill’. Today, the second largest of the Aeolian Islands is loved by visitors from across the world for its volcanic landscapes. Many of them choose to arrive by purchasing ferry tickets to Salina.

The island’s volcanic origins are so important – and so unique – that Salina has also been declared part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting off the north coast of Sicily, even before its international status came into being, Salina was already an island protected by the nature laws of Italy. This means the landscapes you see when arriving today are almost identical to those from decades ago.
 

Routes and Ferries to Salina

For an island of just 27 square kilometers in size, Salina is very well served by public ferry services. They operate right throughout the year (weather permitting). Ferryscanner helps with any ferry queries you might have, allowing you to easily compare and book ferry tickets to Salina.

Ferries to Selina are operated by Liberty Lines. Well known in this region of the Mediterranean, it is one of the ferry companies with the most up-to-date and environmentally friendly fleets. Both foot passengers and those with motorized transport are welcomed onboard, where they will find areas of comfortable seating and refreshments. That said, the ferries that cross the channels between the islands in the Aeolian island chain have a maximum scheduled service time of just one hour ten minutes. The prices quoted below are based on single adult foot passengers.

The longest ferry journey to and from Salina is the crossing to Alicudi, the westernmost of the Aeolian Islands. There are up to 11 services per week in either direction, averaging more than one arrival and departure a day. Prices start as low as €13 and rise to around €40.

The sea journey to Stromboli is just five minutes shorter, at one hour five minutes on average. Being a better-known island, there are up to 18 sailings per week between Salina and Stromboli, with prices identical to those to Alicudi.

The island of Filicudi can be reached from Salina in only 40 minutes, and is an intermediate stop on the ferry route to Alicudi. However, those heading to Alicudi need to do nothing more than sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Filicudi during the docking and departure process.

It takes just 25 minutes to reach Panarea, with many of these vessels continuing on to Stromboli, as mentioned above. This means there are up to 18 sailings per week or more than two per day on average. An adult foot passenger is able to buy ferry tickets to Salina from Panarea or vice versa for as little as €9. Prices don’t usually rise above €35.

The final ferry service to Salina is actually an intra-island service. It connects the town of Salina, where many ferries dock, with Rinella. While the settlement of Salina is located on the island’s east coast, Rinella can be found on the south coast. The ten-minute ferry service saves a long detour by road around Salina’s volcanoes. As you might expect from such as service, it operates regularly, with 35 sailings per week in either direction. Prices range from €9-35.
 

Ports of Salina

The island of Salina has two ports. The first is the main settlement that shares the island’s name, and the second is Rinella. The first is also sometimes known as Santa Maria di Salina to distinguish it from the island itself. Santa Maria di Salina is regarded as the island’s primary port. Around the port are the homes of the majority of the 3,000-strong permanent population. There are therefore a good number of places to eat and sleep, as well as a vehicle rental agency for those arriving on foot. Santa Maria is watched over by one of six extinct volcanoes.

Rinella is even smaller, with ferries docking on a simple concrete wharf. There’s a beach just a few meters away, and during the summer you’ll also find a seasonal refreshment kiosk too.
 

Best Beaches

Sometimes called the ‘green’ Aeolian Island, Salina hasn’t historically been known for its beaches. However, there are still plenty of stretches of coast where it’s possible to lay down a towel and step into the warm Mediterranean waters for a swim.

Scario Beach

Pretty much the only beach on the northern coast of Salina, Scario Beach is a five-minute walk from the village of Malfa. Almost as wide as it is long, Scario is made up of pebbles rubbed smooth by the constant action of the waves. These are easy to enjoy, with the beach sloping gently into the crystal-clear waters.

Rinella Beach

Within sight of the small port, Rinella Beach lies almost due south of Scario Beach on the opposite side of the island. It is made up of coarse black sand that points to the island’s volcanic origins. Often populated by more local fishing boats than sunbathers, bubbling volcanic vents can be seen beneath the waves.

Pollara Beach

Having covered the northern and southern coasts, it’s now time for the west to take its turn with Pollara Beach. Facing out towards the tiny islet of Scoglio Faraglione, it is reached via a staircase cut into the cliffs. Roughly 30 minutes on foot from Pollara village, it’s worth the walk, especially when the sun begins to sink dramatically below the horizon.
 

Places to Visit

The main draw for visitors to the island of Salina is its unspoiled landscapes covered in native Mediterranean planting. Among these shrubs and grasses typical of the region, there are also some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

The Saracens Cave

This manmade cave can be found on the western side of the island, although its entrance is (perhaps deliberately) almost impossible to see even when standing just a couple of meters away. If you make it inside, you’ll find a shelter almost 1500 years old. It was created for locals to escape the threat of pirates coming in search of human bounty.

Malfa

The village of Malfa is extraordinarily beautiful and should be explored even if you’re not heading to Scario Beach. Life continues to revolve around the main square, where you’ll find an eighteenth-century church dedicated to Saint Anna. There’s also a small Museum of Emigration, which tells the story of the many villagers who departed the island for new lives across the sea.
 

Things to Do

In addition to the gentler pursuits of discovering the Saracens Cave or enjoy the laid-back ambiance of Malfa, many people head to Salina for its walking opportunities.

Walk Brigantino Path

The Brigantino Path leads walkers through the exquisite vistas of the Nero Valley from the village of Lingua. But you don’t need to have climbed Mount Everest to follow this route. Not only is it designated an easy path when it comes to difficulty, but it won’t take much longer than an hour to complete either.

Hike Mount Fossa della Felci Path

Slightly more difficult than the Brigantino Path on the feet, and taking about twice the amount of time, is the Mount Fossa della Felci path. It ends at the forested summit of Salina’s volcanoes, 968 meters above the roar of the Med.
 

Transportation Around Salina

To reach the four corners of the island, many first-time visitors consider bringing a vehicle onto the island. They can also be rented from an agency by the port of Santa Maria di Salina. The downside is that parking can be difficult to find, and the mountain roads around the island worryingly narrow for anyone unused to such routes. The island also has a small taxi fleet and a bus service, which are good alternatives. Together they reach every settlement on the island several times a day.