SALINA
With
its distinctive two-humped profile (hence its ancient name Didyme,
meaning twins),
Salina
is a solitary and quiet island, perfect for who wants to spend a
relaxing holiday at one with nature. Originally comprised of six
volcanoes of which four have disappeared over time, it derives its
present name from the saltworks, now abandoned, at Lingua, a tiny
village on the southern coast. Capers and grapes, the latter used
to produce the worldwide famous Malvasia delle Lipari are the island’s
most important and typical products.
Salina
has two landing stages: Santa Maria Salina and the little Rinella
di Leni (where is also a campsite which is crowded during during
the second and third weeks of August).
Trips
inland – By car or moped (ask the local inhabitants for information
on hiring points). A bus service is also available; time table are
displayed at Santa Maria Salina harbor.
A
panoramic road offering many views of the jagged coastline links
the harbor with the island’s other hamlets. From the main
town Santa Maria Salina, the road heads northwards, past Capo Faro,
on its way to Malfa. Then, it continues along the coastline above
Punta del Perciato, with its natural arch but visible from the sea
or from Pollara beach, a little further on,
considered
the most beautiful beach on the island. Nearby is the (private)
house where
scenes
of Troisi’s Il Postino (The Postman) were filmed. It was here
that the meetings between poet Neruda (Philip Noiret) and the postman
(Massimo Troisi) took place.
Spiaggia
di Pollara – The beautiful Pollara beach is accessible by
two different paths: one leads to a small anchorage enclosed by
its own miniature shoreline of rocks; the other opens out in a wide
beach overshadowed by a striking white semicircular cliff-wall,
a remnant of the crater.
On
returning to Malfa, the road forks inland to Valdichiesa, where
is the Santuario della Madonna del Terzito, a destination of pilgrims,
and Rinella di Leni.
Fossa
delle Felci – This is the taller of the two mounts in Salina,
with a beautiful fern wood (hence its name), recently designated
as a protected area. It is reachable through a 2 hours foot-path
going from the Santuario della Madonna del Terzito to Valdichiesa.
Another route starts from Santa Maria Salina.
The
world-known Malvasia delle Lipari is a strong, sweet, golden wine
made from grapes
that
have been left to wither on the vine before being picked. Its smooth,
aromatic flavour makes it an excellent dessert wine. There are various
types of Malvasia available. The Doc endorsed variety, produced
only on the islands, must bear the words Malvasia delle Lipari in
full on the label.
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