Salina Travel Guide by Teneille Sorgiovanni

Friend of Meadowlark, Teneille Sorgiovanni is an incredible make up artist based in Sydney, Australia. We worked with Teneille on our last Ceremonial campaign, she is a great vibe and exceptional at her craft. Read her best travel tips for Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, Southern Italy.

Places to go

Scario Beach in Malfa - It's one of the prettiest beaches on the island. Nestled in the middle of green and lush nature. It's made of pebbles and rounded stones which makes it a slightly treacherous walk into the water but worth it after diving into the bright turquoise waters.

There's a little bar run by Francesco (sandwiches/salads) and if you are planning a full beach day, I recommend hiring an air mattress - 5 euros for the day which makes for lying on the rocks more comfortable.

Drink Malvasia wine - Be sure to check out the local vineyards, most have cellar doors attached to them to try the local drop that is exclusively native to the territory. We were there during harvest, witnessing hand picked grapes that are then laid onto cane racks to dry in the sun.

The Cantine Colosi winery - My partner and I were lucky enough to talk to Pietro Colosi and sample some of the wine from steel tanks that will be ready for the next vintage. It's a family run winery that has been cultivating vineyards on terraces overlooking the sea between Capo Faro and Porri.

Ceramic shopping at La Bottega di Sophie Salina - There are two stores. I visited the one across from this, beautiful hand crafted Sicilian ceramics. The great news is, they ship to Australia.

Things to see

Pollara - The most western point of the island, hosting the perfect and most beautiful sunset views. My partner and I hired a scooter and took the scenic road from Malfa and weaved down the mountain to Pollara beach for the closest viewpoint. Finishing with a sunset aperitivo at Punto Vendita Al Cappero.
Whilst you are in Pollara, check out the castle and house where 'Il Postino - The Postman" was filmed.

Virgona Farm in Malfa - That boasts some of the best capers on the island run by a father and daughter duo. The 1,500 caper bushes on the property is an incredible sight.

Places to eat

• Ricotta and caper granita with brioche from Pa. Pe. Ro al Glicine in Rinella.
• Coffee granita and cannoli from Malvasia cafe
• Chickpea and octopus pasta from Malfa Trattoria - delicious family run restaurant
• Date night at Risorante Pizzeria U Cucunciu, try the mortadella and pistachio pizza
• Da Alfredo which is famous for 'pane cunzato - traditional Salina dish of dried bread topped with ricotta, basil, tomato, anchovies and olive oil.
• Casa Lo Schiavo, unfortunately this gem was closed the evening we tried.

Top 3 recommendations

• Aperitifs at Hotel Ravesi. This is the oldest hotel on the island, dating back to 1870. Beautifully renovated with panoramic views. The aperitif comes with snacks using ingredients from their own garden.
• See the island by boat or take a day trip to Lipari/Panarea or Stromboli. The neighbouring islands have their own beauty and charm.
  
• Hire an electric vehicle. The greenest of the Aeolian Islands, Salina prides itself on clean energy, organic farming and sustainable fishing so we opted for an electric scooter to see the island.

Top tips!

• Book your transport to Salina ferry in advance
• Have cash on hand
• If travelling in September, buy mosquito repellent