Attractions and Places To See around Santa Marina Salina - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Santa Marina Salina, located on Salina Island in the Aeolian archipelago, offer a diverse landscape shaped by volcanic activity. This central hub provides access to a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. The region features prominent peaks, unique geological formations, and coastal areas, making it a destination for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Santa Marina Salina
- The most popular attractions is Mount Fossa delle Felci, a volcano that offers a 360-degree panoramic view. From its volcanic cone, visitors can enjoy expansive vistas of the surrounding islands.
- Another must-see spot is Cave di Caolino, a natural monument and historical site. This area features impressive rocks with distinct color variations, remnants of a former china clay mining operation.
- Visitors also love Monte Rivi Hut, a small and typical refuge. It provides a place to rest after a climb, featuring an open room with a fireplace and an outdoor table.
- Santa Marina Salina is known for its volcanic peaks, unique caves, and historical sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural monuments to cultural points of interest.
- The attractions around Santa Marina Salina are appreciated by the komoot community, with 116 upvotes and 66 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Mount Fossa delle Felci
Highlight • Volcano
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Terme di San Calogero Roman Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Salina Capers
Highlight • Natural
While the “Spinosa” variety is grown in Pantelleria, the variety most commonly grown in Salina is the Tondina (or “Nocellara”), which produces firmer and heavier capers. The special characteristics of this caper variety are its fragrance, uniformity and firmness. A firm bud is the guarantee of the capers' durability.
There are different sizes - from smaller than number 6 to number 14. In Sicilian cuisine, the choice of caper size depends on the use. The large ones are preferred for sauces, pasta dishes and also fish and the small ones are preferred for salads, with the exception of the Aeolian potato and tomato salad for which the number 13/14 is used. The trade is demanding smaller and smaller capers, although size alone says nothing about the quality.
Each individual caper is harvested by hand, every 8 to 10 days from the end of May to August inclusive, from five in the morning to twelve o'clock in order to avoid the strong sunlight. After harvesting, the capers are spread out on jute in a cool room to dry. This measure prevents the buds from blooming. After a few hours, the capers can be separated from those that are about to bloom (“capperono”). There is also a separation based on size. Then a layer of capers is placed in containers, alternating with a layer of coarse sea salt. The capers must be treated within the following 4 or 5 days. This means that they are transferred from one barrel to the other to avoid fermentation being triggered by the reaction between heat and salt. The salt takes away the bitter taste from the capers. The salt-pickled capers from Salina last 2 to 3 years. Typically, capers harvested in June are ready to eat in September.
Caper production has declined significantly since the early 1980s. The reasons for this are, on the one hand, the often presumptuous appearance of North African countries on the market. On the other hand, the costs of manual labor and the impossibility of mechanization, as well as a new, previously unknown species of parasite, have a negative impact on the production volume.
To retain their flavor, capers should always be preserved in salt - never in vinegar or oil. Only the fruit of the flower, the “cucunciu”, is marinated in oil or vinegar and served as an aperitif.
The capers are often packaged in plastic for transport and weight reasons. As soon as this packaging is opened, the capers must be poured into a jar with a cap and can therefore continue to be preserved safely. Under no circumstances should you store capers in the refrigerator. Before they find their way onto the plate, they must be rinsed well with water over a sieve and, if the salt is to be completely eliminated, soaked in cold water for a few hours. Change the water several times and then lightly squeeze out the capers.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Basilica San Cristoforo
Highlight • Religious Site
Showing Translation
Tip by
Saracen Caves
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Santa Marina Salina.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Beautiful small church from the 1920s. With opulent interior decoration in the middle of the town along the beach promenade. The columns inside are yellow and shine when the sun shines on them. Renovated in the early 2000s and in 2004 was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica by the then Italian Pope.
7
0
There are no signs on the trail to the Grotto. Just follow the map and trail a little bit downhill to the entrance. I found this Grotto much more interesting and beautiful than the Grotto along the main trail.
0
0
The entrance looks unspectacular, but after you enter it, it is really beautiful. If you bring head lights or a flashlight you can go inside and have some nice views outside.
0
0
It's a real shame that such a place is left completely abandoned.
1
0
Impressive bathing complex with historical origins
1
0
A wonderful panoramic point where you can enjoy a wonderful 360 degree view.
0
0
The only thing to note is that there are grottos to the right and left, whereas to the right you have to descend much further and these are perhaps a little less impressive. In my opinion, the descent is also worthwhile because you can see this beautiful formation of stripes from the different lava layers opposite.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prominent natural features to explore around Santa Marina Salina?
Santa Marina Salina is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the highest peak on Salina, Mount Fossa delle Felci, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the other Aeolian islands. Another unique natural monument is Cave di Caolino, featuring impressive rocks with distinct color variations from a former china clay mining operation. Don't miss the picturesque fishing village of Pollara, nestled in a collapsed volcanic crater, or the distinctive black sands of Rinella Beach.
Are there any historical or cultural sites in Santa Marina Salina?
Yes, Santa Marina Salina offers several historical and cultural sites. The striking Church of Santa Marina, with its twin bell towers and majolica pavement, overlooks the town's main square. You can also visit the Civic Museum of Santa Marina in Lingua, which showcases ethno-anthropological, volcanological, and archaeological artifacts. The Museum of Wine, near City Hall, details the history of Malvasia wine production, and the Museum of Sea and Salt at the Lingua lighthouse tells the story of local salt production.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Santa Marina Salina?
The area around Santa Marina Salina is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is very popular, with routes like the challenging 'Monte Fossa delle Felci – loop hike on the island of Salina' or the moderate 'Lingua–Monte Fossa Trail'. You can find more details on various hiking routes on the Hiking around Santa Marina Salina guide page. There are also options for mountain biking and running, with numerous trails available.
What is the best time of year to visit Santa Marina Salina for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Santa Marina Salina for outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring, and the island is less crowded than in the peak summer season. Summers can be very hot, which might make strenuous activities less enjoyable.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in Santa Marina Salina?
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't highlighted, many natural attractions can be enjoyed by families. The Santa Marina Salina Beach is a convenient spot for relaxing and swimming. Exploring the lively port and Via Risorgimento offers a pleasant stroll with shops and cafes. Older children might enjoy easier hiking trails or a visit to the Civic Museum to learn about the island's history.
Where can I find unique geological formations or caves?
For unique geological formations, visit Cave di Caolino, a former china clay mining area with impressive rock colors. Additionally, the Saracen Caves, carved out of tufa rock, offer a unique morphological structure accessible via a scenic trail. These caves provide an interesting glimpse into the island's volcanic past.
What are the options for hiking to viewpoints in Santa Marina Salina?
The primary destination for panoramic views is Mount Fossa delle Felci. From its summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the other Aeolian islands and the Sicilian coastline. Another significant peak, Monte dei Porri, also offers challenging hikes and expansive vistas. The Belvedere in Pollara provides stunning views of the fishing village and its unique 'balate' boat shelters.
Can I find places to rest or take a break during a hike?
Yes, if you're hiking, you might come across Monte Rivi Hut. This small, typical refuge offers an open room with a fireplace and an outdoor table, providing a welcome spot to rest after a climb. It's a simple but appreciated amenity for hikers.
What is special about Salina's local produce and culinary traditions?
Salina is particularly famous for its capers and Malvasia wine. The island's unique volcanic soil and climate are ideal for growing capers, which are harvested by hand. You can learn more about this at the Salina Capers highlight. The Museum of Wine educates visitors on the history of winemaking, especially the sweet Malvasia wine. The island also celebrates these traditions with festivals like the 'Sagra del Cappero' (Capers Festival) in August.
Are there any unique coastal areas or beaches to visit?
Beyond the main Santa Marina Salina Beach, you can discover Cala Junco, often described as a natural swimming pool due to its stunning blue and green waters. Rinella Beach, though technically in Leni, is notable for its distinctive black volcanic sand. The Lingua district also features a saltwater lagoon, historically used for salt production, near the Punta Lingua Lighthouse.
What are the most popular hiking trails around Santa Marina Salina?
Among the most popular hiking trails is the 'Monte Fossa delle Felci – loop hike on the island of Salina', known for its panoramic views. Another well-regarded route is the 'Lingua–Monte Fossa Trail'. For more options and details on difficulty levels, you can refer to the Hiking around Santa Marina Salina guide page.
Most popular attractions around Santa Marina Salina
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
