Principe di Salina: The Soulful Elegance of Sicily’s Hidden Gem
There are places that linger in the mind long after departure—where beauty is not just seen but felt, where the rhythm of the land whispers of history and the sea hums of possibility. Principe di Salina, a boutique retreat perched on the lush, volcanic island of Salina, is one such place. Here, luxury is effortless, woven into the fabric of Sicilian charm and Aeolian magic. This is a sanctuary where time slows, the horizon stretches endlessly, and every detail is designed to envelop you in understated sophistication.
A Mediterranean Dream
Principe di Salina is a study in balance—the refinement of an upmarket escape seamlessly intertwined with the warmth of familial hospitality. Twelve intimate rooms and two suites, each with its own sun-drenched terrace, overlook a panorama of deep blue where Stromboli and Panarea appear like mirages in the distance. The architecture pays homage to Sicily’s heritage: whitewashed walls, handwoven textiles, and terracotta tones create an atmosphere that is at once organic and exquisite.
The infinity pool is nothing short of mesmerising, spilling into the horizon where sky and sea become one. Sunlight dances on the water’s surface, and the ambient scent of citrus and jasmine lingers in the air.
An Affair of the Senses
Principe di Salina isn’t just a hotel—it’s an invitation to revel in the timeless allure of Sicilian dining, where meals are a celebration of tradition, generosity, and fresh island flavors.
At the heart of this boutique retreat lies Ristorante Della Casa, an intimate dining experience that embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality. Dinner unfolds like a leisurely gathering among friends: a three-course degustation menu plus dessert, served family-style at the center of the table. And if there’s more to go around, Chef Silvana—affectionately known as “Mamma”—will personally pass along an extra plate, ensuring that no guest leaves hungry.
By day, light and refreshing plates dominate the poolside menu, but come nightfall, Principe’s famed imperial table dinners take center stage. Picture long spaghetti tangled with briny clams, couscous tossed with Sicilian almonds, swordfish kissed with citrus, golden arancini infused with pistachio and handmade sourdough pizza that rivals any Sicilian bakery. —each dish a love letter to southern Italian flavors.
Food at Principe is more than just nourishment; it’s an experience, an open-hearted embrace of Sicilian culture, and a philosophy rooted in health and quality. With Chef Silvana—a doctor and international master of nutrition—at the helm, each dish strikes a balance between well-being and indulgence, proving that the healthiest meals can also be the most decadent.
Step into a slower rhythm, embrace the warmth of the table, and embark on an Italian food adventure unlike any other.
Salina: The Aeolian Island of Enchantment
Salina is the greenest and most refined of the Aeolian archipelago, an island where nature and luxury coexist in poetic harmony. Unlike its more frenetic neighbors, Salina seduces slowly—with its twin volcanic peaks, sprawling vineyards, and picturesque villages that reveal their charm at an unhurried pace.
It’s villages unfold like chapters in a well-worn novel, each with its own rhythm, flavours, and quiet magic.
Santa Marina: The island’s lively heart, where boutique-lined streets meet a sun-drenched port.
Malfa: A grapevine-laced haven, home to Malvasia wine and whitewashed houses dripping in bougainvillea.
Leni & Rinella: Inland tranquility meets black-sand beaches, perfect for a lazy afternoon swim.
Pollara: A cinematic masterpiece—lava-carved cliffs, fishing boats, and sunsets that belong in a Fellini film.
Lingua: Saltwater lagoons, rocky shores, and the best granita you’ll ever taste.
Salina is slow mornings, golden afternoons, and endless sea views—a place where time moves at its own pace.
Salina’s beaches are a lesson in patience—because the best ones make you work for them. But trust me, the reward is worth every uphill climb and rocky descent.
Punta Scario: A 15-minute walk from Principe di Salina, this pebbled cove is framed by lush lava rocks and comes with a beach bar renting umbrellas and floaty mattresses. The descent is easy, the climb back? Less so. Pack light.
Pollara: No sand, just lava-sculpted rock shelves leading into crystal-clear water. This remote fisherman’s village starred in Il Postino, but the real show is the sunset, arguably one of the best in the world. Stay late, bring a flashlight, and soak in the solitude.
Rinella: Tiny volcanic pebbles, easy water access, and granita on demand. It’s the most effortless beach on the island, which means it gets busy—plan accordingly.
Pollara: No sand, just lava-sculpted rock shelves leading into crystal-clear water. This remote fisherman’s village starred in Il Postino, but the real show is the sunset, arguably one of the best in the world. Stay late, bring a flashlight, and soak in the solitude.
Rinella: Tiny volcanic pebbles, easy water access, and granita on demand. It’s the most effortless beach on the island, which means it gets busy—plan accordingly.
Salina’s beaches are a dream—but the real magic? Exploring by boat.
Drift past lava-carved cliffs, slip into hidden coves, and dive into waters so clear they feel unreal. A boat unlocks the island’s wildest secrets—remote beaches, cinematic rock formations, and the kind of solitude that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something no one else has.
Rent one (even without a license) or let a skipper handle the details while you sip Malvasia wine and soak in the view. Either way, Salina by sea is an experience you won’t forget.
Principe di Salina is more than a retreat—it’s an immersion into Sicilian soul. From its infinity pool and imperial table feasts to the lava-carved beauty of Salina, every moment is effortless indulgence. But the true magic? The people. Led by Anita and Filippo, the entire team brings warmth, generosity, and an innate understanding of hospitality that turns a stay into something unforgettable.
Here, you don’t just visit—you’re welcomed like family.
