Aeolian Islands - Salina

With a name derived from the ancient Didyme (meaning twin), it's not hard to identify Salina solely from its shape: two reliefs separated by a saddle-like hump. It's present name, however, originated from a coastal lake that was once used as a salt pan. Salina is divided into three communes: Santa Marina Salina, Malfa and Leni. To the East, you'll find Fossa delle Felci and Rivi, which are connected to Monte dei Porri by the saddle. The saddle also acts as a connecting point with Malfa and the valley of Gavite to the North and Rinella the Vallonazzo in the South. The center of the islands offers the N-S depression of Valdichiesa, which separates the two mountain ranges and serves as an inhabited tourist attraction for its spectacular views and beautiful flora.

Phrasing and geography aside, a visit to Salina will confirm previous travelers' assents: A gorgeous island filled with culinary luxuries like aromatic, highly alcoholic red and white wines and plump, delicious capers, a wide variety of flora and fauna and a people, warm and welcoming, like no other.

The tall slopes of the island are covered by poplars, ilexes and chestnut trees. In addition to these species (particular to Salina in the Aeolian Islands,) you'll find the bush typical of the Mediterranean, such as myrtle, broom and a rather fragrant set of strawberry trees. The terraced lower slopes are sprinkled with both caper bushes and the prickly pear (frequent among smaller Aeolian Islands) and orchards, olive groves and the vineyards that produce the sweet white wine (called Malvasia) and concentrated reds that serve, along with capers, as the islands greatest export for much of the 20th century.

Interestingly, Salina is the largest producer of Malvasia in the Aeolian Islands; in fact, in other islands this practice has been all but obliterated, making the white wine that comes from Salina a rare and special treat. The Malvasia is not actually white, but a strong golden yellow color, reminiscent of apple juice, that emits a strong aroma.

If it's wine you're looking for, Salina's the place, but if you're looking for natural beauty and an island offering a warm welcome to its frequent tourists, well - Salina is the place for that, too.

Geographically, Salina is situated along the Lingua point; you'll find the action on this island (outside of the center N-S strip) to the West. Along this portion of the island, you'll find a series of ideal spots to enjoy a gourmet picnic complete with native wine and spectacular views. (Be sure to bring food from Lipari or whatever your initial destination may be. Get wine on the island, grab a spot amongst the bluffs overlooking the water and exhale.) I guarantee it will be the most relaxing, romantic picnic you can imagine. If you manage to catch the sunset, even better. Sunsets off Salina are absolutely breathtaking. Local legend holds that non-Italians who conceive on the island are destined to have a baby girl who will grow into the most irresistible of heartbreakers.

If you're more athletic than amorous, Salina can accommodate you, too. Water sports off the Salina coast are extremely popular. If you're so inclined, grab a jet ski or waverunner while in Lipari (there are plenty, trust me)and take off on your own private journey. You'll find a great deal of Italian teens zipping between islands on personal watercraft, so tourists who run into problems on the water generally find someone to help them out. Thus, if you've never tried jetskiing and want your first time to be memorable, check it out. It's a beautiful way to see the island. (Just be sure to lay off the Malvasia before taking off. While you won't find many alcohol-related watercraft accidents, you won't want to cause one of them.) Also note that strong marine currents circle the island, formed by directional waters that cross the channel between Salina and Lipari. If you can't swim, make the 24-square-mile jaunt around the island by boat.

For more information about Salina, check out a series of Salina photos.