Principe di Salina is a boutique hotel overlooking the sun-kissed little town of Malfa on the island of Salina in the Aeolian Islands. The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic group of islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north of Sicily. Principe di Salina is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views of the sea and neighbouring volcanos. The staff are warm and welcoming, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with this little island, the locals and the food.

The islands, particularly Salina, are extremely fertile from the volcanic activity. As a result, Salina is known as the food and wine island, which is what drew me to there a few years ago. Renowned for their luscious capers and Malvasia (local white wine), you’ll also find wild fennel, garlic and lemons as you amble around the town. Breakfast at Principe di Salina includes various eggs cooked to order, fruit, pastries and local sides such as pistachio cream or peppered pecorino for those who prefer something savoury. In the evening, the restaurant serves Italian family-styled dining; shared plates of fresh pasta and seafood, you could easily eat here every night.

Principe di Salina offers 12 rooms, all elegant and refined – needless to say, the space is a complete dream to shoot! The infinity pool is everything; with views of Stromboli, Panarea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, you’ll be blown away by the beauty.  Start with a fresh juice and finish with a spritz or two – happy hour is from 5pm. You might find it hard to pull yourself away from the pool, but do, as the hotel space is detailed and sophisticated, with many little nooks to sit and take some time out.

General Tips:

• Check out Punta di Scario, the local beach for the day. Don’t let the rocks put you off – hire air mattresses and an umbrella and enjoy some of the most beautiful, clear water, and swim with the fish! The local beach café serves refreshing granitas, salads and focaccia – my tip, get anything with capers, as you have to make the most of them while you’re there!
• Stay long enough to do a boat trip for the day. Take some vino, cheese and goodies from the bottega on the main street and enjoy the day swimming from the boat.
• Have dinner down in Malfa – so many delicious local spots.
• Hire vespas and explore the other towns on the island.
• Make a booking in advance for a wine tasting at Hauner Winery in Santa Marina Salina. Andreas is a legend and will look after you.
• Get pizza at Franco Manca in Lingua.

Salina is one of my absolute favourite places to visit. I went two years ago; it inspired me to create Kilter Journal and was one of my first posts.  I love that it isn’t over-run by tourists and as much as I thrive on going somewhere new, there’s something comforting knowing what to expect.

Thank you to Anita, Orietta and the incredible team at Principe di Salina for everything. Until next time!

JW x

All images Copyright Josie Withers.