SALINA, SICILY
JULY 25
SALINA IS KNOWN AS THE GREEN PEARL OF THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, FOR ITS LUSH VERDANT HILLS, AND FERTILE VINEYARD COVERED SOIL. THE WATER IN THE HARBOUR IS A DEEP JADE GREEN TOO, AND CRYSTAL CLEAR. SALINA IS INNATELY STYLISH, EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING LOOKS CHIC, YET THERE A RUSTIC SENSIBILITY THAT RUNS THROUGH ITS VEINS. I STAYED AT IL CINQUE BALCONI, A FABULOUS SMALL HOTEL, WITH WONDERFUL STAFF AND A CHARMING OWNER. THE PROPERTY WAS MASSIMO'S GRANDFATHERS AND HAS BEEN BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED, ALONG WITH THE SYMBOLIC FIVE BALCONIES ON ITS FRONT. THE HOTEL IS ALSO HOME TO MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT ON SALINA, CASA LO SCHIAVO, WHERE DELICIOUS LOCAL CUISINE IS SERVED ON WHITE TABLES THAT FILL THE STREET IN THE EVENING. ELIA AT ENEA BOAT TOURS IS THE PERSON TO GET IN TOUCH WITH IF YOU WANT TO SAIL AROUND THE ISLAND.
