BrowsingItaly Sharing stories, experiences, photos, tips and all things good on Italy
Italy “Show and Tell” is a weekly series published on Sundays where invited guests share 6 of their favorite photos from their trip to Italy or life in Italy, along with a short description.
This week’s guest is the talented Arlene Gibbs, a decorator and writer who moved to Rome five years ago after living in Los Angeles for ten years. She is a former Hollywood executive and co-wrote the film, “Jumping the Broom.” You can follow Arlene on Twitter at @ArleneAGibbs.
6 Favorite Photos from Salina, The Aeolian Islands, Sicily
I went to Salina this past June, before the high season and this was my first trip to Sicily.
The small island of Salina is not an easy place to reach. I took a plane to Palermo, a taxi to the train station, the train to Milazzo, then the ferry to Lipari, and finally, another ferry to Salina. It was worth the long journey and I cannot wait to return.
1. Sunrise – I stayed at the Hotel Ravesi, a family owned, 3 star, boutique hotel and loved it. The rooms were simple but spotless and the entire staff were very friendly. The views from my room of Stromboli and Panarea were stunning and the nightly apertivi a nice touch.
Sunrise poolside
2. Filicudi – I had a scooter tour during my first full day on the island. It was great way to get the lay of the land. The water was so blue and clear.
Filicudi and Alicudi in the distance
3. Laundry – Salina is the most verdant of the Aeolian Islands. We passed vineyards, olive groves, and protected forests as we climbed further up the mountain on the scooter. I wish I could’ve bottled the amazing scents of figs, wild thyme, rosemary, etc. etc.
Hanging laundry with the island of Sicily in the background.
4. Pane cunzato – I couldn’t get enough of this local favorite.
Pane cunzato
5. Capers – Salina is known for its capers and you will find them in many dishes. The flowers grow wild all over the island.
Capers bush in Salina
6. Family – Signora Carla told us that the baby in the white outfit was her grandmother.
Picture of the hotel owner’s family taken in the early 1900s.
Thank you Arlene for being part of Italy “Show and Tell” and sharing these stunning photos of Salina. While I’ve been reluctant to go to the Aeolian islands due to the logistics of getting there, Arlene has convinced me it’s worth it.
Have you been to Salina or the Aeolian islands in Sicily? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
Prego! Thanks for inviting me to post.
Hi Arlene, thank YOU for sharing those lovely photos. How I’m wishing for warmer weather 🙂
What glorious photos! I was an au pair on Stromboli many many years ago and it was a trip that really made a mark on my life. This just makes me want to go back! Thanks, cat
Hi Catherine, the experience in Stromboli must have been amazing! Hope you get the chance to be back again soon.
How funny and what a small world, my mother in law is from Salina and it really is just beautiful.
In 2006 my husband and I (along with our two small children) took my mother and father in law on a trip through Italy. We visited Salina and even found the house she was born in, it was such a moving time for all of us. It was such a funny story finding the house, I wrote a post about it. xx
ciao for now
lisa
Hi Lisa, it really is a small world! It must have been such an incredible experience to take your mother-in-law back to Salina and how wonderful that you were able to find the house where she was born. I will look for the post you wrote or feel free to share it here 🙂 I have not been to Salina myself and after seeing these photos from Arlene, they are plans to do so in the near future!