HOTEL SIGNUM

Idyllic bougainvillea-clad escape in the Aeolian Isles

GREENEST AND HIGHEST of the Aeolian islands, Salina was the film location of Il Postino, that hymn to romantic longing. The cast all stayed at Hotel Signum, and it's not hard to see why.

There's something wild and untamed about Salina, with its secret bays, silent volcanoes and sheer cliffs. A clutch of ancient rural buildings make up Signum. Vivid Mediterranean blues and sun-bleached whites add to that feeling of Mediterranean ecapism, while tumbling jasmine and bougainvillea add vibrant splashes of colour.

The Signum is simple charm personified. This one-time derelict little farming hamlet blends effortlessly into the landscape, descending in tiers along the hillside among the citrus groves, with shaded terraces and little paths meandering through the grounds. The location is idyllic, with a dramatic mountain backdrop behind and breathtaking views out to sea. We felt we had stumbled on a hidden treasure.

Untamed seascapes

Everything about the Signum reflects its simple elegance and attention to detail. There's not a hint of pretension anywhere and you slip effortlessly into chill-out mode. Various low-rise buildings house the bedrooms, where we gazed out at lemon trees, vines (be sure to try the sweet Malvasia wine during your stay) and the bluest of seas.

No two rooms are the same but all share a sense of space and light, pared-down but elegant furnishings – big wrought iron beds, white embroidered bedspreads and cool tiled floors. Welcoming touches abound – whether it's the home made biscuits, beautifully presented fruit bowls or big thick bathrobes. Impeccably clean and compact bathrooms are stocked with Solo Soprani bottles.

Days and nights at Hotel Signum revolve around the gorgeous suntrap infinity pool set with loungers and its fabulous views towards the neighbouring islands of Stromboli and Panarea. There are plenty of other spots for sitting out, and if you need to escape the heat there's a little library and sitting room on one of the lower floors.

The Signum's bar is open to the stars and there’s candlelit dining (with excellent home cooking) under a canopy of vines on the terrace. Fresh fish and spaghetti in local caper sauce are  specialities. Friendly service and genuine smiles at this family-run hotel are the icing on the cake.


Hotel Signum was reviewed for Room for Romance by Anna-Maria Baccanello

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Seafood lovers will adore the Signum's traditional Aeolian dishes cooked up by chef Michele Caruso. Dine al fresco on local favourites such as homemade pasta with lobster on the terrace overlooking the sea – all fish is served within hours of being caught, with other ingredients sourced locally and super-fresh.

Dining out
Nearby Portobello is perfect for a long lazy seafood lunch, while A Cannata is very close and worth visiting just for the penne all salinara with peppers, pine nuts, capers and olives.

See & Do
This is a place to chill rather than sight-see. Once you have soaked up the rays around the pool you can go for a dip in the Med, walking down a spectacular mountain path on steps hewn out the rock wall to a little secluded rock beach below.  The hotel are happy to organise picmics and boat excursions around Salina and the neighbouring islands, so pack your swimmies.

Diving is readily available, and Salina's clear waters are great for snorkelling. Guides will walk you up one of the island's mountains for great views of its wild untamed seascapes. The local charming little of Malfa is sleepy with a capital "S", with a couple of churches and several bars.

Shop
Fashion slaves should home in on Malfa's A Putia on Via Roma.

After dark
Head off to the super cool Santa Isabel Lounge for a sunset G&T and some chilled-out beats in all-white surroundings, or simply relax on the terrace and absorb the sounds and smells of the island.

Dates
June
Festa di San’Onofrio-Pollara. Salina's Caper festival is a celebration (and feast) of local food and culinary traditions.

July
Festa di Santa Marina. Another chance to let your hair down and join in the fun.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Scalo, 08050 Malfa, Isle of Salina, Aeolian Islands

Parking
You won't need a car on this small island.

Trains
Milazzo station – 25km away on the Sicilian mainland.

Ferries and hydrofoils
Regular ferries operate to the Aeolian Islands from Palermo, Milazzo (most frequent sailings) and Messina on mainland Sicily. They also operate from Naples, though the journey time is longer. From Palermo, Ustica Lines operates twice daily hydrofoils to Salina throughout the summer. From Salina's port of Santa Marina, it's a 15 minute drive to Hotel Signum.

Taxis
Around EUR 20 from Salina's small port of Santa Marina. Hotel Signum can arrange for a taxi to meet you on the jetty.

Airport
Catania – 150km; or Palermo – 240km. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Palermo, while BA flies from London Gatwick to Catania.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 150 - 300

Open/closed
Closed from November to March.

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10am

Room service
Available mornings and evenings.

Children
Welcome – though this quiet and relaxed place may not be up their street

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes

Languages
Italian, English and French.

Wedding license?
No

Your contact
Luca Caruso – manager