Salina — Santa Marina Salina
Santa Marina · Santa Marina di Salina · Salina main port
38°33.6'N 14°52.4'E
Depth
8–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
110m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m
110m in the deep east-of-harbour anchorage in 8–12m depth. If the harbour breakwater moorings are available, use these for more shelter. Rinella (S coast) is preferable in E winds — 85m alarm radius in 4–8m. Always monitor Scirocco forecasts in autumn (September–November particularly).
About This Anchorage
Salina is the greenest and most fertile of the Aeolian Islands — the name comes from the salt pans (salinae) that once existed here. The island is famous for its malvasia grapes (the finest in the archipelago, produced by Hauner and Caravaglio wineries), capers (capperi di Salina), and its role as the backdrop for the film 'Il Postino'. The two volcanic peaks give the island a distinctive silhouette visible from all the other islands. Santa Marina is the main port with a good breakwater and facilities. Rinella (south coast) offers a quieter alternative with a different wind shelter.
Protected From
W · NW
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Harbour mooring if available: ~€20–€40/night.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit for Salina. Standard Italian maritime rules.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Keep clear of ferry routes and harbour entrance. Speed limit 5 kn near harbour.
Hazards
- !E/NE exposure at Santa Marina: In Tramontana or Grecale, the main anchorage becomes uncomfortable — shift to Rinella on the S coast
- !Deep water anchoring: The 8–15m depth requires generous chain (40–60m minimum) and a well-set anchor; insufficient scope is the main dragging cause here
- !Ferry traffic: Salina has two ports (Santa Marina and Rinella) with regular hydrofoil and ferry service — maintain clear approach to both
- !Malvasia wine: The local malvasia passito is exceptional but potent (>14% ABV) — drink carefully if you're responsible for night anchor watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Hauner winery at Santa Marina — tours and tastings available; their Malvasia delle Lipari is one of Italy's great dessert wines
- →The walk between the two villages (Santa Marina to Malfa, Leni, Rinella) along the ridge road offers extraordinary views of all seven Aeolian Islands
- →Il Postino was filmed at Santa Marina and Pollara cove (NW coast) — Pollara's dramatic crater-bay beach is accessible by dinghy in flat calm only (deep water approach, limited space)
- →Salina's grocery provisions are the best in the Aeolian Islands — stock up here for multi-day passages
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Santa Marina — try the fresh local capers and malvasia wine. The Causeway restaurant (near the harbour) is consistently recommended.
Nearest provisions: Santa Marina village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October. The malvasia harvest (late August–September) is a wonderful time to visit. The island is slightly less crowded than Lipari or Panarea in peak season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 110m
In the Aeolian Islands, volcanic rock bottoms and sudden channel winds make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS