Rooted in the refined heritage of Northeast Italy and born in the quiet elegance of Venice, Slowear is a brand that showcases Italy’s finest craftsmanship, designed for those who value purpose over pace, championing a lifestyle of thoughtful dressing, slow living, and cultural curiosity. The brand celebrates people and their passions, and that is why we have partnered up, travelling together to showcase a hidden part of our country.
So what better destination that encompasses the philosophy of Slowear? It had to be the small island of Salina, part of the Aeolian Islands archipelago just off the Sicilian coast. This destination is surprisingly rich, vast and entirely unique, shaped over millennia by intense volcanic activity. It is in fact geologically beautiful, featuring two twin volcanic peaks: Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte dei Porri (both extinct however, unlike its neighbouring Stromboli and Vulcano). The island brims with life: from capers to wine, small coves to black sand beaches – not to mention the incredible gastronomic scene that is so simple, yet so scrumptious.
What to do
Boat tour around the island
What better way to discover this jaw-dropping island, with it’s rich green mountains and black-sand beaches than by sea? Only this way you’ll discover some parts of Salina that underline it’s history, just like beneath Capofaro, where subtle stone portals became the pathway to move Malvasia, olives, capers, and supplies. Drift past Scario Beach, where black pebbles melt into the water and gaze across the run-down fisherman houses in Pollara. Keep an eye out for hidden grottos and sea caves.
Caper tour
Salina is Italy’s caper capital, and no visit is complete without tracing the journey of this humble, fragrant bud. Join a local producer (one of our favourites is Sapori Eoliani) many of whom have cultivated capers on the island for generations. Take a stroll through sun-baked terraces where stone walls hold the land in place. You’ll learn how capers and cucunci are hand-harvested, salted, and preserved, and how they’ve become central to Salina’s culinary soul. Tastings usually end with a bite of delicious homemade preserves, capers, cucunci and if you’re lucky, a take on the Sicilian cannolo (hint. capers are involved). WEBSITE
Sunset in Pollara
Pollara is where the sun performs its nightly finale. The tiny hamlet, nestled inside a half-submerged volcanic crater, is home to just a few families and some of the most dramatic views in the archipelago. Bring a towel and perch on the rocks below the old seminary. As golden hour descends, the sea turns to glass, the cliffs glow copper, and all of Salina seems to hold its breath. It’s no wonder Il Postino, the beloved film, was shot here.
Where to eat
La Locanda del Postino
With rustic-chic charm and a terrace that opens up to endless sea, this restaurant in the heart of Pollara captures the poetic spirit of the island. The menu leans into local produce and fresh catch: think pasta with mint and capers, grilled amberjack, and pistachio-crusted tuna. WEBSITE
Pane Cunzato Da Alfredo
This establishment has been around since the early days, when Alfredo was one of the first men on the island to produce Pane Cunzato – or ‘seasoned’ bread. a large slab (it’s always suggested to order half a portion) or home-made bread is toasted and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients including tomatoes, capers, olives, tuna and well – a number of things that only you can decide if to dare or not.
Granita di Pa-pe-ro
Head down to Rinella and visit this iconic gelateria, where the caper granita with caper powder and brioche is the stuff of island legend. Flavours are made daily and stay true to Sicilian tradition: if caper is too whacky, try almond, mulberry, or lemon. WEBSITE
Where to drink
Wine tasting at Tenuta Capofaro, Tasca d’almerita
At Capofaro, part of the Tasca d’Almerita family, vines roll down towards the sea and the lighthouse casts long shadows at dusk. Sip the estate’s signature Malvasia delle Lipari, explore crisp whites and elegant reds, and learn how this volcanic soil and sea breeze shape each bottle. WEBSITE
Rooftop Hotel Punta Scario
Perched on the cliff’s edge above Malfa, the rooftop bar of Hotel Punta Scario is a dreamy perch for golden hour. Order a Murgo (classic method) or a glass of Etna rosé, then sit back as the sun dips behind Filicudi. WEBSITE
Where to sleep
Signum
A true gem tucked into the hills of Malfa, Signum is where Aeolian charm meets understated luxury. Family-run and deeply rooted in the island’s spirit, the hotel is composed of lovingly restored village homes connected by garden paths. Rooms are dressed in white linens, ceramics, and antique accents, while the Michelin-starred restaurant led by Martina Caruso puts a refined spin on traditional island fare. The geothermal spa, scented with lemon blossoms and open to the sea, might just be the island’s best-kept secret. WEBSITE
