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.
Hit the Spot
Away from the crowds on the isle of Salina.
Bedtime
Rooms are simply furnished with wrought-iron beds, lace curtains and a smattering of antiques.
Be Savvy
Best rooms come with a sea view, tucked away from the breakfast area.
Be Smitten
Rustic island haven packed with charm.
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
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.
Hit the Spot
Away from the crowds on the isle of Salina.
Bedtime
Rooms are simply furnished with wrought-iron beds, lace curtains and a smattering of antiques.
Be Savvy
Best rooms come with a sea view, tucked away from the breakfast area.
Be Smitten
Rustic island haven packed with charm.
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
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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.
Where?
Hotel Signum
What’s cooking?
Try adventurous starters such as raw fish with orange and mint, and favourites like ravioli filled with fish and baked aubergine.
Dress the part
The vibe is relaxed but stylish. Take a wrap for late nights on the terrace.
Top table?
Terrace tables offer stunning sea views.
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.
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.
Where?
Hotel Signum
What’s cooking?
Try adventurous starters such as raw fish with orange and mint, and favourites like ravioli filled with fish and baked aubergine.
Dress the part
The vibe is relaxed but stylish. Take a wrap for late nights on the terrace.
Top table?
Terrace tables offer stunning sea views.
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, 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
Ferries operate to the Aeolian Islands from the Sicilian ports of Milazzo (most frequent sailings), Messina and Palermo, in addition to Naples. The ferry drops you at Salina Santa Marina and from there it's a 15-20 minute drive to Malfa. Call the Signum in advance and they will arrange for a taxi to be waiting for you on the jetty.
Taxis
Around EUR 20 from the island port of Santa Marina. Taxis will drop you off in Malfa's main street, from where you will need to roll your bags down the hill to the hotel reception.
Airport
Reggio Calabria – 60km; Catania – 150km; Palermo – 240km.
Rooms and suites
30 rooms and 3 suites
Special features
Rooms are named after the local flora and fauna. All have internet access, and some have a private terrace or balcony
Also…
Do pay for a superior room: more space, a bigger balcony and the best views
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
Location
Via Scalo, 08050 Malfa, 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
Ferries operate to the Aeolian Islands from the Sicilian ports of Milazzo (most frequent sailings), Messina and Palermo, in addition to Naples. The ferry drops you at Salina Santa Marina and from there it's a 15-20 minute drive to Malfa. Call the Signum in advance and they will arrange for a taxi to be waiting for you on the jetty.
Taxis
Around EUR 20 from the island port of Santa Marina. Taxis will drop you off in Malfa's main street, from where you will need to roll your bags down the hill to the hotel reception.
Airport
Reggio Calabria – 60km; Catania – 150km; Palermo – 240km.
Rooms and suites
30 rooms and 3 suites
Special features
Rooms are named after the local flora and fauna. All have internet access, and some have a private terrace or balcony
Also…
Do pay for a superior room: more space, a bigger balcony and the best views
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
