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The name of the island is misleading. A salt water lake at Punta Lingua was once used for salt production or 'salina'.
The cultivated fields are fed by natural springs of fresh water which allow marvellous Malvasia grapes to grow, as well as capers and cacti.
Yet today we see lush vegetation across the island thanks to a font of fresh water which has also allowed classic Mediterranean agriculture to develop. Malvasia grapes, fruit, capers and cactus fruit are all harvested.
This pressed the Regione Sicilia to create the Natural Reserve Park of Monti dei Porri e di Fossa delle Felci to preserve the delicate ecological balance.
None more so than the spectacular bubbling waters about 200 meters off the coast at Rinella where sulphurous air escapes from the sea bed in huge 'sconcassi'.
The huge bubbles are called 'sconcassi' and are known to kill fish.
By contrast a salt water lake near Punta Lingua gives the island its name.
The little house at Pollara featured in the film 'Il Postino' with the late and much missed Massimo Troisi.
At Melfa on the island of Salina look out for the 'A Tavuliata' on the 19th March.
It celebrates the rescue of a number of mariners from a shipwreck in 1835.
Chick peas and pasta are offered in thanksgiving and wine and sweets are consumed by all.
www.salinaisolaverde.it
