Discover Pollara

Pollara combines a striking volcanic landscape with local history, trails and exceptional views over the sea. The settlement lies in a partially sunken volcanic caldera that forms a large, green natural amphitheatre and ends in cliffs dropping steeply to the sea. If you would like to combine nature and culture on your trip, you will find very different points of interest here: from the beach and natural rock formations to the Church of Sant’Onofrio, historical traces and a local caper-growing tradition.

Caldera, cliffs and rocks by the sea

Pollara Beach includes a preserved section of the inner wall of a long-extinct volcanic crater. It consists of large stones among rocks and lies in an amphitheatre-shaped cliff landscape. This explains the distinctive character of this stretch of coast without reducing it to an ordinary beach visit.

The landscape also includes the Faraglione of Pollara, also called Scoglio di Pollara. The uninhabited volcanic rock lies about 300 metres off Salina’s coast in the Bay of Pollara. Mediterranean gulls (Larus michahellis) and Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) breed there. Another striking natural feature is the Arco di Punta Perciato, a natural rock arch extending into the sea.

The Belvedere of Pollara is an equipped viewpoint above the Bay of Pollara; Alicudi and Filicudi lie in the background. It is located below the ruins of the Castello, or Semaforo, of Pollara, an old naval observation tower. This allows you to combine views of the bay with a historical site.

Church, film connection and fishing history

The settlement of Pollara developed around the Church of Sant’Onofrio. The church in Pollara, in the municipality of Malfa on Salina, dates from 1853 and retains its characteristic original flooring. On the square in front of it there is a mural by Massimo Troisi and Philippe Noiret. A monument to Massimo Troisi also stands along Via Massimo Troisi.

The Balate of Pollara recall the former work of the fishermen: they are former storage buildings that once served as shelters for boats and equipment. The historical status of these buildings is expressly part of the site’s significance.

Trails and regional discoveries

The Serra Pollara trail offers views of the Bay of Pollara with its village, the cliffs dropping steeply to the sea and the rock offshore. From the Semaforo district, the trail can be continued towards Pollara or in the direction of Malfa. This allows you to choose between a viewpoint experience and different trail directions when planning your activities, without getting to know the landscape only from a single point.

Capers and the Feast of Sant’Onofrio

Agriturismo Al Cappero in Pollara offers a special connection to local agriculture, with guided tours covering the cultivation and processing of capers. The Festa di Sant’Onofrio includes a mass and a procession carrying the image of Saint Sant’Onofrio through the streets of Pollara. Together, these features complement the landscape with regional production and religious tradition.

More destinations for your research

If you would like to compare other places alongside Pollara, you can continue your search with Roccella Valdemone, Montalbano Di Elicona, Castroreale, Pistunina, Vulcano Piano, Barcellona Pozzo Di Gotto, Militello Rosmarino and Lingua .

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.