Car in Salina (Aeolian Islands)
 

I am heading to Salina island this September for 3 days and am wondering if we should bring our rental car on the ferry or park it at Milazzo. Is there a need for a car on Salina or can we get around via bus/scooter? We want to explore beaches and do some hiking. Thanks very much!

No, don't bring your car--it just adds expense and makes it impossible to go on the hydrofoil, thus cutting out several options for getting to the islands. You can definitely rent a scooter, but be aware that Salina is hilly and there are lots of twists and turns in the roads. We rented a motorbike for one day and enjoyed it, but we're inexperienced motorbike drivers so actually preferred the bus. The bus routes will take you to all towns on the island (and hiking places) on a regular, fairly frequent schedule--we've taken Salina buses all over the island. (We also rented a jeep for one day on one of our trips, which was less dicey for us than the motorbike and a lot of fun.)

The bus will even take you over the hill and down to Pollara--don't miss it, even though there's "nothing" there except a little snack shop (L'Oasi) where the bus lets you off. Walk down the road past the church and then down the hillside path to the beach for great swimming and beautiful--really amazing--cliffs. Be sure to scramble over the rocks, around the corner, to see the amazing sea arch.

You can also take the bus over the hill from Malfa toward Rinella. There's a trail up the mountain there, if you're really into hiking. And you can take the bus from Santa Marina to Lingua, but we prefer to walk the several kilometers--an easy and safe walk on the road, with nice views of Lipari--and take the bus back. Be sure to eat at Da Alfredo in Lingua (and have some granita from their cafe!).

I posted a link to my blog on your other thread, but here it is again, just in case. Click on the September 2011 link, and also you might enjoy the first part of my photo book posted there.

Forgot to include the link: http://aprilaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/

bmk

I actually had the same question so thanks so much!
I found out taking a car back and forth could amt to $120 round trip. So much cheaper to park it and rent something for the day....

April, in lookin forward to checking out your blog , but am wondering if he pollera beach was reopened or if it is closed. I read somewhere it is closed. :(

Thanks again,
Dina

The bus service on Salina Island is quite respectable and satisfactory, especially outside of the peak season (when it gets crowded). You can also rent a motor scooter for greater autonomy. Don't bring a car over from the mainland.

Salina is a VERY gorgeous island.