Located in the centre of the Aeolian archipelago, the island of Salina is the second largest, some 2,680 km², and has around 2,400 inhabitants. It was formerly known “Didyme” (twin mountains) because it was formed of two volcanic ranges, now extinct. The present name, dating from Roman times, derives from the Lingua pool, once used to extract salt.
Of all seven of the Aeolian sisters, Salina is the one which enjoys good water resources, giving it flourishing plant life, hence its description of Isola Verde, green island. The island has a variety of environments: the coastline, with gentle features and jagged sections; the seabed is even more varied; the wooded areas alternate with cultivated land and there are various areas of natural interest, and other of archaeological importance.
The island's uniqueness also derives from its administrative autonomy from the municipality of Lipari, to which all the other islands belong, and from the political division into three separate municipalities, which arose according to two different development interests: Malfa and Leni for the relationship with the land and Santa Marina Salina for that with the sea and trade.