Faro di Capofaro: Lighting Restored by MAB Arquitectura

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Cliffsides luxurious villas with ocean views and lush greenery overlooking the coastal landscape. Beautiful modern architecture harmoniously blends with nature on a picturesque slope.

Faro di Capofaro by MAB Arquitectura is a restoration and hospitality project that rethinks the historical lighthouse complex on Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands in Sicily. By combining traditional craftsmanship, local materials, and minimalist elegance, architects transformed the abandoned keeper's quarters into six exquisite rooms, expanding the prestigious Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia empire while preserving its unique cultural and natural heritage.

Project Overview

The project is located on a dramatic cape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The former lighthouse, built in the late 19th century, had long ceased operations. MAB Arquitectura was commissioned to restore its spaces, adapting them for modern hospitality conditions.

The intervention created six rooms of varying sizes, from 30 to 80 square meters each with private entrance and garden. The largest room is on two levels and features a panoramic terrace offering views of the sea, vineyards, and volcanic landscapes. The project demonstrates how historical buildings can be revived as high-end hospitality venues without compromising their authenticity.

Design Concept: Less Is More

The guiding principle of the interior was the philosophy of 'less is more.' Architects Florian Marotta and Massimo Basil sought a design strategy rooted in restraint, thereby showing respect for the location and architectural history rather than overwhelming it.

Ceiling domes, original spiral staircase, and the lighthouse were preserved. Interiors reflect the modest functionality of the Aeolian tradition with custom-made furniture, natural finishes, and earthy tones inspired by the surrounding environment.

Warm sand, beige, and brown hues combine with deep blue tones reminiscent of soil and sea. Materials used include micro-cement floors, lime-plastered walls, lime wash basins, handcrafted cement tiles, and wooden furniture. Together they create an elegant yet understated luxury atmosphere.

Interiors: Rooms of Refined Elegance

Each room is designed as a private hotel. Their modest size enhances the feeling of intimacy, while private gardens and discreet entrances provide seclusion. The largest room, located at the center of the complex, is a two-level residence with double-glazed windows and a terrace offering expansive views over vineyards and the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea.

Minimalist furniture, tactile finishes, and natural materials maintain a connection to Sicilian tradition. Textiles and furnishings reflect local craftsmanship, while meticulous detailing ensures that every element contributes to the overall atmosphere of tranquility and slow living.

Lighthouse Complex Restoration

External works were based on a philological approach aiming to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. Structural arches were reinforced, worn tuff blocks restored, and edges and niches repaired. The facade was rebuilt using traditional lime, reinforcing the Aeolian architectural identity.

The lighthouse itself remains active, slightly separate from the main complex, continuing to guide sailors while now serving as a symbol of cultural heritage and hospitality.

Landscape and Outdoor Experience

The project also revitalized the surrounding nature. Dry stone walls and volcanic gravel form paths between gardens planted with Mediterranean flora, creating a sensory journey for guests. Nettles, lavender, barberry, blackberry tree, rosemary, agave, and bougainvillea form part of a living botanical museum celebrating the island's biodiversity.

Shaded areas, bamboo partitions, and cozy gardens allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment while maintaining privacy. This careful integration of landscape design enhances the hospitality experience, connecting architecture, culture, and nature.

Cultural Heritage and Innovation

Faro di Capofaro is not only a luxury resort but also a cultural project. A small adjacent building was converted into the Micro-Museum of Malvasia, a multifunctional exhibition space dedicated to the history of viticulture on the island and its connection to the territory.

The restoration also aligns with Valore Paese Italia Fari, a national initiative aimed at restoring Sicilian lighthouses through concession agreements for adaptive reuse. Thus, the project ensures preservation of nature and cultural values while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local economy.

Faro di Capofaro by MAB Arquitectura demonstrates how modern hospitality can coexist with the preservation of historical monuments. Through restrained design, use of local materials, and deep respect for cultural memory, the project creates an elegant sanctuary rooted in Salina's unique identity. It is an architectural story of continuity—connecting past and present, nature and architecture, tradition and innovation.

Photos © Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino Faro di Capofaro: Lighting Restored by MAB Arquitectura