Alicudi e Filicudi

The Aeolian archipelago also includes Alicudi and Filicudi, two small islands that, however, have their own
charm and therefore deserve to be told.

Origins of the town

Alicudi was formerly known as “Ericussa” (that is, rich in heather, an evergreen shrub with a reddish bark). Its current name, however, derives from the Arabic “Alì-kur” (the fortress of Alì).

Alicudi was inhabited from the Neolithic, as evidenced by traces found at the current port and on the top of the island. At the 4th century BC some burials with lava stone slabs found in the area in 1924 are dated, with funerary equipment of oil lamps and clay vases. In addition, fragments of Roman pottery have been found on the east coast of the island.

After the war, the island was inhabited by over 600 people, most of whom then emigrated to Australia. In 2001 the population counted less than one hundred residents, which decrease further in the winter period. Filicudi, on the other hand, was known in ancient times as “Phoinicussa”, a name that in ancient Greek indicates the dwarf palm (very common on the island in ancient times and present on its promontories even today).

Very interesting are the ruins of the Neolithic village on the Capo Graziano promontory. Recently other ruins have been brought to light (also in the Capo Graziano area) which have taken the name of Ruins of Filobraccio. The finds found testify to the presence on the island, during the Neolithic period, of a thriving obsidian industry and processing.

What to see
In Alicudi there are two interesting religious buildings, namely the Church of San Bartolo and the Church of
Carmine. The first is located in the county of the same name, dedicated to the patron saint of the Aeolian Islands, and was built
in 1821 on the remains of a 17th century sacristy. The second has a particular conformation, whose bell tower
it appears in the Mediterranean scrub and is separated from the rest of the structure.
It is also advisable to go as far as Colle Alicudi, which is the highest part of the island. Arriving there via the
path that starts from Alicudi Porto, there will be the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views.
As for Filicudi, it is impossible not to visit the Prehistoric Village of Capo Graziano. located on
southern tip of the island, is made up of 27 huts linked to the Middle Bronze Age.
The Valdichiesa is also interesting: the area higher than the sea level, where there is a small e
characteristic inhabited center and where the Church of Santo Stefano stands.

What to do
Given that Alicudi is a very wild and largely uninhabited island, it can be an interesting activity
follow the paths that connect the various districts. In general, these are routes accessible to all
training levels and are the only links between the various inhabited areas. For more experienced hikers, it is
It is advisable to take the road that leads from Alicudi Porto to the top of the mountain, passing through the
Chiesa di San Bartolo. In all, it is an excursion of about three hours.
Then there are some more uninhabited and wild areas of the island, which can be reached via a boat trip. also
Filicudi is full of paths, which can be attractive for trekking enthusiasts. Among the best known ones
which penetrate into the heart of the island and reach Monte Fossa delle Felci, Monte Giulia, Filicudi
Saccagni, Punta Ariella, Vallone Fontana and Zucco Grande.

What and where to eat

The islands of Alicudi and Filicudi have the main part of their culinary tradition in fish dishes.
Two examples are given by pasta with sardines and pasta with squid.
In Alicudi there are three interesting restaurants to go to, namely Ericusa, Il Club di Lea and Bar l’Airone. On
Filicudi, on the other hand, we recommend the La Terrazza del Phenicusa Restaurant, which offers a great variety of dishes
typical of the tradition, mainly based on fish.

What and where to eat

Among the most beautiful coasts of Alicudi there is the Bazzina Beach, which is located in the district of the same name. Here you can
go diving, to discover the wonderful seabed of the island. The beach is made up of pebbles and is not
equipped Finally, just like the contrada, it can be reached by boat. Another is the Porto Beach,
composed of black pebbles that give the water a particular color. The beach is divided into two parts by the
I harbor and, despite its presence, the water is very clean.
In Filicudi, on the other hand, there is the Le Punte beach, which is located about 20 minutes on foot from the port. you can
it arrives by following the Provincial Road and then entering a small path that leads directly
to the sea. The beach is characterized by large stones and deep blue water.

How to come

To get to Alicudi by ship there are connections from the other Aeolian islands, as well as from Palermo, Milazzo and from
others italian city, like Naples Similar speech for Filicudi, since starting from Milazzo it is possible
reach the island (after intermediate stops in the other Aeolian Islands). There are also connections from Palermo
and Messina.