AlicudiAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Alicudi

Alicudi is one of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands. Separated from the rest of the archipelago and taking into account its isolating cone-shaped volcanic landmass, a holiday on Alicudi has a strong desert-island feel about it. With less than 100 residents, most of the island’s 5.2 square kilometer area is wild and covered with lush green vegetation.

Previously known as Ericusa, after the plant heather still found on the island, Alicudi is the quintessential offbeat destination in Italy. With no nightlife, very welcoming locals, and nothing but the sound of the water breaking the silence, Alicudi’s true virtue is its seductively sedated character.
 

Routes and Ferries to Alicudi

Travelers can book ferry tickets to Alicudi from the various Aeolian Islands using Ferryscanner. The closest island is Filicudi, reachable in less than 30 minutes on a hydrofoil. A ferry from Lipari or Rinella takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, whereas the voyage from Vulcano can take up to three hours.

From Palermo, it is a two-hour-long ferry to Alicudi. There are usually three sailings a week. Milazzo, on the other hand, has daily boats to Alicudi via Siremar and Liberty Lines. This journey takes anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the ship.

While Alicudi is the westernmost island in the Aeolian archipelago, it is closer to Palermo than the others. The Sicilian city has excellent connections with the rest of Europe. Both low-cost seasonal and permanent flights land at Falcone Borsellino Airport regularly.
 

Port of Alicudi

Situated on the south-east coast of the island, the Port of Alicudi consists of a small pier that just about manages to accommodate hydrofoils and ferries. Larger boats and yachts must anchor at a distance. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Alicudi will find the port to be in tune with the island’s reserved persona. The port has a ticket office. A bar, grocery store, and restaurant are nearby.
 

Best Beaches

Besides enjoying the two modest beaches of Alicudi, sunbathers should rent a boat and head out in search of idyllic coves that dot the rocky shoreline of the island. Another feasible option is purchasing day-return ferry tickets to a nearby island like Filicudi for a beach day.

Alicudi Harbor Beach

Alicudi’s harbor beach is different in that the water here is pollution-free and clear enough to observe fish with ease. The pebbles along the edge are smooth and medium-sized. Not the most convenient to sunbathe on, you can still sit here and enjoy an afternoon by the sea. Located right next to the village, it is the liveliest seaside spot on the island.

Spiaggia Bazzina

Spiaggia Bazzina is a quiet beach one kilometer to the north from the port. The path to the beach is well-marked and reasonably comfortable. An isolated pebbly stretch, there are no amenities here. Sunbathers should thus carry refreshments and snacks. The water at the beach is calming with mesmerizing shades of blue, enticing swimmers to jump in.

Scoglio Galera

A magical place to visit in Alicudi, Scoglio Galera is a natural rock formation found on the island’s dramatic western shore. Famous with tourists, this cliff edge looks like a dragon’s head, with scales. Reachable only by boat or canoe, Scoglio Galera is equally perfect for an uplifting swim.

Spiaggia del Porto

Unlike Alicudi, the port area of Filicudi is a lot more energetic, made all the more remarkable because of its beach. The strip here has medium and small pebbles, and the water near the edge is clear. However, the ground does get a little muddy further into the sea. Day-trippers can rent boats and bikes next to the beach. Before using the return ferry tickets to Alicudi at the end of the day, it is advisable to grab a meal at one of the restaurants by the port.

Spiaggia di Capo Graziano

A 500-meter-long pebble beach in Filicudi, Spiaggia di Capo Graziano, lies on its south-eastern edge. Reasonably close to the port, it’s a great option for tourists to lounge alongside crystal clear waters before using their ferry tickets to Alicudi to head back after a day trip. The sea near the beach is bursting with varied underwater flora and fauna, making it a popular site with divers and snorkelers.
 

Things To Do

Limited accommodation and food choices, the endlessness of the sea all around, and devoid of any distractions, days on Alicudi are an occasion to take a break from the hurriedness of everyday life. There aren’t many things to do in Alicudi, and yet, it acts as the perfect muse for deep introspection. Tourists staying on the island should bring cash and a good pair of shoes. Moreover, they ought to take the initiative and speak with the locals, who are forever eager to tell fantastic stories about flying women, and why Alicudi is sometimes referred to as the ‘LSD Island’.

Walk Around the Village Districts

While sparsely populated, Alicudi consists of five small districts, each with its own individuality. Alicudi Porto is the arrival point for all tourists. Besides the pier, it houses a grocery store and the island’s only hotel and restaurant. Contrada Tonna in the west has beautiful traditional Aeolian houses, some occupied while others deserted. Contrada Scubario is a cluster of only five homes. Far off in the east, it is the hardest of the districts to reach. San Bartolo, at 340 meters, is a must-visit, especially to view the Church of San Bartolo built-in 1821. Pianicello, at the height of 450 meters, is home to German-speaking locals who emigrated from Switzerland.

Hike Up Monte Filo dell’Arpa

An excursion not to miss in Alicudi is the hike to the top of Filo dell’Arpa, the island’s main peak. Most of the steep and strenuous route involves climbing up the stone steps that connect the habitations. It takes roughly two hours plus to conquer the 675 meters. At the top, hikers can circle the crater of the extinct volcano. Pack water and snacks for the trip, and remember to wear a hat and apply sunscreen.

Enjoy Sunset at Rupe del Perciato

Tourist sites in Alicudi are all about finding beauty amongst its natural landscapes. Rupe del Perciato is a stone arch situated a short walk away from the port, which acts as the perfect photo background. It is a lovely place to view the sunset. Around sundown, one can also take a hike further up, past Tonna, to Casa del Tramonto for sensational panoramas.

Go Fishing

The coziness of the island makes it possible for visitors to mingle more casually with the residents. To make the most of this prospect, ask a fisherman if you can tag along with them as they go to work. A novel experience where one can learn about fishing techniques, help pull the nets, and enjoy time out in the water, it is among the most exciting things to do in Alicudi.

Take a Boat Tour

Boat tours around the island serve two purposes. They allow travelers to appreciate the towering north and west sides of Alicudi, which are otherwise inaccessible. Moreover, a boat trip is the only way to observe the rock arches, caves, and coves along the shore, where one can spend time swimming and snorkeling in the Tyrrhenian Sea’s refreshing waters. To book a tour, simply walk up to a local boatsman and agree upon a price.
 

Transportation Around Alicudi

Due to Alicudi’s uniquely steep topography, the only way to travel around the island is on foot. As it is, everything of requirement is near the port. There are no real roads but hundreds of stone steps that lead to the village’s five districts. The north-west side of Alicudi is remote and uninhabited.

Transport on donkeys is reserved only for emergencies. The mules are typically used only to transfer luggage and bulky goods. Tourists can rent boats from local fishers after negotiating on a price.