FilicudiAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Filicudi

Laid back and easy-going Filicudi represents all that visitors adore about the Mediterranean. One of eight small upthrusts of volcanic rock that form the Aeolian Islands, it is just 9.5 square kilometers in area.Within this small space is an authentic series of traditional villages that have become home to artists, writers and composers since three-quarters of the island was declared a nature reserve in 1997. Largely untouched by the modern world, Filicudi has some extraordinary vistas, from the heights of its mountain peaks, and shores home to sea turtles to shallows where dolphins make regular appearances. How can those seeking to discover this wonder for themselves reach Filicudi? Ferryscanner is the answer. Approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Sicily, and a similar distance from the toe of mainland Italy, Filicudi can only really be reached by sea. Ferryscanner makes it incredibly easy to both compare and book ferry tickets to Filicudi, ensuring a stress-free journey to this amazing island.
 

Routes and Ferries to Filicudi

As you might expect from an island entirely reliant on the sea for the vast majority of its supplies, public ferries dock at the island’s only port. Ferry tickets to Filicudi are therefore relatively easy to book, although in the summer months sailings regularly become fully booked long in advance. This is especially the case during the month of August, but if you’re looking to visit Filicudi any time between May and October it’s best to look for ferry tickets to Filicudi as soon as possible.

Ferries connect Filicudi with several other islands in the Aeolian chain, and also with ports on the north coast of Sicily. Ferries are operated by Liberty Lines, one of the best ferry companies in the region. They accept that the short journey times is no excuse for bad or uncomfortable service, and therefore have a fleet of comfortable modern vessels with good on-board facilities.

The prices quoted below are based on a single adult foot passenger heading to Filicudi. Those looking to travel with vehicles should note that private cars are not permitted onto Filicudi during August unless the owner can provide written confirmation of a private parking space. Many accommodation options can provide you with such a letter.

From Sicily, ferries head to Filicudi from two ports. The first is Milazzo on the eastern side of the island, close to Messina. This voyage is scheduled to last two hours and 15 minutes and there are up to 11 sailings in either direction each week. Tickets range from €16-45, with the higher prices normally found during the high season months. The journey to Palermo, on the western side of Sicily, lasts just 15 minutes longer. However, there are only three sailings per week on average, and tickets range between €29 and €71.

Filicudi also has three sea links with other islands in the Aeolian chain. The shortest is between Salina and Filicudi. Docking takes place just 40 minutes after ferries depart, and prices range from €12-40. There are up to 11 sailings per week. Likewise, there are 11 sailings per week to both Lipari and Vulcano. Vessels make the crossing from Filicudi to Lipari in an hour and five minutes. Prices are very similar to those to and from Salina. The sailing to Filicudi from Vulcano lasts just under 1.5 hours.

The only other route to Filicudi is by air. However, there is no airport on the island, meaning visitors wishing to forego the sea journey must instead opt for a helicopter journey from either Palermo, Trapani, or Catania airports.
 

Ports of Filicudi

The only significant port to be found on the island of Filicudi is located on the island’s southeast coast in a wide bay protected to the south by the Cape Graziano peninsula. Ferries to the island dock at the end of a 50-meter jetty, while smaller private vessels moor up on the western side of the port. Although the island’s settlements are relatively spread out, there are a good number of places to eat within walking distance of the port. The area also has a handful of stores, and at least two hotels visible from docking ferries.
 

Best Beaches

Volcanic islands aren’t normally associated with perfect beaches. However, Filicudi has always liked to break the mold and has a good range of beaches dotting its coast. Visitors can choose between typical beach escapes and secluded coves, with the only limitation being how far you’re prepared to travel.

Piano del Porto

Just a couple of hundred meters south of the port you’ll find Piano del Porto beach. It straddles the coast road for around 600 meters and is composed of light grey pebbles for the most part. As authentic as they come, you may well end up sharing the beach with a couple of fishing boats coming into land.

Le Punte

This beach lies close to the southernmost point on the island. On the opposite side of Cape Graziano to the port, it is however still walkable from the port without much trouble. Facing roughly west, it’s an excellent place to enjoy the sunset before grabbing a bite to eat nearby.

Pecorini Beach

In some ways, Pecorini Beach is not dissimilar to that at Piano del Porto. It extends for several hundred meters, although it’s only ever a few meters wide. Made up of large round black cobbles, the water here is particularly favored by those who enjoy sea swimming.

La Canna

North of the port, the main attraction of La Canna are the views out towards the finger of rock that juts out of the water like something in a James Bond movie. Much more remote than the other beaches on our list, you won’t find facilities either on the beach or in the immediate vicinity, so take everything you might want with you, including food and drink.
 

Things to Do

Without denying the relaxed ambiance that pervades Filicudi, those looking for a little more activity while visiting the island won’t be disappointed. These are the top things to do while on Filicudi.

Hike Monte Fosse Felci

Maps of Filicudi have a multitude of wiggling lines depicting short hiking trails. One of the best is undoubtedly the path that leads to the summit of Monte Fosse Felci. As the island’s highest peak at 774 meters, the return trip from the port takes around three hours for the average walker.

Discover Filicudi’s Bronze Age Heritage

It seems the far south side of the island has always been the focus of human settlement. Among the fields of the Cape Graziano peninsula, it’s possible to discover Filicudi’s bronze age heritage, since it’s here than the remains of an ancient village containing 27 structures can be found.

Explore the Coast by Boat

There’s generally no shortage of boat captains willing to take tourists out for tours around the island’s rocky coastline by boat. The best ones will pay visits to the Grotta del Bue Marino, a small cove to the west that has sparkling waters which only smaller craft can reach.
 

Transportation Around Filicudi

Besides boat trips, transportation around Filicudi is limited. This can make it tempting to bring your own vehicle onto the island. However, Filicudi’s narrow lanes and summer traffic levels can be tricky to navigate and vehicles coming onto the island by ferry are limited in number in August. Given Filicudi is fine hiking country, it’s much better to make use of walking boots if you can. When you do need to go further afield, a number of island residents operate as semi-official taxis and have generally fair prices. Hotels will know someone reliable. A shuttle service meets ferries in the summer months in order to help visitors climb up from the port with their luggage.