General Information/Map
Map of Alicudi
Alicudi is an unspoiled and wild island, and it retains its natural charm. Formerly it was called by the Greeks “Ericusa”, that meaning “rich of heather”. It is the most western island of the Aeolian archipelago and it measures about 5 sq km.
It is characterized by steep coastlines especially in the west part of the island, and its highest point is represented by Mount Filo dell’Arpa, that is a volcano now dormant that reaches the 675 m above sea level.
It has just over 100 inhabitants located on the eastern side of the island, where there is the only country called precisely Alicudi. The town is divided into five fractions: Alicudi porto, Contrada Tonna, San Bartolo, Contrada Pianicello and Contrada Sgurbio. In the latter village there are only five houses, each of which has the name of the five senses, while the Contrada Pianicello is inhabited by a group of people from German Switzerland.
At Alicudi there are no roads but only lava stone steps and we then moves only by foot or by mules.
On the island there is only one restaurant, a bar, two grocery stores, a shop where sell newspapers and local crafts, a pharmacy, a clinic for first aid and a post office. The electric current in the houses came just a few years ago while the streets are still deprived of light. The island has always suffered from a serious shortage of water, in fact every house has its own cistern for collecting rainwater.
Alicudi is an island suitable for the tourist who wants to spend a holiday in close contact with nature in a secluded place, away from the chaos, where the leaves that move with the wind and the lapping of waves on the coast are the only noises that interrupt the enchanting silence.
Getting there
Alicudi is connected to the mainland and to the other islands of the archipelago by hydrofoils and ferries. For more information see the article of the Aeolian islands in general.
Must see
At Alicudi we suggest you to make the climb to the Filo dell’Arpa through the lush vegetation of the island with its “Fico d’india” (vedere se esiste la traduzione) trees, capers, colorful bougainvillea and heather. From the summit of the dormant volcano you can enjoy an excellent view.
In the center of the village you can see the church of Carmine, the church of San Bartolo (building of the 1600, that has been recently renovated) and a collection of archaeological finds such as pottery and remains of buildings.
The beaches of the island, with rocks and stones, are reachable only by sea with the exception of one that is located at the harbor.
Therefore we recommend the trip around the island by boat to admire its beauty, its steep coast that overlooks the sea and that is punctuated by some lonely cove. During this tour you can see the Rock Galera, that is surrounded by clear waters rich in flora and fauna and the Sciara dell’Arpa, that is a valley that from the top of the island arrives to the sea. Then yuo can see the Punta Roccazza, the Cave of Palumbo, the Scalo Vecchio which is another point of landing of the hydrofoil, and finally you get to Punta Perciato. You can also explore the Timpone of Females, that is a natural fortress where women and children took refuge during attacks.
The waters around Alicudi are rich in fish and therefore they are a destination for fishermen and for lovers of diving.
Where to stay
At Alicudi there is a wide range of tourist facilities. There is a hotel, “The Ericusa” and some rooms and houses for rent.
Restaurants/Typical cuisine
On the island there is only a restaurant, “The Ericusa”. For more information, see the article about the typical cuisine of the Aeolian Islands.
Shopping
At Alicudi there aren’t shops where you can do shopping, but there are only two small stores for basic necessities.
Links
On the website of the Municipality of Lipari, in the “Tourism Section”, you can find all the information obout the island.