Filicudi

Amidst volcanoes and archaeological finds

The fifth-largest island of the Aeolian Islands, Filicudi is the second westernmost in the archipelago, after Alicudi, and lies 24 nautical miles from Lipari. Dominated by Monte Fossa delle Felci, it is home to eight volcanoes, all extinct, on the slopes of which typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation grows, including gorse, olive trees and carob trees.

On the promontory of Capo Graziano you can visit the ruins of a Neolithic village. Many artefacts have been found here that testify to the presence of a flourishing industry and processing of obsidian, a volcanic glass that forms following the rapid cooling of lava. The remains can be visited in a section of the Aeolian Archaeological Museum on the island, where there are also many shipwrecks from the Greco-Roman era.

Particularly appreciated by Italian and international artists for its landscapes and unspoilt nature, every two years, Filicudi hosts a Biennial of Art in which all the creatives who have made the island their home participate.

You can reach Filicudi by hydrofoil, ship or catamaran from Palermo, Milazzo or Naples. From here, we recommend a tour of the archipelago. In particular, stop to visit Lipari, with its historic centre, Stromboli, with its evocative black sand, and Panarea, a destination for elegant and chic tourism.