Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FILICUDI
POP 235
Among the prettiest and least developed of the Aeolian Islands, Filicudi is also one of the
oldest, dating back to tectonic activity 700,000 years ago. Shaped like a snail when seen
from some angles, the island entices visitors with a its rugged coastline lapped by crystal-
clear waters and pitted by deep grottoes. The island has just a few small villages. The best
food and accommodation options are found just above the port or at Pecorini Mare, a tiny
fishing hamlet clustered around a small pebble beach, about 3km further west.
Sights & Activities
Attractions include the dazzling
Grotta del Bue Marino
on the island's western edge and
Scoglio
della Canna
(Cane Reef), a dramatic 71m
faraglione
off Filicudi's northwestern shore. Off-
shore from Capo Graziano lies the
Museo Archeologico Sottomarino
area, where the sunken
wrecks of nine ancient Greek and Roman ships provide fabulous diving opportunit-
ies.There's also a small network of hiking trails, including the multihour climb to
Fossa Felci
(774m) at the centre of the island.
Prehistoric Village
( 24hr)
Follow the main road 10 minutes southeast of the port towards Capo Graziano,
where a marked trail branches east to this smattering of Bronze Age huts on a terraced hill-
side. Discovered in 1952, they date to 1800 BC, four hundred years before Panarea's Punta
Milazzese. Though poorly maintained, it remains an evocative spot, with lovely sea and is-
land views.
From the village you can descend to Filicudi's only real beach, a stony affair that offers
the easiest swimming on the island - if you want to take a dip elsewhere, you'll have to
clamber down some jagged rocks or rent a boat.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Zucco Grande
A beautiful 60- to 90-minute uphill hike from the port leads to Zucco Grande, a village on
Filicudi's northeast flank that's been largely abandoned, though a few enterprising villagers
have recently begun renovating some of the ruined homes. The trail winds along flower-
covered hillsides high above the sea, with spectacular views back to Capo Graziano and the
port.
HIKING
