The 14 things to do in Filicudi

Want a destination off the beaten track? Discover the archipelago of the Eolians in the north of Sicily and visit the beautiful island of Filicudi!

For holidays in the sun and away from the classic tourist circuit, Filicudi is an ideal drop point. To the east of archipelago of the Eolian , this volcanic island gathers all the assets for a successful stay.

Mountainous landscapes rising above the sea, beaches bordered by crystal clear waters, hiking and nautical activities are the assurance of a well-filled journey.

To help you prepare your trip, we have selected for you the best things to do in Filicudi!

1. Touring the villages

Filicudi counts only 300 inhabitants a year, distributed in the villages of Val di Chiesa, Filicudi Porto and Pecorini a Mare. These three locations are concentrated in the south-eastern part of the island. You can connect them with Filicudi's only asphalt road.

You will evolve in a typical Mediterranean landscape, with houses with pastel shades located near the sea or on the volcanic slopes. Small churches, charming restaurants and sea views await you during this first discovery of Filicudi by car or by scooter.

You will familiarize yourself with the vegetation and be able to notice the plots of land on the terrace. They have been built over the centuries to cultivate essential products such as legumes, cereals, fruits, vines and olive trees.

2. The churches of Filicudi

1. Church of Santo Stefano in Val di Chiesa

On the heights of Val di Chiesa, the church of Santo Stefano enjoys a breathtaking view of the sea. It is built in the greatest simplicity, with a facade comprising three doors and a beautiful bell tower on the right. Don't miss a tour in the adjoining small cemetery, well maintained and always flowered.

If you have the chance to visit Filicudi in the summer, a procession in honor of the Saint followed by a village party take place every year on August 3. The opportunity to feel the traditional Catholic fervor in Italy and meet the premises around a meal and a drink!

2. San Giuseppe Church in Pecorini

Dominating the village of Pecorini, the parish church of San Giuseppe is worth a visit to the beauty of its interior. Behind the hotel, a statue of the virgin is installed in a cavity dug to the rock. On each side of the nave, admire the chapels where beautiful paintings and relics are displayed.

3. Grotta del Bue Marino and Perciato Rocky Arch

During a boat trip, you will have the chance to discover these two geological curiosities on the east coast of the island. The Bue Marino Cave is a must when you are looking for Filicudi.

The boats take you to the nearest entrance to this gigantic cave dug in the cliff. Put yourself in the water and swim inside the cavity. The more you sink, the more darkness increases, making you feel in a mystical place.

At the bottom, a small pebble beach awaits you, but you will need a waterproof lamp to reach it. It is said that the place would have served as a hiding place for pirates. By leaving, you will pass in front of the Perciato rock arch, a door dug into a rocky advance. The smallest boats can go inside, guaranteeing you beautiful pictures to bring back into your luggage.

4. Isle of Montenassari and La Canna

Less than a kilometre east of the island, the rock of La Canna and the islet of Montenassari are among the things to do in Filicudi. Canna is a vestige of the last volcanic eruptions in the region 40,000 years ago. This impressive rock tower is 71 metres above the sea, and you can only watch it from a boat. It is the lava cone of a former volcano whose slopes have collapsed with erosion.

Not far, the island of Montenassari houses a natural basin on one of its slopes. However, you cannot lay your feet on these two wonders, classified as a nature reserve to protect their fauna and flora. They welcome some of the last specimens of wind lizards, a threatened species present only in the archipelago.

5. The Giafante rock

Another amazing geological formation finds its place in our selection of things to do in Filicudi. In the northwest of the island, near the tip of La Zotta, a rock emerges from the water and evokes the head of an elephant. You will see it from the coast or during a boat ride around the island.

6. abandoned village of Zucco Grande

From Filicudi Porto, the arrival point of the boats from the mainland and the other Eolian islands, a path along the sea to Zucco Grande. This formerly very populated and luxuriant village is now abandoned, but you can imagine the lives of the inhabitants at the time.

Some buildings are being refurbished, but work progresses slowly. The path leading to Zucco Grande is above the Mediterranean and offers magnificent views of the surrounding islands. The walk at a quiet pace will take you about 3h30 back and is easily done with children.

7. Climb on the Fossa Felci

Same name as his neighbor on Salina Island The Fossa Felci is the highest peak of Filicudi, the highest peak of the archipelago in the archipelago. Pointing to 774 metres, it offers a 360-degree view of the entire island.

Several trekking paths allow its ascent, from Pecorini or from the port. Starting from Filicudi Porto, you will first climb to the church of San Stefano. You then leave civilization and sink into nature and vegetation. Think about going back during the ascent to enjoy the views of Capo Graziano.

The last part of the path is more arduous but the top finish will reward your efforts. You can admire the rock of La Canna with Alicudi in the background to the west, and Salina on the other side. To descend, take the south direction to Pecorini to make a loop. The full route will take you between 5 and 6 hours. Think about taking a good amount of water and sun protection!

8. Belvedère Stimpagnato

A path from Pecorini leads to the view of Stimpagnato, one of the best places in Filicudi to watch the sunset. The trail is well-appointed, with a balustrade that protects from the vacuum below.

It is accessible to families and has no particular difficulty. You will quickly reach a platform from which you can admire the sun descending slowly on the horizon and plunge into the sea behind Alicante Island. After his disappearance, you will have time to return to your starting point before he completely dark.

9. Neolithic village of Capo Graziano

On the promontory of Capo Graziano in the southeast of the island, excavations have updated the ruins of a village dating from the Neolithic. The tools, jewellery and objects discovered testify to an important activity and a probable industry in relation to the obsidian.

You can visit the site during a one-hour walk, following the marked path and explanatory panels. Then you will only have to go down to the sea to enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

10. Eolian Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Wind Museum is located in Lipari but an annex was developed on the island of Filicudi. You will discover objects dating from Neolithic and testifying to the existence of a very ancient settlement in the wind archipelago.

Relics from the excavations of the village of Capo Graziano are also presented. An exhibition traces the history of the islands, one of the most interesting things to do in Filicudi from a cultural point of view.

11. Make a boat ride

The boat is undoubtedly one of the must-sees to do in Filicudi. If the land visit has its lot of surprises, it is from the sea that the island reveals its greatest beauties. During a day trip, you can approach the main attractions listed here.

A guide will give you the explanations for each spot, and you can even make swim or snorkeling stops. Depending on the chosen formula, some companies even offer a meal aboard the boat or in the heart of a small, preserved creek.

You can also choose to rent yourself a boat to explore the island from the water and admire the wonderful landscapes that Filicudi has to offer!

12. Try diving

Several quality centers offer dive trips around Filicudi. Varied, diving sites will fill both beginners in search of a first experience and experienced divers. There are 14 diving spots around Filicudi, including the Giafante rocks, the Canna or the Montenassari islet.

On the dry of Capo Graziano, an archaeological path has been arranged and you can admire some remains from the shipwreck of two ships, such as magnificent amphores. The fauna is varied and includes merous, rascasses, murenas, octopuses and nudibranches, to name only them. The ideal for a diving baptism!

If you have time, you can even choose a course and pass different levels.

13. Tasting local specialties

As in all Italy, the gastronomy of the Eolian Islands is worth a visit. On Filicudi, in addition to traditional pizzerias, you will find charming small restaurants offering local and seasonal cuisine. The island’s products are honoured, such as the capers and olives that will come to pick up all dishes with finesse.

Seafood, sea urchins, crustaceans and fish are an integral part of the daily menu of the inhabitants, who have learned to prepare them in the best way. The maps are simple and the dishes change according to the day’s fishing, a quality pledge in any establishment.

Then sit down on the terrace and let yourself be guided by the suggestions of the chef! To accompany your meal, why not taste a glass of Malvasia? This sweet and sweet wine is produced on the nearby island of Salina.

How to get to Filicudi?

By plane

Filicudi Island has no airport on its land. To reach the island, the easiest thing is to take a flight to Sicily, then to take a ferry. The nearest port is located in the town of Milazzo and the crossing to Filicudi will take you between 2h30 and 4 hours.

To find a flight ticket at the best price, visit the site Skyscanner . When you return your criteria preferably, you just click on the flight that matches you. You can choose between Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport and Catane-Fontanarossa Airport. Once on site, join Milazzo by bus or taxi and then board to your dream destination.

By ferry

Each day, several ferries companies offer routes between the different islands of the archipelago of the Eolians and to the continent. Filicudi is halfway between the islands of Alicante and Salina, only 30 minutes away from the sea.

The nearest port is that of Milazzo, but you can also borrow a ferry from Palermo or the Italian continent. Attention, however, the crossing since Naples It'll take you between five and six hours! Prefer to join the Sicily by plane and book a Milazzo-Filicudi ticket in advance.

Where to stay in Filicudi?

The offer of accommodation in Filicudi is concentrated in the southeast of the island, where the villages are located. Choose between charming hotels, guest houses and holiday rentals Airbnb .

Some people also offer rooms at home, a good way to discover the culture of the island. To find the rare pearl where to put your suitcases, we recommend using a Compare hotels . You only have to return your criteria to find the nest that meets your needs. Swimming pool, sea view, equipped kitchen, to choose from!