Alicudi

Alicudi is the westernmost island of the Aeolian Islands and its rugged and wild landscape is surrounded by deep blue waters. On Ferryhopper, you can find useful information about must-see places, beaches, local delicacies, ferries to Alicudi, and book your ferry tickets easily!

The scenic port of Alicudi 

Vacation in Alicudi

If you are looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alicudi is the perfect destination for you. Small and quiet, this island is ideal for spending a few days near the sea, enjoying long walks in nature, and appreciating the peace and quiet of the place.

Its isolated location has turned the volcanic island into a wild paradise with rocks overlooking the sea. The "island of heather" (so-called due to the numerous presence of this plant) will welcome you in all its simplicity! Its deep purple blooms cover Alicudi’s hills leaving a pleasant, light, and fresh fragrance in the ambiance.

You can go on a day trip to Alicudi by taking the ferry from the nearby islands or spend an entire weekend of relaxation with your family or your sweetheart.

How to get to Alicudi

You can reach Alicudi by sea. There are several ferry connections that depart from the port of Milazzo all year round and from Palermo during the summer.

Thanks to the ferry crossings between the islands of the archipelago, it is also possible to reach Alicudi from Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Filicudi, and Vulcano.

If you wish to travel by plane from other parts of Italy or abroad, one of the closest airports is in Palermo. Therefore, you can catch a flight to Palermo and then take a ferry to Alicudi.

  Beautiful panoramic view of the Aeolian archipelago at sunset

What to do in Alicudi

Alicudi is a laid-back island where you can take your time away from the fast-paced world, explore amazing hiking trails, and enjoy peace and quiet.

If you really want to know Alicudi, head towards its wilder side to hike up to Filo dell 'Arpa, the highest point on the island at 675 meters. Follow a long staircase that will lead you to the tip of its inhabited center for stunning views and romantic, crimson sunsets. 

There, you will also see a series of cracks in the rock the Timpone delle Femmine, where the women used to hide during pirates' invasions. 

In addition to taking some revitalizing dives on the 2 beaches of Alicudi, you should also opt for a boat trip to discover the island’s hidden coves. Also, if you like snorkeling, you will find the most beautiful and deepest seabed of Alicudi in Contrada Bazzina.

Beaches in Alicudi

In Alicudi there are only 2 beaches: the Alicudi Porto beach and the Bazzina beach.

You can easily find the Alicudi Porto beach which is located to the left of the port. It's covered in black pebbles and it’s surrounded by little Aeolian houses. The Bazzina beach, on the other hand, is a small cove with shallow crystal-clear waters.

The pebbly beach of Bazzina in Alicudi

Sightseeing in Alicudi

In addition to the 2 beautiful beaches, Alicudi has several natural beauties, old churches, and picturesque corners where the typical Aeolian architecture is evident. Among the most beautiful sightseeing in Alicudi are:

• The church of San Bartolo, dating back to 1800 CE and dedicated to the patron saint of the Aeolian Islands
• The Carmine church, with its panoramic position about 200 meters above the sea
• The Pianicello quarter, populated by a German-speaking community inhabiting the island almost all year round.
• The Tonna quarter, with a small cluster of rural houses, beautiful samples of the Aeolian architecture
• The Sgurbio quarter, with only 5 houses representing the 5 human senses

The famous church of San Bartoloin Alicudi

Nightlife in Alicudi

If you are looking for a place with vibrant nightlife, then perhaps Alicudi is not the right island. You won’t find any places to go wild in the evening but Alicudi offers several options for those who want to relax and enjoy nature.

In the few existing bars in Alicudi, you can enjoy a beer, an aperitif, or dine in the traditional restaurants near the port. Alternatively, you can take a bottle of wine, look up and admire the beautiful starry night sky.

Food in Alicudi

Alicudi's cuisine is mainly based on seafood. The catch of the day is served fresh in the island's restaurants, paired with roasted vegetables and local products.

Here are some of the most delicious local delicacies to try during your stay in Alicudi:

• arcudara spaghetti (with tuna, cherry tomatoes, and capers)
• paccheri (pasta with swordfish sauce)
• caper salad with green olives, onions, sweet red tomatoes, and chopped anchovies
• Aeolian-style squid (stuffed with tomato and garlic)
• grilled tuna fillet

A delicious grilled tuna fillet served in a restaurant in Alicudi

Tips 

Here are 3 tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Alicudi:

1. Avoid carrying bulky luggage with you for your trip to Alicudi. On the island, you will simply need basic clothing, hiking shoes, a flashlight, a swimsuit, and a sea mask!
2. In Alicudi, there are no ATMs so we recommend you have some cash on you.
3. A  flea market with handmade works of art and traditional products is held on the island during the month of August. 

Useful information about Alicudi

Alicudi is the least populated island in the entire archipelago. However, it still retains its natural charm. About 140 people inhabit the island and it is mainly appreciated by nature lovers.

As for the accommodation, there are only a few facilities in Alicudi and you may find slightly higher prices than the larger Aeolian Islands. Related to other services, you can find a post office, a grocery store, and a few bars and restaurants near the port.

Keep in mind that there are no pharmacies or ATMs in Alicudi so make sure to bring along any necessary medicines and have some cash on you. However, you can find a medicine service near the port area.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Alicudi

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Alicudi:

• Emergency medical services: +390909889913
• Alicudi Post Office: +390909889800
• Port Authority of Reference (Lipari): +390909880819
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Alicudi

In Alicudi, you can only move on foot. From the port, there are some steep paths that run through the whole town and reach the mountain.

On the island, there are no asphaltic roads, and the only paths are those on the eastern side connecting the upper houses to the town center. The western part of Alicudi, on the other hand, is uninhabited and almost inaccessible.

Useful info: although it is possible to embark your vehicle with you when you take the ferry to Alicudi, keep in mind that from May to October motor vehicles are prohibited on the island. However, this legislation doesn't apply to vehicles used to supply goods to commercial establishments, to electric mopeds belonging to homeowners, and to permanent residents of Alicudi.

A cat taking a nap on the low wall of a house in Alicudi

Ports in Alicudi

The port of Alicudi is located in the southeastern part of the island and it has a small pier. Ferries and hydrofoils arrive at the port daily from Sicily and the other Aeolian Islands.

The houses in the inhabited center of Alicudi are located partly on the coast, near the marina. From here, you can follow the stone steps leading up to the top of the mountain. Near the port, you will find a grocery store, a few restaurants, and accommodation facilities.

Island hopping from Alicudi

The Aeolian archipelago consists of 7 islands, and Alicudi is among the smallest. Since it is located in the westernmost part of the archipelago, there are not many connections with the other Aeolian Islands.

However, once you have spent a few days in Alicudi you can take the ferry to Salina, Vulcano, Filicudi, or Lipari, and explore these amazing destinations, too. There are ferry crossings from Alicudi to the other islands all year round and are operated by the Siremar and Liberty Lines ferry companies.

Tip: choose which Aeolian island is right for you and continue your adventure by the sea!

Alicudi ferry: schedules and tickets

You can travel to the island of Alicudi from Sicily thanks to the Siremar ferries and the hydrofoils of Liberty Lines. There are ferry connections between the ports of Milazzo and Palermo and Alicudi with annual and seasonal crossings.

Here you can find more information about the ferry routes to Alicudi:

• Milazzo - Alicudi ferry: there is a ferry to Alicudi from Milazzo all year round with 5 weekly crossings in winter and 3-4 daily trips in summer. The crossings can take between 3 hours and 6 hours, depending on the ferry operator and the type of vessel.
• Palermo - Alicudi ferry: the ferry from Palermo to Alicudi is active during the summer (from mid-June to early September). There is 1 direct connection per day which lasts around 2 hours.

A ferry sailing to the island of Alicudi

Where to book ferry tickets to Alicudi online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all connections to Alicudi, check our Map of ferries to compare prices and companies, departure times, and book your ferry tickets online easily. Get ready to explore the Aeolian Islands and enjoy a relaxing vacation to the paradisiacal island of Alicudi!