Discover Alicudi Porto: Coast, Nature and Trails

Alicudi Porto is a suitable starting point for anyone who wants to get to know an island not only through its beaches, but also through its landscapes, trails, sea and long-established culture. Alicudi combines a towering, rugged coast with volcanic coves and caves, the Isola di Alicudi nature reserve and trails leading into the terraced landscape. When choosing your accommodation, it is therefore particularly worth considering whether you would like to focus on exploring on foot, observing nature or the coast and water.

Volcanic Landscape and Unique Wildlife

The Isola di Alicudi nature reserve partially protects destroyed volcanic lava domes and Mediterranean maquis. The island also lies along a migratory route for birds travelling between Africa and Europe. A large colony of Eleonora’s falcons nests on Alicudi. These three features give the landscape a clear connection to nature: amid volcanic formations and typical Mediterranean vegetation, the island can be viewed as a habitat, not merely as a backdrop for a stay.

The coast also shapes the possible experiences. It is high and rugged and is frequently interrupted by volcanic coves and caves. Of Alicudi’s two beaches, only one is accessible by land; it is a pebble beach. Anyone planning a stay in Alicudi Porto can therefore choose between beach experiences on land and a stronger focus on the coastal landscape. Alicudi’s rocks, cliffs and seabeds also offer a suitable setting for snorkelling and diving. It is possible to circumnavigate the island by canoe or small boat.

Trails, Terraces and Traces of Island Life

The Alicudi Porto–Filo dell’Arpa route follows partly uncertain trail tracks towards Filo dell’Arpa, which lies 675 m above sea level. The nature of the route is therefore an essential part of the decision to explore the island in this way. Along the route, capers, legumes and other Aeolian products are cultivated on terraces. Here, the cultural landscape shows how closely trails, agriculture and Alicudi’s topography are interconnected.

The Chiesa di S. Bartolomeo stands among the houses on the eastern terraces. Alicudi’s traditional landscape also includes circular dry-stone structures with false domes. They were once used as shelters for animals. Together with the terraces and the church, these architectural forms make the island’s history visible in specific places.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

Alicudi can be reached by hydrofoils operated by Liberty Lines. Anyone looking to bring together different age groups and interests will find various starting points for planning their own trip in these clearly distinct types of experience.

Discover More Destinations

For your further selection, you can also view Rodi Milici, Graniti, Misserio, Letojanni, Stromboli, Calavà, Santo Stefano Di Camastra and Spadafora.

For the overarching travel overview: Messina.