Alicudi is the most westerly of the Aeolian Islands, with an area of about 5 square kilometres. The island has a conical shape and reaches its highest point at about 670 metres with the Timpone della Montagnola, also known as the Filo dell’Arpa (harp string). Alicudi is definitely not a destination for everyone. Of all the Aeolian islands, it is the most difficult to live in. However, if you are looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, this little piece of paradise is perfect for you. Only the eastern part is inhabited, where there are six small hamlets: Alicudi Porto, Contrada Tonna, San Bartolo or Montagna, Contrada Pianicello, Contrada Sgurbio and Bazzina. The beaches of Alicudi are made up of pebbles and can only be reached by boat, except for Alicudi Porto. There is only one “road” made of stone and concrete, which extends for a hundred metres and connects the pier with the heliport. Otherwise there are about 10,000 steps from the harbour to the mountain. The only way to get around Alicudi, apart from on foot, is by mule. In the past, Alicudi was known as Erycodes and Ericusa due to the abundance of Erica arborea (tree heather) on the island. More recently, however, it was renamed ‘the island of flying women’. At the beginning of the 20th century, locals swore that they saw strange apparitions that looked like women flying and then turning into birds. What actually happened was a case of collective ergot poisoning. The islanders used it to make bread, pasta and biscuits.
