Alicudi

Petr Vykoukal · CC BY 2.5

Lipari, ME

Alicudi is the most remote and least populated of the Aeolian Islands, an almost perfect volcanic cone that rises from the sea to about 675 metres. There are no roads here, no cars and no scooters: the links are long stone staircases climbing between the houses of the few inhabitants.

To get around you walk or rely on mules, which even carry the shopping on their backs. The houses are scattered over terraces held up by dry-stone walls, with views of the sea and the neighbouring islands.

The climb to the summit, the Filo dell'Arpa, takes a few hours but rewards you with a view over the whole archipelago. Alicudi is for those looking for silence and simplicity, not for those who want services.

• Always accessible
• 1 day or more
• Free entry
• May to October
• No roads and no cars: you walk up long stone staircases. Not well suited to anyone with mobility difficulties.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a light backpack: there are no vehicles, so luggage is carried by hand or on a mule's back. Book ahead, there are very few beds.