Filicudi is undoubtedly the most ‘magnetic Aeolian islands, perhaps because it is the most’ ancient archipelago, being born 600,000 years ago due to volcanic eruptions of its seven mouths. Or perhaps because of its shape of a turtle or a pregnant woman resting on water.
Today Filicudi is a wild paradise of crystal clear waters, fragrant wormwood bushes and trees in bloom capers. It is not uncommon to see a few meters from the coast dolphins and sea turtles, breathtaking backdrop of the six other islands. Moonless nights, under a starry mantle, you can see the deep red of the lava of Stromboli.
The gentle pace of life is Filicudi quickly forget the stress of the city. He arrives at the small port and you can now swim, the water is transparent, or enjoy a typical island mulberry granita. A goiter is ideal for exploring the coast, between ancient skiing, rocks in the sea and beautiful caves. The most ‘beautiful, the Grotta del Bue Marino, until recently housed a colony of monk seals.
Here the sea is sovereign, even if you do not want to rent a fishing boat. Besides the beaches of Porto and Pecorino, there are tips, ancient lava flows cooled by water, now sweet and smooth, now rugged and spectacular. The snorkelling, however, can not miss a swim to the lighthouse from the uninhabited island. Here you can see bottom of purple sea urchins, fish, octopus and starfish. And for those who practice diving, there are two places of worship: the shoal off Cape Graziano, where lie, 45 meters below sea level, numerous wrecks sunk over the centuries, from Spanish galleons to the Roman galleys, and widen sea cave, opposite the old quarry millstones to spawn the red shrimp typical archipelago (40 meters). The walls of this cave, thanks to electric blue shrimp eggs, take bright colors. For those preferring to remain above the sea level, a dip in the barrel with the crop is required.
For walkers Filicudi is a little gem. Offering more ‘than 70 miles of old mule. The landscape of the island, a closer look reveals an ancient and intense agricultural activity. The ground is completely covered terraces, now barely visible. Until the ’30s Filicudi was cultivated with vineyards, barley, wheat, rye and olive trees. After waves of emigration, which reduced the population to a handful of people (about 200), nature has taken possession of Ampezzo, but left ‘untouched trails once used by mules (which is why they are called mule).
The goals most ‘beautiful are undoubtedly the top of the Hillock of Capo Graziano, who hosted a Neolithic settlement; Zucco Grande, an ancient abandoned the district, the source of fresh water and pit Ferns, the island’s highest point ( 774 meters) from where you can see at a glance sunrise, sunset and the six jewels of the Mediterranean.
Among the walks easier and yet more striking, there is the Belvedere, where the sun sets behind the stack of Canna, burning against the sea, sky and the cone Alicudi. It is unlikely to forget.
After sunset you can ‘discovering the magical village of weighers Pecorini Sea, where you can eat a delicious almond paste, Terrace on the sea’s siren, or delight you with the best raw fish in Sicily, the Yachting Club historian Charles Levy. A great place for lovers of music and mojitos made to art.
An alternative is to drink the picturesque Saloon Pecorini ideal opportunity to meet the simple life and spontaneous island. This historic site preserves intact the energy of its founder, the legendary Triolo, historical memory of Filicudi. According to local voices was the sole repository of ancient shamanic secrets of the sea. Thanks to a special dance they say could break the threatening tornadoes that beat fuoriose shores.
Some people swear they saw him, others say they are only stories, but we like to remember her.
