An 8-hour private tour to the most remote and fascinating corners of the Aeolian archipelago
Alicudi and Filicudi are like two suspended worlds. Ancient, isolated, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and a silence that speaks of wind and sea. A fast boat tour is the key to exploring them in a single day — leaving behind the livelier rhythm of the main islands to enter a slower, deeper dimension.
We depart from Lipari, Vulcano, or Salina, depending on your preferences. As we head west, Salina fades behind us and the profile of Filicudi gradually sharpens on the horizon. Along the way, if we're lucky, we might meet groups of dolphins, often seen along this route, playful and curious among the waves.
We depart from Lipari, Vulcano, or Salina, depending on your preferences. As we head west, Salina fades behind us and the profile of Filicudi gradually sharpens on the horizon. Along the way, if we're lucky, we might meet groups of dolphins, often seen along this route, playful and curious among the waves.
Filicudi – caves, cliffs and the breath of history
Our first stop is Filicudi, a volcanic island of rare beauty, where the sea has carved arches and caves into ancient lava flows.
We may swim near Capo Graziano, where a rocky promontory shelters the remains of a Bronze Age village, or explore the Grotta del Bue Marino, one of the most iconic sites in the archipelago: a natural lava cave where sunlight filters through, dancing across cobalt blue waters.
As we cruise along the coast, we reach La Canna, a 70-metre-high sea stack rising from the depths like a natural sculpture. The surrounding waters teem with life — colourful fish, rich marine flora, and perfect visibility make this an ideal spot for snorkeling. Every dive here is a silent voyage into an underwater world.
We may swim near Capo Graziano, where a rocky promontory shelters the remains of a Bronze Age village, or explore the Grotta del Bue Marino, one of the most iconic sites in the archipelago: a natural lava cave where sunlight filters through, dancing across cobalt blue waters.
As we cruise along the coast, we reach La Canna, a 70-metre-high sea stack rising from the depths like a natural sculpture. The surrounding waters teem with life — colourful fish, rich marine flora, and perfect visibility make this an ideal spot for snorkeling. Every dive here is a silent voyage into an underwater world.
Alicudi – the island of silence and stone steps
From Filicudi we continue toward Alicudi, the most distant and untouched of the Aeolian Islands. There are no roads here, only stone stairways and ancient mule tracks. The village climbs the mountainside in terraces, radiating simplicity and silence. Life here is slow, sincere, and unchanged.
Those who wish may disembark for a walk through the village, along paths lined with dry-stone walls and gardens suspended above the sea. For a truly magical swim, we stop at the Galera Rock, a solitary outcrop where the sea is breathtakingly transparent. Silence echoes here — the kind that makes you feel suspended in time.
Those who wish may disembark for a walk through the village, along paths lined with dry-stone walls and gardens suspended above the sea. For a truly magical swim, we stop at the Galera Rock, a solitary outcrop where the sea is breathtakingly transparent. Silence echoes here — the kind that makes you feel suspended in time.
Lunch, relaxation and the way back
During the day, we can schedule a lunch stop ashore — either in Filicudi Porto or Alicudi, at a small trattoria serving fresh seafood and traditional island dishes.
We return in the afternoon, as the light begins to soften and the islands fade slowly into the distance. The wind in your hair, the salt on your skin, and your eyes filled with moments that linger.
We return in the afternoon, as the light begins to soften and the islands fade slowly into the distance. The wind in your hair, the salt on your skin, and your eyes filled with moments that linger.
Practical information
- Private fast boat tour – approximately 8 hours
- Departure from Lipari, Vulcano or Salina
- Stops for swimming, snorkeling, and optional time ashore
- Lunch at a local restaurant possible (not included)
- Operated by trusted partner boats (not on our vintage boat Eoliana)
This tour is not available aboard our vintage boat Eoliana, which, by nature of her slow and contemplative soul, is best suited to nearby islands. For Alicudi and Filicudi, we collaborate with trusted fast boats and skippers, each with their own unique style, to ensure you enjoy a seamless and quality experience — always with the care and elegance of Eoliana.