Wild Foods Sicily
The Aeolian Island of Filicudi
Discover an unspoiled Mediterranean paradise you thought only existed in dreams.
AN ADVENTURE FOR
ALL YOUR SENSES
Admire the breathtaking views in every direction and enrapture your senses with the myriad of scents and perfumes floating with the sea breeze. Captivate your taste buds with the mouth-watering local cuisine.
UNSPOILT &
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Escape to this haven of timelessness, a jewel in the midst of the Mediterranean. A place laden with rustic charm, a mix of incredible elegance and a touch of the wild.
Filicudi’s relative isolation means although it takes some effort to get there, you’ll experience something truly beautiful and unique.
EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND LIFESTYLE WITH LOCALS
Wild Foods Italy will introduce you to the island and guide you through a three-night Filicudi experience, unlocking the doors to a magical place far of the beaten path.
THE BONICA FAMILY
The locals in Filicudi are known as Filicudari and our friends the Bonica family are Filicudari born and bred. They are great custodians of the culture and traditions of this fascinating island and know all its secrets and treasures. One of the family, Silvio, will look after you and guide you through your Filicudi experience, but you will also meet a whole array of family members such as Antonello the fisherman and Adriana who is an expert cook and passionate about Filicudi cuisine.
ITINERARY
BOATING ADVENTURE TO FILICUDI
Your Wild Foods Sicily experience begins on the island of Lipari. It’s the main hub for all maritime transport from mainland Sicily and onward to other Aeolian Islands, such as Filicudi.
To get to Lipari, see our getting there section below.
From Lipari, Silvio will pick you up from a meeting point we provide and accompany you to Filicudi. It’s a small adventure itself and a great introduction to the wonders of the Aeolian Islands. The trip lasts about 1 hour and you will pass by the island of Salina on the way and get some great views as you approach the island of Filicudi.
Depending on the direction of the sea breeze, you’ll arrive to either Filicudi Porto or Pecorini Mare, one of two small seaside hamlets on the island. Waiting for you on dry ground will be another family member who will take care of your luggage and accompany you to your lodgings.
You first evening will be spent at Casa del Monte, your accommodation, where you can settle in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and incredible views. You will find plenty of wine & drinks at your lodgings to enjoy at your own leisure, and these will be available during your entire experience.
Your first meal will be prepared and served at your lodgings by Adriana, who will introduce to some of the incredible flavors and aromas of traditional Filicudi cuisine.
THE MAGIC OF THE SEA
In Filicudi you can start each day at a relaxing, leisurely pace and we won’t rush you out of bed.
Following your breakfast, we make our way down to Pecorini a Mare, one of the picturesque and timeless seaside hamlets of Filicudi. Here you’ll meet Antonello, the local fisherman, and choose from the haul of fresh fish he caught the night before, for your lunch or dinner.
Silvio’s traditional wooden fishing boat will be waiting for you at the jetty, and you will set off for an amazing maritime experience.
Your day will be filled with some very special experiences, including fishing from the boat with Silvio who is an expert fisherman and very knowledgeable about the local fishing techniques and species of fish.
You will also visit the most picturesque spots around the island accessible only by boat, such as the Grotta del Bue Marino and the incredible La Canna.
There will also be plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling, or just relaxing and sunbathing with a glass of cool white wine.
Lunch will be a freshly caught fish prepared by Silvio either on the boat or on a secluded beach.
After lunch, whenever you’re ready, you will be accompanied back to Casa del Monte where you can relax or perhaps enjoy a highly recommended nap.
In the evening, Silvio will take you on a short walk to a vantage point where you will watch the sun go down over the island of Alicudi, while enjoying a cold bottle of Prosecco and some Filicudi treats.
For the evening meal, you will be guests at Silvio’s house for a true home-cooked meal in a very informal and relaxing setting.
THE BEAUTY OF THE LAND
Having had a sea adventure the day before, on your third day you’ll discover the beauty and splendor of the ancient volcanic landscapes of the island.
The hikes on Filicudi and all the islands are very famous for their uniqueness and stunning beauty and visited by enthusiasts from all over the world. The length and difficulty of the walk is entirely up to you.
Silvio will accompany you on a walk around the uninhabited parts of the island, which offer incredible scenery and some serious peace and quiet.
The walk is easy enough that most can do it comfortably, but also challenging enough to make you feel like you deserve a big lunch.
For those looking for something more challenging and really spectacular, you can hike to the very top of the island where you will have a 360-degree view in every direction. You’ll see across all the Aeolian Islands and all the way to mainland Sicily.
On your way back from the walk, not far from your lodgings, you will stop at a grotta (cave) which has been magnificently converted into a dwelling by a well-known Italian artist.
There she will prepare you a delicious lunch and you will have plenty of time to unwind and relax after your walk.
The afternoon will give you a chance for more napping or relaxing in your lodgings.
The last evening will be spent living it up a little in Pecorini a Mare where you can have drinks at a characteristic and very informal seaside bar, and dinner at one of the archipelago’s most well-known restaurants, overlooking the tiny piazza and out to the sea.
Enjoy your last magical morning taking in those stunning views over a leisurely breakfast.
Around mid-morning, Silvio will accompany you down to the port and make sure you are on time for the hydrofoil that will take you back to Sicily and on to your next adventure.
You’ll get one last chance to savor the scents of perfumes of a Mediterranean paradise, and some final, fantastic views of the all Aeolian islands.
THE LODGINGS AT CASA DEL MONTE
The Casa del Monte is an ancient Filicudi Island farmhouse with amazing views across the sea toward Sicily and as far as Mount Etna. It was built in the traditional Aeolian style and has been restored maintaining its rustic charm and country aspect.
The rooms lead to the big Aeolian terrace in the front of the house, which is the center of every Aeolian home and makes for a very picturesque, relaxing atmosphere and a perfect setting for outdoor dining and living.
Its high position on the hill above the sea means you’ll see great views, and on top of that, makes it one of the most tranquil and peaceful spots on the island. It’s immersed in the nature and vegetation that covers Filicudi – wild olives, prickly pears and a myriad of perfumed flora.
The house has a very informal, rustic and peaceful atmosphere. It is not luxurious, but comfortable and full of character. Lying in a hammock on the terrace you can soak up the sights and sounds of this very special island.
The house is in a small settlement called Contrada Monte Palmieri and its relatively isolated position makes it a haven for lovers of nature, peace and silence.
To reach the house is a 10 minute walk along a path on one of Filicudi’s many ancient mule tracks. The house is very private, with only Silvio and the Bonica family as neighbors.
We highly recommend staying at the Casa del Monte for the highly unique and authentic experience.
We can also arrange other accommodation so if you feel the Casa Del Monte does not suit you. Please let us know and we will recommend alternatives.
GETTING THERE
To get to the Aeolian islands you can either take an overnight ferry from Naples, or, a hydrofoil from the Sicilian mainland.
The hydrofoil leaves from a port town called Milazzo which is approximately 1.5 hours from both Catania and Palermo.
We will be more than happy to help you work out the best way to arrive and support you during this journey.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Wild Foods Sicily adventure is a truly unique and authentic Italian island experience, and offers a very contemporary, sustainable and authentic kind of tourism.
It is designed for people who appreciate nature, beautiful sea and landscapes, great food and wine, and who also want to experience something really genuine and one-of-a-kind. It is for people with a sense of adventure, looking for a dynamic holiday experience that combines culture, contact with locals, epicurean pleasures and physical exercise.
For a successful outcome we do rely on your own spirit of adventure and ability to adapt to your surroundings.
Fitness considerations
Filicudi’s relative isolation and unspoiled terrain means that a reasonable level of fitness or agility is required. To participate in and enjoy this experience we do require that you are able to walk comfortably on uneven terrain and that you won’t run out of breath after a short hike.
Boating
The boats used as part of this experience are not large and luxurious, but small working boats the Bonica family use on a daily basis. You will also need to be able to comfortably get in and out of small boats and not suffer from excessive sea sickness.
Language
Although one member of the family will be available with reasonable English, there is not much English spoken which although makes for a more genuine and intriguing experience, means you will also need an attitude of collaboration and perhaps at times a little patience.
Weather
The weather also plays an important role in this experience. The itinerary or our ability to provide certain aspects of this experience depend on reasonable weather.
BOOK YOUR WILD FOODS SICILY ADVENTURE
Throughout the year, we have limited availability for the Wild Foods Sicily adventure, so we suggest to book in advance.
Before sending your booking we suggest to read through the important information below. If you have further questions you will have a chance to ask during your booking request.
The Season
The Wild Foods Sicily experience is available from May through to September.
The Weather
The Wild Foods Sicily experience relies on reasonable sea conditions tied to the weather in order to go ahead.
We keep a close eye on the weather and see conditions and will keep you informed leading up to and during the experience. If we are required to cancel, even at the last minute, you will not be charged any fees and be refunded the full amount.
Temperatures:
- Spring/Fall 15 to 30C (59 to 86F).
- Summer 20 to 40C (68 to 104F).
Gear
For the Wild Foods Sicily experience you will need shoes that you feel comfortable walking in along rugged tracks; we use trainers but you might prefer something a little sturdier.
You will also need footwear that you can use for walking on the stony beaches which you can also use while you swim (we can provide swimming shoes if you prefer). You will also need a swimming costume and sun protection, etc.
Also a few layers if the temperature drops in the evening or we strike a cooler day. We wear shorts in the warm months, but trousers are OK for hiking if you would like some extra protection for your legs.
Dietary needs & allergies
We need to know any dietary restrictions in advance, such as allergies or if you suffer from an intolerance. We are happy to cater for special diets such as gluten free, we can also accommodate vegetarians but your eating experience will be less varied.
Pricing
The price for this all-inclusive experience of 3 nights and 4 days is €4500 for 2 adults and 2 children 16 and under.
Payment
Once we confirm availability for the Wild Foods Sicily adventure we will send you payment instructions. Payments can be made with your credit card using either VISA, MasterCard or American Express. We will send you a PayPal link with instructions to pay with your credit card. No PayPal account is necessary.
We require a 30% deposit at the time of booking refundable up to 60 days before the start date of your tour. The remainder is payable 60 days prior to your arrival date which becomes 100% non-refundable.
Policies
Remember your 30% deposit is refundable up to 60 days prior to the start date of your tour. Cancellations after this date and payments made towards the booking are not refundable. In case you need to cancel your booking please notify us as soon as possible. Notifying us of any changes helps us with preparing each tour.
Changes or cancellations may be made by calling +39 333 498-5387, or, emailing us here.
In addition to the above cancellation policies, because the weather is such an important part of the experience and can at times be unpredictable, we reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time due to poor weather and or sea conditions, even at the last minute. Should we initiate a cancellation we will refund you in full.
Important information
The Wild Foods Sicily experience involves riding on small boats, swimming in the sea, hiking on rugged trails so you must be fit and agile enough to do these activities.
Being in nature also involves encounters with natural flora and fauna as well as wild life which is beyond our control (eg. mosquitoes, thorns, jellyfish, etc).
Some further things you should know before you book:
- You must have your own insurance.
- Prior to or on your arrival you will need to sign a liability waiver.
- You will need to bring attire suitable for these activities and fluctuations in temperature and weather.
Start your booking here
Please enter your details on the form below and send. We will confirm your booking within 24 hours via E-Mail and send you further instructions, as required.
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