Filicudi: The Island of Turtles. Small and wild, ‘differently VIP’ with a lot of character and various activities to do. Filicudi leaves a lasting impression on the eyes and heart. It is crossed by a carriage road that connects Filicudi port with the interior and the beautiful village of Pecorini Mare, as well as countless mule tracks. A path starts from the beach of Filicudi port and reaches in about 15-20 minutes the Montagnola di Capo Graziano where there is an archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s possible to see what remains of the huts built with stones smoothed by the sea and of the ancient prehistoric village. Beautiful walks inside the island: from the port starts a path that in about 20 minutes leads to Rocca di Ciaule. From here a path leads to Valdichiesa where the church of Santo Stefano with its peculiar bell tower is located. From Valdichiesa you can continue via another path to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande. Here most of the houses have collapsed and vegetation dominates. From the village, another path leads to the island’s only spring, the Funtanedda. The Serro area is also characteristic, which can be reached via a dirt road starting from Rocca di Ciaule. Here some caves have been transformed into real homes. If the interior of the island is beautiful, its sea is certainly unmissable. The beaches are all made of pebbles, small and rocky, the most beautiful is probably Le Punte. But it’s the circumnavigation of the island that holds the main surprises. After passing Capo Graziano, you sail along the beach of Le Punte and the rocks of Filo di Lorani until you reach Pecorini Mare. Continue until Punta Stimpagnato and the green waters of Le Grotticelle to then reach the Grotta del Bue Marino, where once the monk seal is said to have lived. The cave is large enough for small boats to enter and inside there is a small beach that seems to float on fluorescent waters. After Punta Perciato you reach rocks with peculiar shapes, La Canna and Montenassari. Continue along the western part, rugged and steep, covered with ferns and broom. You then reach the Scoglio della Fortuna, Punta Zotta with its lighthouse. Pass the Giafante rock and Punta dello Zucco Grande to reach Valle della Fossa and Monte Guardia and finally the port. Need one more reason to visit Filicudi? Here it is… Special mention deserves the Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, a non-profit association that aims to study and conserve cetacean and sea turtle populations in the Aeolian Islands. Their activities are numerous and among the most beautiful is undoubtedly the sea turtle emergency service.