Magic Island Walks
Our Walking Days!
New! All year round Saturday walks in Italian for small groups.
 

A walk on the wild side of the Aeolian island of Filicudi

In 1997 three quarters of the 9.5 km2 island was turned into a Conservation Area. The Aeolian archipelago became a "World Heritage" area.
The number of lovers of this unspoiled jewel in the Mediterranean Sea with its 4000 years-old Greek-Roman history is increasing steadily.

Roland Zoss - novelist and botanist on Filicudi - offering tours in Spring and Fall to some hidden, magical places of the island. He also shows you around in his sub-tropical botanical garden, with his knowledge of 20 years of how to realize a dream.
Live the poetry of the film IL POSTINO (which has been shot on these islands) in reality! See some of the many migratory birds that take a rest in this bird sanctuary on their trips between Africa and Europe.
 

The Excursion
starts in Valdichiesa, leading on old trails into the Natural Reservation. High above the populated part of the island, in the shade of an old St.John's tree we learn more about those who created this garden of Eden - and why they left for the USA and Australia.
400 feet above sea level we reach the top, the long extinct volcano, from where we enjoy the superb panorama.
Sitting in the sunset we look out for the boat which brought Ulysses and his men to this mythological place -some thousand years ago.
On our way back, we have a look at a sculpturer's artwork. Our three-hour-walk ends with the visit of a Filicudi family.
 
 

What is Being Offered?
Information on

Botanics (old Olive trees, healing herbs, etc.)
Animals (from the Gecko to the endemic Eleanor Falcon),
History (4000 years of civilization and current local daily life).

   


When Do the Walks Take Place?
In spring and fall. Every Monday (ra
in date: Thursday). There are also all year round Saturday walks in Italian for pre-booked groups.


Meeting Point: At the Cupola (chapel) at the end of the street to Valdichiesa.
Departure 10 a.m. // Return around 1:30 p.m.
Languages: English, German, French, Italian

Price: 43.- Swiss Francs. or 28.- Euros per person (4 to 8 persons). Group rates for bigger groups on request (see below).

Who Can Participate?
People 10 or older in average shape. Please do wear good hiking boots since some trails ar rocky and slippery! A minimum of 4 participants per tour is necessary. Maximum of 15 to 20 people. The length of the walk is 3.75 miles (6 kilometers). Difference in altitude: 330 feet (100 meters). Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, as well as a hat! Approximate duration of the trip: 3 1/2 hours.

Special Prices and Arrangements for Groups up to 20 People on Request:
For example: Lunch walk for Andy tourists on Filicudi (bring your own lunch): Arrival in Filicudi. 9:15 a.m. The taxi from the harbor up to Valdichiesa is free.
Departure for the walk: 10 a.m. Return 1:30 p.m.
Lunch in a restaurant on Rocca di Ciavole is possible as is a visit on your own of Capo Graziano. Leaving Filicudi with Aliscaph/Ship:
4 p.m. Arrival in Lipari around 5 p.m.

Longer and more difficult excursions to the top of the island (4 hours); a 2-hour-easy-walk to the ghost village of Zuccho Grande; and a wilderness trip to Siccagni (6 hours) can be organized with local guides.

Prices and programs may change. © 2008
 

 
 
Two guides / books in german about the islands:
 
Amann, Peter: Liparische Insel- & Wanderführer
, Iwanowski's Reisebuchverlag.
 
Zoss, Roland "Die Insel hinterm Mond", (english Version in 2006)
 
Film:
"Il Postino" (The postman), shot on the neighboring island Salina.
 

 
 
Italiano Escursioni di lunedi
Français Excursions de lundi
 
 

 

 
And here you can book your walk!
 
Please e-mail us the number of people (and children).

Your money transfer 30 days prior to your requested tour date will confirm your reservation.
Postal account 30-110 522-2, Roland Zoss, BERNE, Switzerland
(include date/number of walkers).