In ancient times, the island was called Ericusa because of the heather of the same name that grew lushly here.
It is the westernmost and, at 5.2 km², the second smallest of the Aeolian Islands. The approximately circular island consists of the 675 m high stratovolcano Filo del' Arpa. Two thirds of the island is not cultivated. The only town on the island, Alicudi Porto, is connected to the settlements of Tonna, Pianicello, Bazzina and Montangola by stone steps.
The almost 100 residents, who live from agriculture (growing figs, capers, almonds and grape vines), fishing and tourism, are concentrated in the southeastern part of the island.
There is no road network, the houses are connected by centuries-old stairways and mules are used as a means of transport. Electricity and connection to the telephone network have only been available since 1990.