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The Reserves > Filicudi Island Nature Reserve and Canna and Montenassari Reefs

The reserve is established in order to protect:

  • The volcanic complex with characteristic stagnation domes;
  • the extensive shrub formations such as those of cysto-ericion;
  • the climatic vegetation along the coastal strip represented by euphorbia dendroides scrub, which in the stretches closer to the shore is replaced by halophilic aspects of crithmolimonium, such as clusters of senecio bicolor and helichrysum litoreum and that of limonium minutiflorum, to be ascribed among the durable edaphic-type formations. The associations described are limonietum minutiflori, senecioni-helichrysetum litorei, tuberarium-aphanetum microcarpe, and tuberarium-senecionetum lividi;
  • the Reed: a small isolated ecosystem of considerable interest, home to a colony of hawk eleonorae and an endemic subspecies of lizard podarcis sicula cucchiarai (Di Palma ’78).

The Reserve is designated a SAC (Special Area of Conservation), under the Habitats Directive, as a Site of Community Importance (ITA 030024). .

It also falls within the SPA zone – ITA 0300044, as a protection zone placed along the migration routes of avifauna.

Interactive Map
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Reserve Data Sheet

Institution

The reserve is established in order to protect:

  • The volcanic complex with characteristic stagnation domes;
  • the extensive shrub formations such as those of cysto-ericion;
  • the climatic vegetation along the coastal strip represented by euphorbia dendroides scrub, which in the stretches closer to the shore is replaced by halophilic aspects of crithmolimonium, such as clusters of senecio bicolor and helichrysum litoreum and that of limonium minutiflorum, to be ascribed among the durable edaphic-type formations. The associations described are limonietum minutiflori, senecioni-helichrysetum litorei, tuberarium-aphanetum microcarpe, and tuberarium-senecionetum lividi;
  • the Reed: a small isolated ecosystem of considerable interest, home to a colony of hawk eleonorae and an endemic subspecies of lizard podarcis sicula cucchiarai (Di Palma ’78).

The reserve and its habitats are
Site of Community Interest – Natura 2000 Network (SCI-ITA030024).
: habitats that contribute significantly to the maintenance of biodiversity in the region are part of this Network.

Reserve Data Sheet

Cape Gratian and Prehistoric Village

The Prehistoric Village of Cape Gratian is an important archaeological site dating back to the Neolithic period (5000-2500 B.C.). The site includes a complex of stone and clay buildings and circular huts, neatly arranged on a natural terrace, and a vast cemetery. The area was inhabited for about 2,000 years, up to the Bronze Age. The archaeological site was discovered in 1949 by Prof. Luigi Bernabò

Zucco Grande

The abandoned village of Zucco Grande is located in the northeastern part of Filicudi; once populated by 300 people, it is now immersed in the ruins and vegetation of the island. The landscape, rich in ferns and remnants of volcanic lava, is reminiscent of the antiquity of the place that emerged from the volcanic archipelago nearly six thousand years ago. Abandonment began in the 1950s, mainly because of the emigration the inhabitants made in manna to foreign states, particularly Australia. It is said that the most beautiful women in all of Filicudi lived in this village, and island elders remember musical processions by groups of men who wanted to impress the famous Zucco Grande maidens.
How to get there
It can be reached starting from Valdichiesa in an hour's walk on a mule track.
Vallone Fontana
Just ahead of Zucco Grande is Vallone Fontana, a spring that is a natural oasis nestled in the most luxuriant Mediterranean bush, located inside a cave.

Mount Fern Pit

Mt. Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak on the island at 771 meters above sea level and also the youngest volcanic structure on the island. As you ascend, you find yourself immersed in Mediterranean scrub, surrounded by heather and lentisk shrubs, broom and strawberry trees. In addition, many flowering plants can be seen, such as the centaurea aeolica with its beautiful violet-colored flowers. To reach the summit of FIlicudi, it is preferable to be accompanied by a guide because of the somewhat hostile route

Scoglio La Canna

History
the La Canna rock represents the last remnant of an ancient volcanic edifice that erupted about 40,000 years ago on the island of Filicudi. Erosion caused by weathering has eradicated the slopes of the volcano, leaving only a tower of magma, known as neck
Biological Peculiarities
The Eleonorae hawk nests on the cliff, as well as a special subspecies of lizard, podarcis raffonei cchiarai, a critically endangered species.

Prehistoric Village of Cape Graziano

The Prehistoric Village of Cape Gratian is an important archaeological site dating back to the Neolithic period (5000-2500 B.C.). The site includes a complex of stone, clay, and circular huts, neatly arranged on a natural terrace, and a vast cemetery. The area was inhabited for about 2,000 years, up to the Bronze Age. The archaeological site was discovered in 1949 by Prof. Luigi Bernabò

Zucco Grande

The abandoned village of Zucco Grande is located in the northeastern part of Filicudi; once populated by 300 people, it is now immersed in the ruins and vegetation of the island. The landscape, rich in ferns and remnants of volcanic lava, is reminiscent of the antiquity of the place that emerged from the volcanic archipelago nearly six thousand years ago. Abandonment began in the 1950s, mainly due to emigration by the inhabitants en masse to foreign states, particularly Australia.
It is said that the most beautiful women in all of Filicudi lived in this village, and elders still remember musical processions by groups of men who wanted to impress the famous Zucco Grande maidens.
How to get there
It can be reached starting from Val di Chiesa in an hour's walk on a mule track.
Vallone Fontana
Just ahead of Zucco Grande is Vallone Fontana, a spring that is a natural oasis nestled in the most luxuriant Mediterranean bush, located inside a cave.

Mount Fern Pit

Mount Fossa delle Felci, the island's highest peak at 771m, is the island's youngest volcanic structure.
As you ascend, you find yourself immersed in Mediterranean scrub, surrounded by heather and lentisk shrubs, broom and strawberry trees. In addition, many flowering plants can be seen, such as the centaurea aeolica with its beautiful violet-colored flowers.
To reach the summit of Filicudi, it is best to be accompanied by a guide because of the strenuous route.

Scoglio La Canna

History
La Canna rock represents the last remnant of an ancient volcanic edifice that erupted about 40,000 years ago on the island of Filicudi. Erosion caused by weathering has eradicated the slopes of the volcano, leaving only a tower of magma, known as neck.
Biological peculiarities
The Eleonorae hawk nests on the cliff, as well as a special subspecies of lizard, podarcis raffonei cucchiarai, a critically endangered species.

The paths

Trail Val di Chiesa - Houses Zucco Grande

Distance Km 3.13 Elevation gain : 221m, ascent +343m descent -122m  Difficulty : E Hiking

Starting from the small port of FIlicudi, take the path “Via Reale da Rosa al Porto” (distance of 450m and a slope of 120m), until it crosses the Provincial Road at Località Liscio...

Discover the path →

Riserva Naturale di Filicudi e Scogli Canna e Montenassari

  • Istituzione: 27 Luglio 1997
  • Superficie: Zona A Ha 568,50 | Zona B Ha 73,43
  • Coordinate: Lat: 38° 33'20"; Long: 14° 34'5 I"

Geomorfologia 

Complesso vulcanico con caratteristiche cupole di ristagno che all’Isola conferiscono una forma varia e irregolare. L’edificio vulcanico più antico e più esteso è quello denominato Fossa delle felci (m 744 sm), la vetta più alta. Sulla costa occidentale si aprono grotte più o meno profonde come quelle di Maccatone, San Bartolomeo, Perciato, Bue Marino (la più famosa). Sullo stesso lato si stagliano all’orizzonte gli scogli di Montenassari e la Canna (m 71).

Particolarità faunistiche

Si segnala la presenza di endemismi tra Gasteropodi, Collemboli e Blattoidei. Nel vicino isolotto “La Canna” vive una sottospecie endemica di lucertola (Podarcis sicula cucchiarai) e una colonia di Falco eleonorae.

Descrizione: Partendo dal piccolo porto di FIlicudi si imbocca il sentiero “Via Reale da Rosa al Porto” (percorrenza di 450m ed una pendenza di 120m), fino ad incrociare la Strada provinciale in Località Liscio. Proseguendo per la strada provinciale, poco prima di entrare a Val di Chiesa si imbocca ad orien­te La strada comunale Liscio – Serro. Si segue il sentiero fino a raggiungere un bivio nei pressi di Serra di Rando. Al bivio si imbocca il ramo di destra strada comunale Zucco Grande – Val di Chiesa. A questo punto si segue il sentiero per circa 1500m fino ad arrivare alle Case dello Zucco Grande. Il panorama è mozzafiato: a monte incombe Punta Lazzaro; a valle, Monte Guardia, il Piano del Porto e Capo Graziano; davanti si stagliano Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari e Vulcano. Tutto il sentiero si snoda in mezzo ad una lussureggiante vegetazione costituita da Macchia Mediterranea.

Habitat: Durante il percorso è predominante l’habitat 5330 della “Vegetazione di Macchia Gariga”. Arrivati alle case dello Zucco Grande si incrocia l’habitat 5320 delle “Formazione di Euforbie”.

Sentiero Val Di Chiesa - Zucco Grande

Riserva Naturale Isola di Filicudi e Scogli Canna e Montenassari
  • Pericolosità: P4 - molto elevata

Premessa Obbligatoria – Durante il percorso, alcuni tratti ricadono,  per rischio di crolli, in aree a pericolosità: P4 – molto elevata. 

Da cià deriva la necessità di adottare le opportune misure di allertamento (D.P. n. 09/AdB del 06/05/2021)

  • Difficoltà: E Escursionistico
  • Lunghezza: 3,13 km
  • Dislivello: 221m, salita +343m discesa -122m
Scarica Traccia GPX

Descrizione: Partendo dal piccolo porto di FIlicudi si imbocca il sentiero “Via Reale da Rosa al Porto” (percorrenza di 450m ed una pendenza di 120m), fino ad incrociare la Strada provinciale in Località Liscio. Proseguendo per la strada provinciale, poco prima di entrare a Val di Chiesa si imbocca ad orien­te La strada comunale Liscio – Serro. Si segue il sentiero fino a raggiungere un bivio nei pressi di Serra di Rando. Al bivio si imbocca il ramo di destra strada comunale Zucco Grande – Val di Chiesa. A questo punto si segue il sentiero per circa 1500m fino ad arrivare alle Case dello Zucco Grande. Il panorama è mozzafiato: a monte incombe Punta Lazzaro; a valle, Monte Guardia, il Piano del Porto e Capo Graziano; davanti si stagliano Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari e Vulcano. Tutto il sentiero si snoda in mezzo ad una lussureggiante vegetazione costituita da Macchia Mediterranea.

Habitat: Durante il percorso è predominante l’habitat 5330 della “Vegetazione di Macchia Gariga”. Arrivati alle case dello Zucco Grande si incrocia l’habitat 5320 “Formazione di Euforbie”.

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Abbiamo realizzato questo sito web con cura e passione, l’obiettivo è far conoscere le bellezze naturali, i sentieri e l’anima “verde” dell’arcipelago.

Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea e Stromboli sono, prima di tutto, Riserve Naturali protette, curate ed a tua disposizione tutto l’anno: vivile e rispettale.

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We made this website with care and passion, the goal is to make people aware of the natural beauty, trails and “green” soul of the archipelago.

Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli are, first and foremost, protected Nature Reserves, cared for and available to you all year round: experience and respect them.

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Filicudi Nature Reserve and Canna and Montenassari Reefs

  • Establishment: July 27, 1997
  • Area: Zone A Ha 568.50 | Zone B Ha 73.43
  • Coordinates: Lat: 38° 33'20"; Long: 14° 34'5 I"

Geomorphology 

Volcanic complex with characteristic backwater domes that give the Island a varied and irregular shape. The oldest and largest volcanic edifice is the one called Fern Pit (m 744 sm), the highest peak. On the west coast there are more or less deep caves such as Maccatone, San Bartolomeo, Perciato, and Bue Marino (the most famous). On the same side the Montenassari rocks and the Canna (m 71) stand out on the horizon.

Wildlife peculiarities

Endemics among Gastropods, Collemboli and Blattoidea are reported. The nearby islet “La Canna” is home to an endemic subspecies of lizard (Podarcis sicula cucchiarai) and a colony of Falco eleonorae.

Description: Starting from the small port of FIlicudi, take the path “Via Reale da Rosa al Porto” (distance of 450m and a slope of 120m), until it crosses the provincial road at Località Liscio. Continuing along the provincial road, Just before entering Val di Chiesa, you take the Liscio – Serro municipal road to the east. Follow the trail until you reach a junction near Serra di Rando. At the fork, take the right branch Zucco Grande – Val di Chiesa communal road. At this point follow the trail for about 1500m until you reach the Zucco Grande Houses. The view is breathtaking: upstream looms Punta Lazzaro; downstream, Monte Guardia, the Piano del Porto and Capo Graziano; ahead loom Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano. The entire trail winds through lush vegetation consisting of Macchia Mediterranea.

Habitat: Habitat 5330 of “Garrigue Scrub Vegetation” is predominant during the route. Arriving at the Zucco Grande houses, we cross habitat 5320 of the “Euphorbia Formation.”

Val Di Chiesa Trail - Zucco Grande

Filicudi Island and Canna and Montenassari Reefs Nature Reserve
  • Hazard: P4 - very high

Obligatory Foreword – During the route, some sections fall, due to risk of collapse, into hazard areas: P4 – very high.

Hence the need to take appropriate warning measures (P.D. No. 09/AdB of 06/05/2021)

  • Difficulty: E Hiking
  • Length: 3.13 km
  • Elevation gain: 221m, ascent +343m descent -122m
Download GPX Track

Description: Starting from the small port of FIlicudi, take the path “Via Reale da Rosa al Porto” (distance of 450m and a slope of 120m), until it crosses the Provincial Road at Località Liscio. Continuing along the provincial road, just before entering Val di Chiesa, take the Liscio – Serro municipal road to the east. Follow the trail until you reach a junction near Serra di Rando. At the fork, take the right branch Zucco Grande – Val di Chiesa communal road. At this point follow the trail for about 1500m until you reach the Zucco Grande Houses. The view is breathtaking: upstream looms Punta Lazzaro; downstream, Monte Guardia, the Piano del Porto and Capo Graziano; in front loom Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano. The entire path winds through lush vegetation consisting of Mediterranean Macchia.

Habitat: Habitat 5330 of the “Garrigue Scrub Vegetation” is predominant along the route. Arriving at the Zucco Grande houses, we cross habitat 5320 “Euphorbia Formation.”

Discover the Interactive Map