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Alicudi () is the westernmost of the seven islands that make up the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic island chain north of Sicily. The island is about west of Lipari, has a total area of , and is roughly circular.
The island was first populated as long ago as 17th century BC, as some archaeological evidence from this period has been found. ancient Rome ceramic fragments, dating from many centuries later, can be found on the eastern coast of the island.
The modern name of "Alicudi" is descended from the island's Ancient Greek name of Ἐρείκουσα Ereikousa, derived from Erica (heather) growing on the island’s slopes. For many centuries, Alicudi was the target of frequent incursions by Pirate. Consequently, the island’s population was forced to find shelter in small houses constructed on high terraces and also meant that simple agriculture and cultivation of the peach were the foundations of the modest island economy.
In more recent times, the island became known for its alleged witches and sorcerers whose explanation has come to be attributed to ergotism in local grain-based foodstuff which, due to scarcity, was consumed regardless of the fungal infection.
In 1807, King Ferdinand IV created the title of Count of Alicudi in favor of the Spanish diplomat Alonso de Rivero.
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