That is my question. We just saw it in the movie "Caro Diario" and are intrigued. A remote island with with no cars and few visitors sounds appealing. We are happy just hiking and enjoying the views in a quiet and remote place. Maybe swimming too.
Moretti shot Caro Diario in 1993: even if it was a doc and not a work of fiction, your hopes may be too high. In the 80s Alicudi was what You are looking for, but in the 80s I was slim and hairy.
So it has changed? Has it become overrun with tourists seeking "solitude"?
Google may be your friend with this - or the relevant TripAdvisor forum. From these articles, it is still sea-rene.
https://aeolianislandsvacations.com/alicudi
https://www.visitsicily.info/en/alicudi/
We haven’t been to Alicudi but the photos look inviting. That said we were slated to visit Lipari for 3 nights last September. It was highly recommended by another forum friend. Our plan was to take the hydrofoil over to Salina for a day trip. Apparently it’s the greenest island of the archipelago and known for growing olives and wonderful capers. I was reminded that many scenes of the film Il Postino (The Postman) were filmed there. In addition, the food & wines are a plus as well. If & when we can visit I would add additional time in the Aeolian islands!
haven't been to alicudi but several times to stromboli. if you are looking for a no car (only apes, scooters, and golf carts), as a walkable, out of the way vacation spot, stromboli is perfect. gets crowded in summer but my trips were all in april- june - empty and perfect! the narrow streets, the white asymmetrical houses with brightly painted doors and windows and are a delight for a photographer. what most people go there for though is the active volcano! 'iddu' the locals call 'him'. you can hike up to 'bunkers' and at night the eruptions are spectacular. i spent most of my days walking around, taking pictures but there are also black lava beaches and clear water, a few good restaurants and awesome granita! i miss the place.