Ficogrande is the longest beach on the island, a strip of black volcanic sand and pebbles immediately north of the village. The water shelves quickly so swimmers can be in their depth a few strokes from shore; in the morning the beach is mostly empty, and by early afternoon half the island has wandered down.
There are no formal sun-bed concessions on most of the beach — bring a towel and an umbrella. A handful of bars on the road behind sell granita, panini, and the local Malvasia wine. Sunset here, with the cone behind you and Strombolicchio offshore, is unforgettable.