The origin of Filicudi is common to all the other islands of the Aeolian archipelago, and is linked to the intense geotectonic activity of the Mediterranean during the Quaternary period, with the stabilization of the Apennines taking place in the Tertiary period. The vegetation is mainly shrubby and typical of the Mediterranean, characterized by strong evergreen bushes which adapted to scarce rainfall and strong winds. The wildlife is poor, like in all the volcanic islands far from the mainland.