Helicopter Flight over Mount Etna

Tour: Mount Etna and Taormina by helicopter
Duration: about 35 minutes
Seats: up to 5 passengers + pilot
Cost: € 1500.00

35 minutes of pure magic are waiting for you on a tour that will take you from the beating heart of Etna to the enchanting shores of Taormina. An experience that embraces Sicily’s most fascinating contrasts.

• Welcome drink and briefing with your experienced pilot at the private helipad in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia.
• Takeoff! Fly over the majestic coniferous forest and ancient lava flows that brush the Etna villages.
• Soar over the ski resort of Piano Provenzana, admire the 2002 flows and Etna’s typical “Button” craters (“Bottoniera”).
• Get captivated by the “sciara”, an almost lunar landscape that anticipates the breathtaking view of the summit craters.
• At about 3500 meters above sea level, the view opens to the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria. A panorama that takes your breath away!
• Begin the descent down the Etna Sud slope, the wildest side of the volcano, to the Etna Sud ski resort and Rifugio Sapienza.
• Enjoy a unique view of the city of Catania and its gulf.
• Hover above the ancient Silvestri Craters and the “donkey’s back” leading to the huge Bove Valley.
• Head down to the coast, letting yourself be captivated by the charm of Riposto’s marina.
• Fly over golden beaches and turquoise sea, reaching Giardini Naxos with its Greek archaeological excavations.
• Ascend to Taormina, the pearl of Sicily: admire the Greek Theater, the castle, its picturesque gulfs, Capo Taormina, Isola Bella and Castelmola.
• Give a final farewell to the coast and the castle of Calatabiano before returning to the helipad.

Tour: Aeolian Islands by helicopter
Duration: about 100 minutes
Seats: up to 5 passengers + pilot
Cost: € 3300.00

100 minutes of intense excitement await you on a tour that will take you to discover the natural wonders that pepper the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian Islands. Get ready for an unforgettable experience among active volcanoes, paradise islands and breathtaking views.

• Welcome drink and briefing with your experienced pilot at the private helipad in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia.
• Takeoff! Leave the Ionian coast of Sicily and be captivated by the view of majestic Mount Etna, flying over the slopes of the northern slope and the villages that surround it.
• Pass over the Peloritani Mountains and catch a glimpse of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the horizon. Milazzo drifts away below as the coast is tinged with deep blue.
• Immerse yourself in the Aeolian Islands archipelago, admire the natural spectacle of the seven islands of volcanic origin, Pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Fly over Stromboli, the wild island dominated by its still active volcano.
• Let yourself be captivated by the charm of Panarea, the pearl of the archipelago with its white houses and yachts moored off its shores.
• Explore Salina, the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, and Lipari, rich in history and culture.
• Soar over Vulcano, the island where myth meets nature, and be enchanted by its craters and fumaroles.
• Return to Sicily, flying over the Tindari Sanctuary and the striking Nebrodi Mountains.
• Bid a final farewell to the coastline that connects Catania to Taormina, the lush vineyards and crops, before returning to the helipad.

Highlights of the Experience

• Exclusive Helicopter Tour: Fly over Mount Etna’s summit craters, side craters, and sciara di fuoco for an unforgettable panoramic view.
• Comfort and Safety: Our helicopters, equipped for up to 7 passengers, offer front seats for a superior view and headsets to hear the pilot’s commentary.
• Unique Landscapes: Admire the Valle del Bove, the ancient Silvestri craters, and the contrast of black volcanic rock against Sicily’s blue sky and Ionian Sea.

Why Choose Us?

• Certified and Convenient Departure: Flights depart from a certified heliport in Castiglione di Sicilia, just minutes from Catania and Taormina.
• Experienced Pilots: Fly with experts boasting decades of experience.
• Fast and Comfortable: Reach Etna’s summit faster with our high-performance helicopters compared to other providers.
• Expert Commentary: Option to include a volcanology guide onboard for in-depth explanations of Etna’s geology and activity.

What You’ll See

• Summit Craters: View the four large active craters emitting plumes of smoke.
• Valle del Bove: Fly over this massive depression on Etna’s eastern slope, a geological marvel.
• 2002-2003 Lava Flows: Witness the scars left by past eruptions at Piano Provenzana.
• Ancient and Recent Eruptions: Discover the bottoniera craters, formed during Etna’s dynamic volcanic activity.
• Aeolian Islands and Calabria: On clear days, enjoy views of Sicily’s coast, the Aeolian Islands, and mainland Italy.

Important Information

• Weather Conditions: Flights depend on favorable weather and volcanic activity. In case of cancellations, alternative routes over Taormina, Isola Bella, and Castelmola will be offered.
• Clothing Tips: Wear seasonal clothing and bring a windbreaker jacket for high-altitude flights.
• Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair-accessible with prior arrangement.
• Safety: Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with heart conditions.

Book Your Etna Helicopter Flight Now!

All helicopter tours can be followed by a relaxing excursion to Mount Etna by SUV or Minivan, at a total extra cost of € 100.00.

• We will travel along the picturesque Via Mareneve, immersed in the nature of Etna Park.
• The first stop will be the lava front of the 2002 eruption, evidence of the largest eruption in recent times.
• We will then travel to Piano Provenzana at 1800m asl, the main ski and hiking center on Etna’s northern slope. Here we will also stop to visit an ancient crater.
• When we arrive at Rifugio Citelli you can look out onto a magnificent panoramic terrace, to admire the Etnean landscape in all its beauty.
• During the tour we will make several stops to discover striking corners of the volcano, always without the need for long walks.
• The excursion will conclude by taking you back to the meeting point.