Sicily , Italy

Etna Helicopter Tour

Active

(34 reviews)

30m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

EN helicopter tour over the summit craters
Fly over Etna volcano and its active craters
Spectacular views of lava and Valle del Bove
Unique experience, accessible from 4 years
Max. 5 passengers – Helicopter AS350
Maximum weight per passenger: 100 kg
Accessible from 4 years

Available options

Etna Helicopter Tour

What's included

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Restroom on board

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Etna Volcano Tour

Overview of the northern ski resort

Passage over the Silvestri Craters

Flight over the Valle del Bove and view of the 1991-1993 lava

View of the 1928 eruption

Overview of Sartorius Craters eruption of 1865

Flight over Zafferana Etnea and view of the 1991-1993 lava

Passage on the western slope

Overview of Giarre

Passage on the port of Riposto

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

34 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Upon arrival, proceed to the large red gate.
It opens automatically.
Follow the paved road through the greenhouses for 500 m to the La Terra dei Sogni Inn.
Present yourself at the reception: the heliport is 100 m away.

Important notes

Etna Helicopter Flight Itinerary:
Departure is from a certified airfield, easily and quickly accessible from Catania or Taormina.
The pilot will choose the most suitable route for a safe flight and to allow you to see the most beautiful places.

Information:
To take good pictures I recommend wearing black clothes, in order to have less reflections on the window of the helicopter.
1 person can sit at the front next to the pilot.
The flight may be affected by weather conditions and volcanic activity.
These natural events can alter the normal flight plan.
The pilot will choose the best route accordingly.
The day before the flight I contact you to check the weather and the geodynamic conditions of the volcano.
Transfer from your hotel is not provided (available on request).

Conditions of sale:
Final confirmation (or cancellation) and departure time will be communicated 24 hours before the flight.
In the event of cancellation by us, the amount paid will be fully refunded.

If weather/geodynamic conditions are not favourable:
We are on an active volcano.
The gases produced by the summit craters can contribute to reduced visibility and this phenomenon is not predictable.
Weather forecasts remain forecasts and we cannot guarantee that they are 100% accurate.
In the event of adverse weather/geodynamic conditions, we may reschedule the flight to another available date.
If you can't move the date, I'll refund you.
In the event that on the day of the flight it is not possible to reach or see the area of the summit of the volcano, the flight plan will be modified.
In this case, you will fly over and see: Taormina, Isola Bella (Naxos), Acicastello Castle and the Cyclops Islands (Acitrezza, birthplace of Etna).

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.