Mount Etna, one of Europe’s and the world’s most active volcanoes, is also a popular tourist attraction.
Mt Etna helicopter tours offer the thrill of unpredictability as you set forth to witness the volcano’s delicate ecosystem from the sky.
What’s more extraordinary than beholding the juxtaposition of the site of nature’s fury against the surrounding scenic beauty of Sicily?
This article covers everything you need to know before booking a Mount Etna helicopter tour.
Top Mount Etna helicopter tours
# Etna volcano private heli tour from Fiumefreddo
# Taormina and Etna private heli ride from Fiumefreddo
Table of contents
Etna volcano private heli tour from Fiumefreddo
Prepare to be whisked away on an adventurous 30-minute helicopter tour of Mount Etna.
Meet the operators for a warm welcome and start the trip with a drink.
The aerial view of the Etna summit craters will blow your mind.
Hover over the ski resort of Piano Provenzana and the series of craters called “la bottoniera.”
Take in the sights of the villages of Linguaglossa and Piedimonte Etneo.
Fly by the Bove Valley before returning to touch base.
Cost of the tour (3+ years): US$1,431 per group (up to 5)
Taormina and Etna private heli ride from Fiumefreddo
This 35-minute helicopter tour indulges you on a tour of one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.
Witness peak natural beauty in Taormina as you fly over it.
The town’s main landmark is the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, which serves as a visual feast from the luxury of a helicopter.
Marvel at the seaside views of Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos as you sip on a cup of tea/coffee.
Snap postcard-worthy images of the medieval village of Castelmolaas as you glide over it.
Calatabiano and Riposto are also noteworthy attractions to look out for before heading to the tour’s highlight, Mt. Etna.
Catch glimpses of Piano Provenzana, Linguaglossa, Piedimonte Etneo, and Bove Valley on your way to the site.
Cost of the tour (4+ years): US$1,653 per group (up to 5)
Heli flight over Mount Etna
This 20-minute helicopter flight is nothing short of a joyride.
The bird’s eye views of Mt Etna, its snow-capped peaks, lava flows, and craters will wash over you with immense exhilaration.
A flight over Taormina is bound to make you fall in love with it.
The tour includes hotel transfers.
Cost of the tour (4+ years): US$1,398 per group (up to 5)
Shared Heli Ride to Etna Volcano from Fiumefreddo
This 30-minute heli tour is the most budget-friendly way to witness Mt Etna from the sky.
Everything from the summit craters to ancient flows reveals itself in all its splendor for you.
Treat yourself to the sights of picturesque medieval towns and villages as you move towards the volcano.
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as you fly thousands of feet up in the air.
Cost of the tour (4+ years): US$333 per person
What to expect
Departure point
Most private Mount Etna heli rides take off from a private heliport in Fiumefreddo.
Address: Via Catania Messina, 14, 95013 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia CT, Italy. Get directions
Note: Private heliport located in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (CT) Attached to “La Terra dei Sogni” Country Hotel.
However, Heli flight over Mount Etna offers both a hotel pickup and the option to head directly to the meeting point.
Address: Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, SS120 KM 200, 95012 Castiglione di Sicilia CT, Italy. Get directions
The heliports are near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Timings of the tours
Mount Etna heli tours are operational throughout the week.
The first batch of most tours take off as early as 8 am and continue in slots up to 7 pm.
Only the Heli flight over Mount Etna has a fixed-time take-off at 9 am.
While most of the tours operate daily, they may get affected by the weather conditions.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Most tour operators prefer their participants reach the meeting point 30 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Mt Etna.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
The tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or guests with back or heart problems.
Heli flight over Mount Etna is not wheelchair accessible.
A valid passport is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Mt Etna helicopter tours do not include lunch and hotel transfers unless stated otherwise.
Gratuities and personal expenses are excluded from your ticket.
Accessibility to the tours
Heli tours over Mt Etna are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
Heli flight over Mount Etna and Shared Heli Ride to Etna Volcano from Fiumefreddo are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
For a full refund on the other tours, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
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