ETNA VOLCANO AND TAORMINA HELICOPTER TOUR
35 minutes private flight
Euro 1490
This is a private experience. Only your group will participate.
HeliSicily offers the Etna Volcano and Taormina aerial tour to create a special emotion that will remain unforgettable!
BOOK NOW! INSTANT CONFIRMATION AND FREE CANCELLATION
You can cancel up to 24 h in advance of the flight to get a full refund excluding 4.5% reservation fees - cancellation policy.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
After take-off, the flight will proceed to the northern side of the volcano, flying over the towns of Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa. During the ascent you can admire a majestic forest of conifers and the old lava flows that descend almost to the Etna villages.
As you get ever nearer to the peaks, you will fly over the ski resort of Piano Provenzana, enjoying a unique view of the flows that formed the series of craters called "La Bottoniera"; here, the vegetation ends and is replaced by the sciara that will leads you up to the majestic view of the summit craters.
We are at an altitude of about 3500 meters and the view from here covers the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria. You will begin the descent along the volcano's more rugged side to reach the Sapienza ski resort and refuge. From here, you will enjoy a unique view of the city of Catania and the Gulf. Proceeding east, we will fly over the old, extinct Silvestri Craters before passing over the Schiena dell'asilo "donkey's back" that leads to the vast Valle del Bove. We will survey the 1992 flows that almost destroyed the village of Zafferana Etnea. After a last look at the coast between Catania and Taormina, the vineyards and lush crops.
You will continue to descend until you reach the Riposto marina, a well-known and popular tourist port; from there, you will follow the coast, flying over the beaches and the turquoise sea until you reach Giardini Naxos, the Greek excavations and then turn towards Taormina (the Pearl of Sicily). The famous ancient Greek theatre, symbol of the city, and down towards the famed gulfs and the coves, Capo Taormina, the amazing "Isola Bella" and then up towards Castelmola. One last look at the coast, past Calatabiano Castle and it is time to go back.
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Helicopter AS 350 (max 5 seats + pilot)
- Take-off: Fiumefreddo Helipad
Via Catania Messina, 14, 95013 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia CT, Italy - Bottled water
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant / cardiovascular-heart disease travellers
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather or technical problems, you’ll be offered a different date
Fly Over the Summit of Mount Etna and the Taormina beauties on a Helicopter Tour
A HeliSicily's helicopter tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur of Europe's largest active volcano and the pearl of mediterranean sea Taormina. Located on the east coast of Sicily, Mount Etna encompasses an area of 1,190 km2 with a summit elevation of 3,329 m. Helisicily offers 35-minute helicopter flights that depart from a private helipad located in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, on the volcano's slopes, treating visitors to breathtaking aerial views of Etna's summit and active craters. The helicopter ascent commences in a fully serviced HeliSicily resort, transporting you over ancient volcanic cones and lava flows towards the summit. As the chopper navigates around the Valle del Bove, a massive caldera formed by a prehistoric eruption, glimpses of volcanic deserts and petrified forests emerge beneath the aircraft. Upon reaching the summit, billowing sulfurous fumes rising from the bowels of the Earth. Two cinder cones, the Northeast and Southeast craters, frequently erupt and modify the summit landscape. For a fleeting moment, you can peer down into the craters' depths, observing ash and gas being explosively ejected. The helicopter provides a safe vantage to witness Etna's raw power and volatility.
A helicopter flight over Mount Etna offers an unforgettable encounter with one of the world's most active volcanoes. As an iconic symbol of Sicily, Etna's grandeur and beauty from the air will leave an indelible impression. By booking with Helisicily, visitors can experience the thrill of soaring over Etna's summit and gaining a newfound appreciation for the colossal forces of nature that built this volcanic edifice. The helicopter tour continues with the flight over Taormina and the breathtaking view of the Isola Bella "beautiful island" and the Greek theater.
Frequently Asked Questions About Etna and Taormina Helicopter Tours
Before booking an Etna helicopter tour, many visitors have questions regarding what to expect from this unique experience. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers:
What can we expect to see? During the flight, you can expect to see the summit craters, including the Voragine and Bocca Nuova craters, as well as the Valle del Bove depression and recent lava flows. You may also spot volcanic gases and fumaroles emitting from the craters. The surrounding vistas include the Ionian Sea, the Catania Plain, and the Peloritani Mountains. Tour will continue with aerial view of Giardini Naxos and its Greek excavations, Taormina and the iconic Greek theatre, capo Taormina, Isola Bella, Castelmola, Calatabiano Castle.
What safety measures are in place? Passenger safety is the top priority. The helicopters are specially equipped for high-altitude flights and volcano observation. They comply with the strictest safety standards and are operated by experienced pilots with extensive training. All necessary safety gear like noise-cancelling headphones and seatbells are provided to passengers.
What to wear: Dress in comfortable layers for variable temperatures, bring sunglasses, camera, smartphone.
How far in advance should I check-in for a Etna and Taormina helicopter tour? Arrive at the helipad at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time for check-in and a safety briefing. Your pilot will determine the exact flight path based on weather and volcanic conditions on the day of your tour.
Our tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the power and beauty of an active volcano from a unique aerial perspective. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions, visitors can feel fully prepared to enjoy this unforgettable adventure in complete safety and comfort.
