Etna Helicopter Tour: Private Flight to the Summit Craters

The Etna helicopter tour begins at a private helipad in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, with express check-in and a welcome drink or coffee before take-off. Then the helicopter heads for the northern slopes, over Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa.

The climb passes the conifer forests and the old lava flows that reach down toward the villages, then the Piano Provenzana ski area and the line of craters known as the Bottoniera. Green gives way to dark volcanic ground, and at around 3,500 metres you look down into the summit craters, with Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and even Calabria in view.

The way back follows the rugged southern side: the Sapienza ski resort, the gulf of Catania, the extinct Silvestri Craters, the Schiena dell'Asino ridge and the edge of the Valle del Bove. Before landing you pass over the 1992 lava flows that came close to Zafferana Etnea, and the coast between Catania and Taormina.

The flight lasts 30 minutes and hotel pick-up is available. It needs good weather: if it is cancelled, you are offered another date, an alternative flight along the east coast or a refund. A maximum weight per passenger applies.