Mount Etna seen from below fascinates and conquers, but from above it reveals its incredible majesty: a helicopter flight transforms your perspective and provides an unforgettable experience.
The charm that comes from above
If from the ground Etna fascinates with its grandeur, from above it is able to captivate with its particularly varied terrain. ‘A Muntagna’ (as it is good-naturedly called by the Sicilians) is an important presence, alive and pulsating, that has modelled the landscape with its lava flows and continues to change its conformation with every activity. Its summit craters, seen from a helicopter, look like veins of an ancient face, offering a completely new perspective.
With the latest generation of helicopters, you fly along the lava flows to Etna’s summit craters, observing the beating heart of the volcano from over 3,600 metres. From above, one can admire the monumental dimensions of Etna and the traces of its eruptions, with lava flows extending in every direction.
On the eastern slope, the majestic Valle del Bove opens up like a huge gash of about 37 square kilometres in the volcano’s structure. Over the past 50 years, Valle del Bove has been totally transformed, from a lush green valley until 1971, to today showing itself instead as a totally black lava desert, offering a spectacular perspective.
Flight types
Helicopter flights over Etna differ mainly in duration, route and mode of enjoyment. One can opt for a shared flight, which is more economical and convivial, or choose a private experience to enjoy the particularity of the experience in total intimacy.
The basic route involves flying over the summit craters and the main lava flows, but many operators offer extended routes that include spectacular checkpoints such as the Aeolian Islands with views of Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, Strombolicchio, the pearl of Taormina and the Alcantara gorges. Some itineraries combine flying with land excursions and tastings of Etna wines and typical Etna products, allowing you to explore on foot the places admired from above and discover the suggestive underground lava tunnels.
For those seeking the ultimate experience, there are “premium” flights with multiple overflights of the summit craters, allowing you to observe the geological complexity of the volcano from different angles and capture every detail of this natural spectacle.
When and how to experience the flight
The best time for a helicopter excursion to Etna is in the morning and late afternoon just before sunset, when the days are clear and with little wind. During the hottest hours of the day, the moisture rising from the sea often generates clouds that cover the summit area, so you have to rely on the experience of pilots who know the air currents and can carry out the flights safely. All flights are subject to weather conditions and volcanic activity, and Etna is an area that is constantly monitored by the hundreds of survey stations of the INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology).
The starting points are located on the north and north-east flanks of Etna, are easily accessible and have parking facilities. During the flights, private guide services are also available on board for detailed explanations in Italian, English, German, French and Spanish, guaranteeing a personalised experience.
Beyond the flight: the full experience
After the morning flight, you can round off the day with excursions to the sites observed from above. One crosses lava flows, walks along the edges of side craters and descends underground into lava tunnels. For those with a sweet tooth, the experience can end with tastings of typical products, local honeys, creams, liqueurs and Sicilian DOC wines.
A memory that remains
Flying over Mount Etna is not just a tourist experience. It is a way to get in touch with the power of nature, to look at the world from a new perspective, and to return to earth with eyes full of wonder. You can also request a photo shoot by a professional photographer who will accompany you during the flight. A memory that remains etched in your memory forever, enriched by the possibility of choosing the experience that best suits your needs and budget.
Safety is guaranteed by next-generation helicopters, experienced pilots and certified licensed guides. Each flight includes full insurance and, for those who choose the combined options, professional equipment for land excursions.
The options with EtnaWay: Among specialised operators, EtnaWay offers several solutions. The group flight (2 summit overflights, max 7 people) starts at € 300, while standard private flights start at € 1.000. The Platinum experience (3 overflights) is available at € 1.100, the combined Etna & Taormina tour at € 1.400. For adventure lovers, the flight to Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands costs € 3.200, while the flight-trekking combination is offered at € 1.500.
All flights include insurance, use of state-of-the-art helicopters, an exclusive number of overflights, the possibility of “front row” attendance by reserving seats in the front, and multilingual guides (Italian, English, German, French and Spanish) on request.
