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Mountain Excursions

Mount Etna Helicopter Tour

Young tourist in helicopter viewing Mount Etna landscape.
Aerial view of Mount Etna's craters with smoke rising, Sicily, Italy.
Mount Etna aerial view at sunset with volcanic craters and rugged landscape in Catania, Italy.
Couple walking towards helicopter on a sunny day.

Duration

30 min

4.4/5

(102)

Sofia

Sofia

Nov 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Went with my sister for her birthday. Was actually nervous (heights aren’t my thing) but the pilot, Paolo, was suuuper chill and explained everything before takeoff. Once we lifted off, nerves just... gone. The landscape is wild—Etna looks like it’s from another planet. Didn’t realize how many craters there are! Headphones were comfy, could hear Paolo’s commentary clearly. Only thing: bring a jacket, it gets windy up there.
Camille

Camille

Oct 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
We surprised our parents for their anniversary with this heli tour. They’ve never done anything like this before. The staff was sooo patient with my mom’s 1000 questions. Flight up was smooth, saw little puffs of steam and rivers of black rock. Pilot pointed out old lava trails from past eruptions. Parents are still talking about it!
Javier

Javier

Nov 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
Booked last minute after our hike got rained out. Lucky us, the sun came out and the visibility was PERFECT. The staff were friendly and didn’t make a fuss about my camera (just no photos in the hangar). Flight felt short (30 mins zoom by), but still got a solid look at everything. Would do it again, maybe in spring.
    • Take a 30-minute helicopter flight reaching 3,500m for heart-pounding views of lava flows, and Silvestri Craters.

    • Enjoy an intimate 5-passenger ride from the Fiumefreddo Helipad.

    • Admire unmatched panoramas of Sicliy's coastline while enjoying drinks on board.

    • Touch down safely at the Sapienza ski resort after your tour ends.

    • 30-minute shared helicopter flight

    • Maximum 5 participants

    • Aerial views from 3,500 meters

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 4.4
    102 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

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    What our guests say

    Sofia

    Sofia

    Nov 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    Went with my sister for her birthday. Was actually nervous (heights aren’t my thing) but the pilot, Paolo, was suuuper chill and explained everything before takeoff. Once we lifted off, nerves just... gone. The landscape is wild—Etna looks like it’s from another planet. Didn’t realize how many craters there are! Headphones were comfy, could hear Paolo’s commentary clearly. Only thing: bring a jacket, it gets windy up there.
    Javier

    Javier

    Nov 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Booked last minute after our hike got rained out. Lucky us, the sun came out and the visibility was PERFECT. The staff were friendly and didn’t make a fuss about my camera (just no photos in the hangar). Flight felt short (30 mins zoom by), but still got a solid look at everything. Would do it again, maybe in spring.
    Lina

    Lina

    Nov 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    I dragged my boyfriend here and he was skeptical (thought it’d be touristy and overpriced). But wow, he LOVED it. The pilot was hilarious, kept making volcano puns, and gave us random facts about lava flows. Could even spot the coast from the air. The ground crew offered us espresso before and after. Best date ever.
    Marius

    Marius

    Nov 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    3/5
    Not bad but not mindblown either. Booked for 11am, ended up waiting 40 mins because of "unexpected maintenance" (their words). Views were great, especially the smoky crater, but the delay kinda soured it. Would say it’s worth it if you’ve got patience.
    Camille

    Camille

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    We surprised our parents for their anniversary with this heli tour. They’ve never done anything like this before. The staff was sooo patient with my mom’s 1000 questions. Flight up was smooth, saw little puffs of steam and rivers of black rock. Pilot pointed out old lava trails from past eruptions. Parents are still talking about it!
  • Soar above Mount Etna on a 30-minute shared helicopter tour, taking in aerial views from 3,500 meters and descending to Sapienza ski resort.

    Getting started

    Arrive at the private HeliSicily helipad in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, next to "La Terra dei sogni country hotel." After a quick check-in and safety briefing, your pilot will introduce the route and answer any questions before boarding.

    What to expect

    Mount Etna

    Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, dominates Sicily’s landscape and is renowned for its geological significance and dynamic eruptions. The volcano’s slopes are dotted with historic lava flows, forests, and small towns shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.

    Features

    • Aerial views from 3,500 meters: Experience panoramic sights of Etna’s summit, craters, and the surrounding Sicilian countryside from a unique vantage point.

    • Lava flows and volcanic landscape: Spot ancient and recent lava flows, observing the dramatic contrast between black volcanic rock and green forests.

    • Descent to Sapienza ski resort: Land at the renowned Sapienza ski resort, a hub for mountain excursions and the starting point for many Etna adventures.

    • Small group setting: Fly with a maximum of five participants, ensuring clear views and a personal experience with your expert pilot.

  • What to bring

    • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

    What’s not allowed

    • Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the helicopter.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    Additional information

    • The maximum weight per passenger is 105 kg (232 lbs).

    • A minimum of 4 paying customers is required for the flight to be confirmed. If the minimum is not met, your flight may be canceled or rescheduled, and you will be offered an alternative time slot or a full refund.

    • The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date, an alternative tour, or a full refund. All passengers must accept the same alternative option if the original flight is canceled.

    • Seats are assigned based on passenger weight and height to maintain helicopter balance.

    • The activity is limited to small groups, with a maximum of 5 participants per flight.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

    Ticket Redemption Point

    • Show your ticket at HeliSicily Etna helicopter tours and charters.

    • Address: Via Catania Messina, 14, 95013 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia CT, Italy.

    • Landmark: Annexed to La Terra Dei Sogni Country Hotel.

    Get Directions to the Redemption Point

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