Helicopter tour of Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands

Our powerful Eurocopter EC130 helicopter climbs faster than the others (AS350), takes off further and at a lower altitude. The EC130 helicopter can carry up to 6 passengers with 2 seats in the front. Each participant has a headset to hear the pilot or guide.

Etna3340 offers you to visit the Aeolian Islands by helicopter. The Aeolian Islands are known for their unique beauty, they are the pearls of the Mediterranean. The Aeolian Islands are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The itinerary includes a helicopter tour of the Aeolian Islands, with a focus on Stromboli, Vulcano and Lipari.

The 360-degree discovery of the volcanic islands allows you to observe the grandeur of the Aeolian Islands archipelago. The EC130 helicopter can carry a maximum of 6 people, with 2 seats in the front. Flight duration is 80 minutes. The departure is from a certified airport of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Helicopter tour of Stromboli

The flight allows you to discover the morphology of the volcanic building of Stromboli. You will see the different vents, which have characterized its evolution and the eruptive units generated. Stromboli is an explosive volcano and its eruptions occur on a regular basis. This activity consists of intermittent bursts of medium energy, lasting a few seconds, spaced approximately 10-20 minutes apart.

The eruptive activity is associated with the almost continuous degassing of the crater area. The volcanic edifice has a height of 926 meters above sea level and a depth between 1300 and 2400 m below sea level. Due to its intermittent eruptive activity, Stromboli is defined as the lighthouse of the Mediterranean. Looking at it from afar at night, sailors would see a flashing light useful for direction finding.

Since 1900 AD, the artificial light of the Strombolicchio lighthouse has been added to the natural glow of the lava. Strombolicchio is a small rock north of Stromboli. Strombolicchio, the remains of an ancient volcanic chimney, is located a few hundred meters north-east of the island of Stromboli. The islet houses an uninhabited and automated marine lighthouse.

Helicopter tour of the Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are the result of a series of volcanic eruptions. Eruptions have occurred over the millennia. The Aeolian Islands are the emerged part of submarine volcanoes. This complex geological structure is about 200 km long. The Aeolian Islands form an archipelago made up of seven islands. The archipelago is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of the Sicilian coast. In addition to the islands, it includes five completely submarine volcanoes, islets and reefs that emerge from the sea.

The islands take their name from the god Aeolus (Àiolos, ολος in ancient Greek), king of the winds. According to Greek mythology, Aeolus settled on these islands. Eolo lived in Lipari. In 2000 the Aeolian Islands received the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It includes two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano. If you wish to visit Etna in addition to the Aeolian Islands, the supplement is 400€. In this case the flight will be 90 minutes and the fare will therefore be €3700.

Lipari is the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago

The human presence in the archipelago dates back to a very ancient period. Prehistoric men were certainly attracted by the presence of large quantities of obsidian. Glassy substance of volcanic origin, thanks to which the Aeolian Islands were at the center of flourishing trade routes.

Panarea is the smallest and lowest island

It is also the oldest of the micro-archipelago, it is located between Lipari and the island of Stromboli, on a unique submarine base.

Alicudi is the westernmost of the Aeolian Islands archipelago

It is located about 34 nautical miles (almost 63 km) west of Lipari. The beaches on the island are pebbly and rocky. Winter storms push the beaches back and forth, sometimes leaving behind patches of black sand.

Filicudi is the fifth largest island of the archipelago

It is the second westernmost island of the archipelago (after Alicudi). Located about 24 nautical miles west of Lipari. Dominated by Monte Fossa Felci, an extinct volcano 773 m high.

Vulcan and the forges of Hephaestus

According to mythology, the forges of Hephaestus, god of fire and blacksmith who had the help of the Cyclopes, were found on this island.

Salina is the most fertile island of the Aeolian Islands and is rich in water

We cultivate precious grapes from which we obtain Malvasia. Malvasia is a sweet and caper-tasting wine exported all over the world. Information To take good photos, I recommend wearing black clothes, so there will be less glare on the helicopter window. 2 people can sit in front, next to the pilot. Flight may be affected by weather conditions and volcanic activity. These natural events can change the flight plan. The pilot will choose the best route accordingly. The day before the flight I contact you to check the weather and the geodynamic conditions of the Sicilian volcanoes. There is no guide on board, nor a transfer from your hotel (available on request, separate quote).