Where to Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Italy

A hot air balloon flight is a peaceful and alternative way to discover the beauty of a place… gently lifting off the ground and seeing the world from a different and completely unique perspective.

The hot air balloon is, in some ways, a time machine — a means of flying that belongs to the past and allows us to see the world with the calm and tranquility of another era. Unlike other means of transport, it offers a slower way of traveling, in contact with nature and the surrounding environment.

An activity suitable for anyone who wants to experience the feeling of a “walk in the sky.”

How a hot air balloon flight works

Participants in the tourist flight share the experience from the very first moments: they watch the burner being lit and the balloon being inflated. Then, the pilot explains the behavior and safety rules to follow during the flight — and finally, it’s time for TAKE-OFF!

The route of the balloon is determined solely by the wind, which means it cannot be predicted — making every flight different from the last and offering unique sights each time.

For the same reason, the landing site is never the same: towards the end of the flight, the pilot identifies a flat area, adjusts the balloon’s temperature, and begins the descent. Once landed, a shuttle brings passengers back to the starting point.

Costs and clothing

Although a hot air balloon flight doesn’t cost the same as a bus or train ticket, it isn’t overly expensive considering the whole experience: prices are around €200 per person. If you don’t book as a group, you’ll share the basket with other passengers, since balloons can carry from 2 to 12 people, and some even up to 20, depending on their size and location.

If, instead, you want a romantic experience, a private tête-à-tête flight costs around €1000, depending on the occasion — but it might just be worth it, right?

As for clothing, obviously no heels — they might be a bit uncomfortable… and they’re strictly forbidden!

The temperature is about the same as on the ground, so wear comfortable clothing suitable for the season of your flight. If you tend to get cold, a windbreaker jacket is always a good idea, just in case.

Where to fly in Italy

You can experience a balloon flight from North to South and even on the Islands. Here are some of the best locations and what you can admire:

Northern Italy:

In San Colombano al Lambro, just 35 km from Milan, you can enjoy views of Pavia, Piacenza, and even spot some of Milan’s skyscrapers, as well as the Pre-Alps and Apennines. During the journey, you’ll fly over the Po River and the characteristic Lombard countryside.

In Barolo, Alba, Mondovì, and Carrù (Cuneo province), you can admire the entire Alpine chain, including Monte Rosa and the Maritime Alps. This region is full of greenery, making it easy to spot local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Another amazing destination is Dobbiaco (Bolzano province), where every January the Dolomiti Balloon Festival takes place — featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, and the chance to fly. It’s an unforgettable experience, offering the unique thrill of flying over the Dolomites.

Central Italy:

At Cantina Dionigi in Bevagna (Perugia province), the landscape is rich not only in nature but also in history and culture — rolling hills covered in vineyards, forested mountains, and ancient convents and castles await balloon passengers!

In Carpineti (Reggio Emilia province), the Reggiano Apennines offer unspoiled nature and historical landmarks such as the Matildic Castle of Carpineti. The rocky area known as Pietra di Bismantova is home to a variety of wild animals.

In San Casciano in Val di Pesa (Florence province), there are several take-off points near Florence, Siena, and Lucca, allowing you to choose which of these magnificent cities to fly over. Needless to say, cities that are already beautiful from the ground look absolutely stunning from above!

Southern Italy and the Islands:

In Paestum (Salerno province), a hot air balloon flight lets you make a real journey into the past, discovering ancient Magna Graecia from a new perspective.

In Castel del Monte (Andria, Apulia), the experience captures everyone’s attention and creates lasting memories you’ll never forget.

In Cosenza, you can admire the Sila Plateau, the Ionian coast, and — on clear days — both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

Finally, in Dittaino (exit on the Catania–Palermo highway, Sicily), you can “float” above Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano — a truly unique experience for the boldest travelers, with the island’s sea completing the breathtaking scene.

In short, hot air balloon flights are possible in many places across Italy — these are just a few examples, but every location offers its own special and unforgettable view.

Useful information and curiosities

Hot air balloon flights can be done throughout the year, as long as weather conditions allow. The best times are early morning or at sunset, when the air is more stable and cooler, ensuring smoother take-offs and landings.

From lighting the burner to returning by shuttle, the entire experience lasts about three hours.

Passengers must be at least 8 years old or 130 cm tall (to see safely over the basket edge).

You must be in good health — the only restrictions apply to pregnant women and people with lower limb problems, since boarding the basket requires a bit of agility (using small ladders) and bending the knees during landing.

You can bring a small backpack with personal belongings — and don’t forget your phone and camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes!

And now, there’s only one thing left to say: HAVE A GREAT FLIGHT! 

Cover photo credits: Official Valle d’Aosta Website