Have you always wanted to experience Tandem Paragliding but didn’t know where or when? You’re covered! The right side is crucial for your first flight, which you will never forget. We listed Europe’s 10 Best Paragliding Spots to simplify your life. Choose just the finest!
Below are some European destinations with breathtaking aerial views! What better way to discover them than tandem paragliding? Tandem flights don’t require paragliding experience or athleticism. Just a few energetic steps can start you flying and experiencing its distinct feelings. Interlaken, Crete, Lake Garda, Annecy, and more… You decide!
1. Crete in Greece
Our next paragliding spot is Chania, northern Crete, Greece. The undervalued island features gorgeous cliffs, sandy beaches, and clean water, as well as a historical history. Chania’s colorful old town, Venetian harbor, and lighthouse make it one of the island’s most famous cities.
Try tandem paragliding in Crete, especially Chania. If the weather is good, you can take off from 250 m at Falasarna and fly across the Balos Lagoon. Second is Varipetro, where you may take off at 500 m and see the city, Souda Bay, and 1000 m if the thermal winds are right.
- Explore the island’s stunning beauty from above.
- Paragliding offers several landscapes.
- Flights can be long in good weather.
- Crete offers many exciting and varied activities.
2. Lake Garda in Italy
Some of Europe’s best paragliding is in northern Italy. A little over 50 km long, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. It has several water sports and outdoor activities!
Prepare to glide over Lake Garda’s beautiful mountains and blue lake for 20–40 minutes! Mount Pizzocolo, on the southwestern side of the lake near San Michele, is the customary takeoff site at 1500 m. An orientation will prepare you for Lake Garda paragliding.
Spring and summer are the greatest times to paraglide on Lake Garda!
- Great views of the lake and beautiful mountains await.
- Flights last 20–40 minutes.
- Great spring/summer destination.
- Try many other outdoor activities near Lake Garda.
3. Reykjavik in Iceland
Iceland offers much! This volcanic island is heaven for nature lovers with many natural occurrences. Paragliding near Reykjavik lets you see amazing sights, phenomena, and landscapes from above! Fly over hot springs, rainbow mountains, and other volcanic and seismically active spots in Reykjanesfólkvangur National Park.
In southern Iceland, try tandem paragliding in Vík í Mýrdal, also known as Vík. Flights depart from different locations depending on the weather. The southern coast of Reynisdrangar has the Seljalandsfoss waterfall or basalt columns.
Tandem paragliding in Iceland is greatest from April to November. After that, the weather is bad for this sport.
- The sky shows a stunning and varied environment.
- Most paragliding schools provide daylong trips with few jumps.
- You witness unique natural phenomena! Plus, the northern lights are visible at night!
4. Annecy in France
Going tandem paragliding above Annecy will give you shivers. Certified instructors transport you to Talloires-Montmin to start your flight from one of the neighboring mountains at most paragliding schools. Annecy and its surroundings are visible from there, as is the lake below.
Paragliding above La Clusaz ski resort in winter is silent owing to snow! An unforgettable opportunity to ski paraglide! If that’s not your thing, paragliding in Annecy is ideal from April to October, when the weather is perfect. Enjoy the scenery in the warm fall light at the end of summer.
- Lake and mountain vistas are lovely.
- One of Europe’s most popular paragliding sites.
- Annecy has various paragliding schools and outdoor activities.
- Annecy is a must-see, and it looks great from above!
5. Interlaken in Switzerland
The first stop on our list is Interlaken in the Swiss Alps, noted for its outdoor activities. The town is named Interlaken because it sits between two turquoise lakes, Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) and Lake Thun.
Enjoy a spectacular ride from one of Interlaken’s mountains with your certified instructor! The most popular takeoff site is Beatenberg above Lake Thun. Simply take a few steps and relax throughout your two-seater paragliding experience. The Swiss Alps’ Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Schilthorn summits are everywhere!
Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken offers stunning views of the Bernese Oberland mountains year-round.
- Fly over the beautiful waters of the two Swiss lakes.
- Beautiful Swiss Alps from above
- Explore Interlaken and its surroundings.
- Lots more to do in Interlaken
6. Funchal in Portugal
The last of our 10 top European paragliding spots is Funchal on Madeira Island in Portugal. Wine, gastronomy, and gorgeous landscapes define this city. Enjoy Paragliding in Funchal, the perfect mix of mountain and island.
To attempt paragliding in Funchal, the instructors will advise you on everything, including where to take off (6 alternatives). The flight usually takes 15–40 minutes. Paragliding in Funchal is perfect for beginners and is available year-round!
- Beautiful sea, mountain, and garden views.
- Different takeoffs, different sights.
- Ideal for first-time paragliders.
- Funchal has many more activities.
7. Kefalonia in Greece
Kefalonia is one of Europe’s top paragliding spots because of its magnificent views. Wandering over the island is fun due to the Ionian Sea’s gorgeous waters, white sandy beaches, and wildlife.
Tandem paragliding in Kefalonia takes off from Myrtos Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, in the northwest. After a briefing from your instructors, you’ll be ready for a 10–25-minute ride of fun and relaxation with a great view.
- Fly over a world-class beach.
- The entire beach and pristine water are visible.
- Different vistas surround you.
- A vital historical context, therefore visit it often.
- You can paraglide year-round.
8. The Dolomites in Italy
Top paragliding sites include the Dolomites (7th). They are a minor Alps region up to 1850 meters high. They are UNESCO World Heritage sites in Northern Italy and ideal for paragliding.
If the weather is right, try Tandem Paragliding above Kronplatz or Castelrotto. We recommend taking off at Spitzbühl if it’s windy. The Dolomites occupy almost 15,000 square kilometers, so your flight will be full of sights.
Only the scenery changes when paragliding in the Dolomites, summer or winter.
- All four seasons are perfect for paragliding.
- Amazing scenery—lakes, mountains, forests, etc.
- Try many additional activities there!
9. Tenerife in Spain
Paragliders love Tenerife, a little island! This Canary Island offers spectacular paragliding views near Morocco and above the Sahara Desert.
Any takeoff position will offer a stunning view of the sandy beaches and Ocean. Your takeoff position will determine whether you view Las Palmas or Teide Park. Costa Adeje is the most popular place to paraglide on the island. Your instructor may let you pilot the paraglide if the weather is good!
- All year round, you may paraglide in the Canaries.
- Many takeoff places provide various views.
- Weather permitting, you may control the paraglide!
- Enjoy numerous other activities while staying.
10. Chamonix in France
Since the 1924 Olympics, Chamonix has been a top ski resort and paragliding location in Europe. Tandem paragliding in Chamonix offers stunning views of the French Alps, Chamonix, and Mont Blanc, France’s and Europe’s highest peak.
This magnificent site among Europe’s highest hills offers paragliding in summer and winter. You can take off from the ski resort in winter and glide above the snowy landscapes! Summer brings animals to their natural habitats, valleys with lush grass and brilliant flowers, and lakes.
- You can paraglide in Chamonix year-round.
- Launch from France’s highest peaks: Plan de l’Aiguille (2300 m), Planpraz (2000 m), the Grands
- Montets (3300 m), or the most famous Aiguilles du Midi (3700 m).
- One of Europe’s highest peaks is seen from there.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is the best time to visit these paragliding spots?
Visit these locations at their optimal moment, depending on location. Summer and early autumn are ideal for paragliding, however weather and seasonal factors might affect this.
Q2. What should I bring with me for paragliding in Europe?
Bring sunscreen, hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to record the stunning sights. You should also include identification, a first aid kit, and cash for expenses.
Q3. Is it safe to paraglide in Europe?
Paragliding in Europe is safe with qualified instructors and proper conditions. Any adventure sport has dangers. Follow safety rules, utilize correct gear, and know your limits.
