The 10 best spots for paragliding in Europe

Are you an avid paraglider or looking for a new unique experience and want to try tandem paragliding for the first time? Whatever your background, this blog will make your heart beat faster.

As we are experienced paragliders ourselves, we have put together the 10 best paragliding spots for you. Which flying area is on your bucket list?

1 - Interlaken in Switzerland

The first, great place to fly on our list is in the Swiss Alps. An area known for its many outdoor opportunities: Interlaken. Interlaken is situated between two turquoise lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and is a unique destination that must be seen from above!

The most common take-off site is Beatenberg above Lake Thun. After take-off, you are surrounded by famous peaks of the Swiss Alps such as the trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as well as the Schilthorn. A breathtaking panorama.

Image source: nationalgeographic.co.uk

2 - Annecy in France

Paragliding over Annecy is a goosebump experience. If you're going flying there for the first time, you'll find many paragliding schools in the area that can instruct you in the area. In most cases, the flights start from Talloires-Montmin. From there you have a wonderful view of the lake below you, but also of the town of Annecy and its surroundings.

Annecy is also beautiful in winter with flight options over the La Clusaz ski area by paraglider.

Image source: handluggageonly.co.uk

3 - Reykjavik in Iceland

Iceland has a lot to offer, that's for sure. The volcanic island is a paradise on earth for nature lovers and offers numerous natural phenomena. And paragliding may not immediately come to mind. But flying over Reykjanesfólkvangur National Park, you can marvel at the hot springs, the rainbow mountains and all the other mysterious places created by volcanic eruptions and seismic activity.

Another famous paragliding area is in the south of Iceland, in Vík í Mýrdal, also known as Vík. Depending on the weather, you can take off there from different directions. Here you can fly over the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, for example, or the unique basalt columns that nestle against the cliffs of the south coast of Reynisdrangar.

The best time for a tandem paragliding flight in Iceland is from April to early November. After that, the weather is no longer ideal for this sport.

Image source: odysseytraveller.com

4 - Lake Garda in Italy

One of the best paragliding areas in Europe is located in the north of Italy: Lake Garda, of course. With a length of just over 50 km, it is the largest lake in Italy and is known for its water sports and numerous outdoor activities.

The usual launch site is Mount Pizzocolo on the south-western side of the lake near the village of San Michele. After taking off from 1500 m, you glide over the green mountains and blue water and enjoy breathtaking views.

Image source: mamalovesitaly.com

5 - Crete in Greece

Next we travel to an even warmer area: Chania in Crete. This underrated ancient island is located in the north of Greece and offers beautiful cliff landscapes and sandy beaches with clear waters. The city of Chania is also known for its colourful old town, Venetian harbour and meaningful lighthouse.

There are two main take-off sites. The first is in Falasarna, where you can take off from 250m and maybe even fly over the beautiful Balos Lagoon. The second place is Varipetro, where you can take off from 500 m and see the whole town and the bay of Souda. And if the thermals are good, you can easily go up to 1000m.

Image source: thetimes.co.uk

6 - Chamonix in France

Chamonix has been a world-famous ski resort in France since it hosted the Olympic Games in 1924. Paragliding in Chamonix gives you the opportunity to admire the French Alps, Chamonix and of course Mont Blanc.

Paragliding in Chamonix is a pleasure in both winter and summer. In winter, you can take off from the ski resort, which means you start with skis and glide over the snow-covered landscapes. And in summer, you can enjoy animals in their natural habitat, valleys with green grass and colourful flowers, and views of various lakes.  

Image source: alpsinluxury.com

7 - The Dolomites in Italy

The Dolomites are of course also a must. They are part of the Alps and are even home to 3000-metre peaks. They are located in northern Italy and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for their steep slopes and rock formations.

If the weather conditions are ideal, the paragliding launch site above Kronplatz or Kastelruth is recommended. However, if it is windy there, it is ideal to launch near the Spitzbühl. As the Dolomites cover an area of more than 15000 square kilometres, there are also some other great launch sites, depending on where you are.

Image source: britannica.com

8 - Tenerife in Spain

For paragliding enthusiasts, the small island of Tenerife is a jewel. Located near the Moroccan coast and above the Sahara, this Canary Island offers impressive views and landscapes.

No matter where you take off, you'll have breathtaking views of sandy beaches and the sea. Depending on the launch site, you can fly over Las Palmas or Teide Park, two highlights of Tenerife. Costa Adeje, however, is the most popular place for paragliding on the island.

Image source: worldatlas.com

9 - Kefalonia in Greece

Paragliding is all about wonderful views, and Kefalonia has plenty of them. Thanks to the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, the white sandy beaches and the biodiverse nature, there are plenty of them as you soar over the island.

The launch site is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Myrtos Beach, in the northwest of the island.

Image source: greecetravelideas.com

10 - Funchal in Portugal

The last place on our list of the top 10 paragliding destinations in Europe is Funchal on the island of Madeira in Portugal. This city is known for its wine and gastronomy and offers some of the most fascinating landscapes in Europe. A great mix of mountain and island landscapes, you will definitely enjoy paragliding here!

Image source: wikipedia

Whichever spot you choose for your next flying trip, these areas are suitable for beginners and experienced paragliders alike.