Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and expansive beaches. It’s also a prime location for adventure seekers, particularly those looking to experience the thrill of paragliding. With its consistent winds, beautiful vistas, and diverse flying sites, Tenerife is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for paragliding in Europe.
In this article, we will explore the best paragliding spots in Tenerife, what to expect when you go paragliding there, and the essentials you need to know before taking off into the sky.
Why Tenerife Is A Top Paragliding Destination
Tenerife boasts an ideal climate for outdoor activities, particularly for air sports like paragliding. The island enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. This means paragliding is possible throughout the year, making it an accessible activity for both locals and tourists.
The terrain of Tenerife also adds to its appeal. The island features a variety of landscapes, including dramatic mountain ranges, coastal cliffs, and vast volcanic craters. These diverse geographical features not only provide breathtaking views but also create optimal conditions for flying. The wind conditions are generally stable, and there are several launch sites to suit different levels of experience.
In addition to this, Tenerife is home to several paragliding schools and experienced instructors, making it a great place for both beginners and advanced pilots to enjoy the sport safely.
The Best Paragliding Locations in Tenerife
1. El Teide Volcano
One of the most iconic paragliding sites in Tenerife is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano that rises 3,718 meters (12,198 feet) above sea level.
The views from Teide are nothing short of spectacular, offering a unique perspective of the island’s rugged interior, the ocean below, and even neighboring islands on clear days.
For paragliders, El Teide provides one of the most exhilarating flying experiences in Tenerife. There are two main launch points for paragliding from Teide:
La Fortaleza: Located at a higher altitude on the northern slopes of Teide, La Fortaleza offers incredible views of the island and the surrounding landscape. The takeoff here is slightly challenging due to the wind conditions, making it ideal for intermediate and experienced pilots.
Boca Tauce: Situated at the base of the Teide National Park, Boca Tauce offers easier launch conditions. This spot is great for beginners and tandem flights.
For those looking for a truly unforgettable paragliding experience, taking off from Teide provides not only a rush of adrenaline but also an unmatched view of the island’s unique volcanic landscape.
2. Ifonche – A Hidden Gem
Ifonche is a lesser-known but fantastic paragliding spot located in the southwest of Tenerife. This site offers impressive views of the coastline, the Teide volcano, and the surrounding rural landscapes. The launch point is at a relatively high altitude, around 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), making it perfect for intermediate pilots.
What sets Ifonche apart from other sites is the diversity of the flying routes. The combination of thermals and coastal winds allows pilots to fly for long distances while enjoying stunning views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re looking for a smooth, scenic flight or a more challenging route, Ifonche provides a range of options for every level of experience.
3. Paragliding at Taucho
Another excellent paragliding location in Tenerife is Taucho, located near the village of Arona in the south of the island. Taucho is known for its favorable wind conditions, making it a popular spot for paragliding year-round. This site is ideal for both beginners and advanced pilots.
The launch point at Taucho is located around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level, providing a great view of the southern coastline, the mountains, and the sparkling blue Atlantic. The site is well-serviced by paragliding schools, which makes it a convenient choice for those looking to try paragliding for the first time.
What makes Taucho stand out is its ability to cater to all levels of experience. Beginners can enjoy a calm and relaxing tandem flight, while experienced pilots can enjoy cross-country flying, taking advantage of the reliable thermals in the area.
4. Lomo de las Bodegas
Lomo de las Bodegas, located near the village of La Orotava in the north of Tenerife, is a paragliding site that is known for its spectacular scenery and challenging flying conditions. This site is perfect for more experienced pilots looking for a thrilling flight with some added difficulty.
From the launch point at Lomo de las Bodegas, pilots can soar above the lush forests of the northern coast, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring islands of La Palma and La Gomera. The thermals in this area are strong, which means pilots can achieve impressive altitudes and glide for long distances. The site is also known for its unique ability to offer both soaring flights and cross-country opportunities.
5. Arenas Negras
Arenas Negras is another popular paragliding location on the island, located near the village of Guía de Isora, on the southwestern coast of Tenerife. This site is famous for its stunning views of the cliffs, valleys, and the southern coastline. With a launch site at around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), Arenas Negras offers a smooth and scenic flight.
What makes Arenas Negras a favorite among paragliders is the steady winds and beautiful natural scenery. The area is also home to a number of paragliding schools that offer tandem flights, making it an excellent choice for those new to the sport. The combination of easy launch conditions and awe-inspiring views makes Arenas Negras a must-visit spot for any paragliding enthusiast.
What to Expect When You Go Paragliding in Tenerife
Paragliding in Tenerife is suitable for a wide range of individuals, from first-timers to experienced pilots. Here’s what you can expect during your paragliding experience:
Tandem Flights for Beginners
For those new to paragliding, tandem flights are the best way to get started. In a tandem flight, you’ll be harnessed alongside an experienced pilot, who will take care of all the technical aspects of the flight. Your job is to relax, enjoy the incredible views, and experience the thrill of soaring high above the island.
Many paragliding schools in Tenerife offer tandem flights from various sites, with durations typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the location and weather conditions. The views you’ll enjoy during these flights are breathtaking, with the volcanic landscape, dramatic cliffs, and ocean below creating a stunning backdrop.
Solo Flights for Experienced Pilots
If you’re an experienced paraglider with the necessary certification, you can enjoy solo flights from the island’s various paragliding launch sites. Tenerife’s varied terrain offers a mix of soaring, cross-country flying, and coastal routes, making it a fantastic destination for experienced pilots.
Solo flights will require careful planning, knowledge of local weather conditions, and an understanding of flight patterns. Many pilots use Tenerife’s thermals to extend their flight time and travel long distances across the island.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Tenerife is typically favorable for paragliding, but like all aerial sports, it’s crucial to check the forecast before your flight. The wind conditions are generally steady, with calm mornings and moderate to strong winds in the afternoon.
Tenerife’s altitude differences and varied terrain can cause changes in wind speed and direction, so it’s important to follow the advice of your guide or instructor.
Safety Measures and Regulations
Safety is paramount when paragliding in Tenerife, as with any extreme sport. Most paragliding schools and tour operators provide all the necessary equipment, including helmets, harnesses, and reserve parachutes. In addition, many schools also offer insurance coverage for paragliding activities.
It’s essential to fly only in safe conditions and adhere to all regulations set by local authorities and flying clubs. The Canary Islands have designated flying zones, and it’s important to respect these areas to avoid accidents and protect the environment.
Conclusion
Tenerife is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for paragliding in Europe. With its year-round mild climate, diverse landscapes, and range of suitable flying sites, it offers a paragliding experience like no other. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first tandem flight or an experienced pilot looking for challenging conditions, Tenerife has something for everyone.
From the iconic slopes of Mount Teide to the hidden gems like Ifonche and Arenas Negras, the island’s paragliding locations offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush. With expert instructors, reliable winds, and stunning natural scenery, Tenerife is truly a paradise for paragliding enthusiasts.
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