The world’s most amazing paragliding destinations

Paragliding is not for the faint of heart. But when you’re soaring over the seaside or swooping through the mountains, any sense of fear is quickly replaced by one of awe. In fact, paragliding is probably the most awesome of all aerial pursuits. To prove it, we’ve put together a list of the world’s most breathtaking paragliding spots.*

Interlaken, Switzerland

Straddling glacier-fed lakes and capped by snow-dusted mountains, Interlaken is the gateway to Switzerland’s famous Jungfrau region. This is arguably Europe’s most enticing adventure playground, and gliding weightlessly above the numerable 4,000-metre summits is one of its biggest draws. Back on the ground, recharge your batteries in the luxurious pools and health spa of Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa.

Pokhara, Nepal

With staggering views of the world’s tallest mountains, paragliding in Nepal’s Pokhara Valley is grade-A bucket list material. The comparably low altitude means temperatures stay warm, causing more rising thermals that help you get the best views of the Annapurna and Himalayan mountain ranges. The take-off spot is the hilly village of Sarangkot, but for a room with an unforgettable view, head to top-rated Hotel White Pearl. It sits beside Phewa Lake – famed for its crystal-clear mountain reflections.

San Gil, Colombia

Adrenaline lovers flock to San Gil, determined to make the most of the fast-flowing rivers, cliff edges and bottomless ravines in the area. Paragliding the epic Chicamocha Canyon is the main attraction, with the chance to fly up to 1,500 metres amidst breathtaking scenery. The helpful hosts at budget-friendly Bacaregua Hostel will gladly arrange your trip, and provide plenty of other recommendations.

Oludeniz, Turkey

For postcard-worthy shorelines, the bay of Oludeniz may well be the best in the Mediterranean. You’ve only to strap into a glider and leap from the top of Mount Babadağ to see why. Stark white sands contrast sharply with the Med’s terrific blue-green hues, while the verdant Taurus mountains stretch to the horizon. After all that excitement, catch your breath at Jade Residence, a beachside hotel where you can watch other daredevils take to the skies.

Valle de Bravo, Mexico

Valle de Bravo is not only Mexico’s top spot for paragliding, but is internationally renowned for its consistently reliable conditions created by low wind pressure. There are two main flying locations, La Torre and El Peñón. The former is a ridge-soaring site 30 minutes from town by car, while the latter is better suited to advanced pilots who want to fly long distances. Wind down in El Santuario Resort & Spa for superb lakeside views and lavish spa facilities.

Canoa Quebrada, Brazil

Canoa Quebrada’s looming sandstone cliffs make it the ideal destination to get some wind under your sails – or canopy, to use the technical term. The beach offers optimal conditions for paragliding, with strong winds blowing through all year round. You could even take it up a notch by trying out ‘para-motoring’ – paragliding with a small motor attached – or just sit back with a caipirinha at Hotel & Pousada Tatajuba and watch other aviators glide by your private balcony.

Gudauri, Georgia

Soaring over pearly white peaks as skiers whiz below isn’t what you’d call conventional paragliding, but that’s how it’s done in Gudauri. Tandem flights are available throughout the year here, treating thrill-seekers to spectacular views over the ridges of the Stepantsminda and Aragvi valleys. Base yourself in the deluxe Tsar Bani Spa Resort for maximum comfort, top spa facilities and beautiful mountain views.

*These destinations were the top-rated cities for ‘paragliding’, according to Booking.com travellers. Destinations had to have over 500 endorsements for ‘paragliding’.