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The best paragliding sites in Tenerife

Greetings to all paragliding lovers! The other day, we told you how to do paragliding for the first time. Today, we want to tell you all you need to know about the best paragliding in Tenerife sites. But first, just in case this is your first time in our blog, let us tell you who we are! As you probably already know, Overfly Tenerife is a paragliding company located in Costa Adeje, at the south of Tenerife. We have more than 30 years of experience behind us and we are very proud of sharing all of this with you. So, we invite you all to relax and enjoy the flight, the views and a unique and unforgettable experience with us! So, are you still looking for the best things to do in Tenerife? Don’t worry! Because we offer you one of the best activities for your holidays! As we have mentioned before, today we are going to talk about our favourite paragliding sites in Tenerife. We have created a list that you will find below with all the information that you need to know about the location, the altitude, the landing points associated to these paragliding sites and so on. Are you ready to take off? Then, off we go!

The best paragliding sites in the south of Tenerife

First of all, we are going to talk about the two paragliding sites where Overfly Paragliding Tenerife performs its tandem flightsIfonche and Taucho. Then, we will continue with the rest of paragliding sites that we have selected — Guimar (the slope of Guimar and Arafo).

Ifonche – Costa Adeje

Ifonche is a take-off point located in Adeje, at southern Tenerife. This paragliding site is one out of the two that we use in Overfly Tenerife for our paragliding tandem flights. This point stands at an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres above the sea level. paragliding sites The surface that can be used as a take-off ramp and preparation area covers approximately 750 square metres. This paragliding spot is used above all when the winds at that altitude come from the South West, West and the North West. The take-off is located in an astonishing environment within the Special Natural Reserve of Barranco del Infierno and surrounded by a spectacular forest crown. The take-off of Ifonche needs thermal activity to begin to be used, so it is necessary to wait until the slopes facing the south of Barranco del Agua begin to warm up with the first rays of the sun. This is normally around 11 a.m. It is usually active throughout the day, especially during the peak sunlight hours — this is around midday and the first hours in the afternoon. It is a take-off that reassures a lot, because there is enough space to be able to lift the paraglider and control it with ease. Both — the take-off and the flight zone — are aimed for pilots with an intermediate level and advanced level. Nevertheless, beginners can use it in the mornings and at the end of the afternoon when the thermal conditions are more favourable for the novice. When you are taking off, it suits to stick to the slope of the left because of the thermal activity. That will allow you going up on the Mountain of the Brezos to later make transitions towards Roque del Conde in south direction or towards the Hell’s Ravine in north direction. It is a spectacular flight with guaranteed fun! La Playa de la Enramada or La Caleta beach, located in Costa Adeje, is the landing point associated to Ifonche. A long the whole year, this beach is the perfect landing point for this paragliding site. During the summer season, especially on weekends, we must pay special attention to people who walk along the coastal promenade and people who may be at the beach, since they are not aware off the arrival of paragliders. paragliding sites We recommend you going through the south entrance and landing next to Coqueluche bar, located just where the ravine ends. In this situation, the landing is too technical for beginners — so we suggest you to land on any of the sides of the Royal Hideway Hotel Coral Beach or Suites. There is another landing point next to the area of Fañabe Pueblo (town), which can be very useful for those pilots who are flying at a low altitude and they know that they are not flying high enough to get to the lading point at the beach. This site is quite easy to identify since it is part of a set of terraces completely cleared before crossing the highway. Depending on the time of the day, it may show some thermal activity — so we recommend you paying close attention to the approach and subsequent landing. The take-off and landing conditions are not always the same — they may change due to different circumstances and factors. The take-off is located at almost 1000 meters above sea level, so the wind direction in the landing area can be very different. If you find a choppy sea because of the wind, we recommend not to land on the beach. So the best option is to return and do it near Fañabé Pueblo or in the vicinity of the mountain. Of course, we strongly recommend you call us better than going on your own, and we will organize everything. This way, you will just have to worry about enjoying your flight, and we will do the rest. Let us live this adventure with you through the infinite sky of Tenerife!

Taucho – Costa Adeje

Taucho is a paragliding site located at the south west of Tenerife Island. The take-off point in Taucho can be found in the central part of the municipality of Adeje. This is the other paragliding site that we use in Overfly Tenerife for our paragliding tandem flights. paragliding sites Taucho stands at an altitude of approximately 760 metres above the sea level. The total surface that can be used as a take-off ramp and preparation area covers 5,600 square metres. This paragliding site is commonly used when the winds at that altitude come from the west and the south. Taucho is the most popular take-off in the island of Tenerife. This is due to the large number of days that it remains operational, thanks to the excellent climate that reigns in the south of the island during the whole year. It is common to receive many groups of pilots every year from different parts of Europe during the winter, since the area is famous for its thermal activity which is very conducive to paragliding. In respect of the degree of difficulty, we have to say that it changes depending on many factors, as the time of the day. When it is early and late in the day, the degree of difficulty can be low to intermediate, intermediate, or even high level. At midday, the degree of difficulty can be intermediate or high level.
The take-off slope is not very steep — this means that it doesn’t have much inclination, so we strongly recommend you to take-off only when the wind blows.
The landing points associated to Taucho are the esplanade of Taucho-Armeñime, which is located in Costa Adeje. And just like Ifonche, La Caleta beach, located in Costa Adeje too. As we have said before, this beach is the perfect landing point for this paragliding site during a long whole year. Once you have finished, you will have the chance to enjoy an iced mojito in Coqueluche bar. We remember you once again that the conditions to take off and landing are not always the same, they may change depending on different factors as the weather — above all the wind — or a possible refurbishment work in the area. paragliding sites We have to insist and remember you that we strongly recommend you call us better than going on your own. We will take care of every single aspect of your flight! This way, you don’t have to worry at all. You just have to enjoy your flight, because we will do the rest. Our expert team will accompany you through the most beautiful skies of Tenerife!

East Side

Slope of Guimar and Arafo – Guimar

The slope of Guimar is a take-off point located in the central part of the municipality of Guimar, at the east side of the island. This paragliding site stands at an altitude of approximately 725 metres above sea level. There is a surface that covers 400 square metres that you can use as a take-off ramp and preparation area. There is another paragliding site in Guimar called Arafo. The slope of Guimar is used when the winds at that altitude come from the east. The degree of difficulty changes depending on the time of the day. If it is early or late in the day, the degree of difficulty is perfect for learners’ level. Nevertheless, at midday it is intermediate or even high level. The landing points associated to the slope of Guimar are the esplanade of Guimar-Ladera — located in Guimar — and Playa Puertito de Guimar, a beach located in Guimar too. La Playa Puertito de Guimar is the perfect landing point for this paragliding site during the winter. But it is prohibited to use it during the summer due to there are people at the beach and it could be very dangerous. We remember you that the conditions to take off and landing are continuously changing, and they change due to different factors as the weather like the rain or the wind, or a possible refurbishment work in the area. A good example of this would be when the Cabildo conditioned the track used by the paragliders to take off on the slope of Guimar in 2018. paragliding sites If you want to go to the slope of Guimar on your own that is fine — but first make sure that you are safe during your flight. For this, what you must do is contact the Canary Islands’ Paragliding Federation in advance — not long time before, if not the information may change. Give them a call and they will tell you everything you need to know about last-minute changes or any possible incidents. Nevertheless, if you want to practice paragliding in Tenerife, we still recommend you practicing paragliding with us instead of going on your own. Remember that we will take care of every single aspect of your flight! You won’t have to worry about a thing, we will do the worrying! So, give us a call, and you will just have to enjoy you’re the views during your flight. Those landscapes full of light and vibrant colours… we know that you want to try it!

The 2 best paragliding sites in the north of Tenerife

Now, we are moving to the north of the island. This area is completely different from the south, and it is very influenced by the trade winds (as well known as vientos alisios in Spanish). The north of Tenerife is completely green due to the humidity, while the landscape in the south is completely arid.
“The weather in Tenerife is the result of a combination of cold ocean currents, warmth from the nearby Tropic of Cancer, the trade winds and the Island’s orography. Although the Canary Islands are located close to the African continent, meaning Tenerife’s climate should be hot and dry, the truth is that the Island reveals a curious contrast between the north and south.”
The side of the Island that is exposed to the trade winds has a more humid atmosphere, with more abundant rainfall inland and on the peaks. This is the reason why we recommend practicing paragliding in the south of the island (paragliding Teneriffa as many tourist search for this activity in Google). The wind is more stable and there are not many precipitations, then we will have more possibilities to fly. Nevertheless, let’s see some of the best paragliding sites in the north of the island. paragliding sites

Izaña – Teide National Park

Izaña’s take-off point is located in the Teide National Park. This is a very special paragliding site in terms of views, because you will take off facing the Mount Teide. Moreover, it is a unique flight due to the difference in altitude at the start and finish. It is one of the biggest in the whole Europe. It starts from Izaña at 2,200 metres above sea level, and it is just 2 kilometres away from Teide Observatory. It is noteworthy that paragliding is the only sport activity authorized throughout the National Park. It is extremely important to get an updated weather report before taking the paragliding flight. The degree of difficulty is intermediate throughout the day depending on the weather, although it can switch to expert level in a couple of hours. The landings points associated to Izaña are Faro Puerto and an open esplanade by El Peñón football pitch, both located in Puerto de la Cruz, in the northbound. In the southbound, you will find another two landing points — the esplanade of the slope of Guimar and Puertito de Guimar beach. The last one can only be used during the winter — it is forbidden in summer due to there are people on the beach.

La Corona – Los Realejos

La Corona is a paragliding site which take-off point is located in the north of the municipality of Los Realejos. This northern paragliding site stands at an altitude of approximately 765 metres above sea level. The surface you can use as a take-off ramp and preparation area covers 420 square metres. It is used when the winds at that altitude come from the north and north east. The degree of difficulty is a learner level during the early and late hours in the day. During midday, the degree of difficulty is intermediate or high level. paragliding sites   The landings points associated to this paragliding site are Finca Los Quintos and Playa del Socorro, located in Los Realejos. The first one can just be used during all year, and the second one can’t be used during the summer season -July to October-. The conditions at the take-off and landing point normally vary depending on several reasons that we have mentioned before. So, if you want to check these conditions, you can contact the Canary Islands’ Paragliding Federation before going to La Corona– This way, they will inform you about any possible problems. Once again, we hope you have enjoyed our post about the best paragliding sites in Tenerife, and we also recommend that you visit our paragliding guide Tenerife. We hope that reading our post has encouraged you to practice this incredible sport with us in Costa Adeje!. If you have any doubt or you want to share anything with us, don’t hesitate to contact us — we will be waiting for you conquering the heavens throught the paragliding in Tenerife!.  
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5 thoughts on “The best paragliding sites in Tenerife”

  1. Hello, what takeoff would you recommend during July for intermediate pilot? We will spend vacation at Tenerife and I plan to take my paraglide with me.
    Many thanks, Ondrej

    Reply
    • Hi Ondrej.

      If you are planning to stay in south, Ifonche (1000m) is the only one place available for this July. Anyway, you must make a flight from Izaña during your vacation. It is a very relaxing flight in which you will land on the beach after taking off from 2200m. It is very important that you inform yourself correctly about the weather every day as the wind direction is constantly changing.

      You can get in touch when you arrive in Tenerife and we can advise you correctly.

      Best regards.
      Gustavo

      Reply
  2. Hi,

    first of all, thank you for this very comprehensive article. I’m going to Tenerife in late October and would like to take my paraglide there. What would you recommend for an intermediate pilot at this time of the year? And do you provide some sort of shuttle service to take a pilot from the Adeje coast up to the launch site? Can one meet you somewhere before flying to discuss local conditions and understand how the sites work, what to watch for etc.?

    Thank you,
    Radovan

    Reply
    • Hi Radovan! October to March are probably the best months for paraglide in Tenerife. The weather conditions are for all levels and fantastic nearly everyday. You have to choose the correct time for your flight. We can provide shuttle service only if we got enough space in our van because our company are focused in tandem flights. Anyway we can introduce you a local companies that provide guiding for pilots. Of course we can meet and discuss a few local tips. We will be happy to help you! Call us when you arrives here.

      Gustavo

      Reply

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