BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN CYPRUS

Curium Koyrio Cirium Kourion Curio Κούριο

Kourion (Curium) is a popular coastal soaring site located in Limassol, Cyprus. The ridge is 77 meters high and stretches 3,600 meters long, making it an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced pilots. The best wind direction for soaring the entire ridge is from the south. Note that toplanding is prohibited here. Kourion is known for its archeological significance, with Greek ruins at both the top and bottom of the ridge, attracting many tourists. The beach itself is also a popular destination, adding to the site's high profile. To get to Kourion, take the coast road from the village of Episkopi, west of Limassol, until it meets the sea. The launch sites are accessible by following the coast road up the hill and turning into the armpit launch at the top. The landing zone (LZ) is the beach itself, and the site is well-marked with road signs. The site is flyable in generally southwesterly sea breezes, providing smooth air conditions. However, as the wind shifts more westerly, it tends to increase in strength, causing turbulence, especially towards the Episkopi road. Pilots may encounter wave conditions towards the end of the ridge due to the aerodynamics of the cliffs to the west. There are two main launch sites at Kourion: 1. **Armpit Launch**: The easiest and most frequently used launch. Avoid using this launch when the wind is westerly due to strong turbulence. 2. **Lower Sand Pit**: Used when the wind is strong or when a new pilot needs a less vigorous launch breeze. The landing zone is the area directly out from the sandpit launches to the beach road. Pilots are urged to land on the ridge side of the beach road to avoid the crowded beach and busy road, especially during summer. There is a large field off the end of the ridge, but it should not be used as it disturbs local farmers and their animals. All pilots must hold current and relevant licenses from their national controlling body. The site is also used by military helicopters, so it's crucial to follow the rules and avoid flying near the antiquities site to prevent accidents. For more information, visit [Kourion Paragliding](http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/curium.htm). Useful telephone numbers: - Akrotiri Air Traffic Control Tower: 25306205 or 25-966324 - Joint Operations Control Centre (JOCC): 25263081 - SBA Police: 25963610 - Episkopi Med Centre (Emergency): 25963255 - Limassol General Hospital: 25-801100 - Episkopi Fire Station: 25-963211 Fly responsibly and respect the sensitivity of this high-profile site.

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Kourtellorotsos Lefkara

Lefkara, Cyprus offers a paragliding site with a takeoff height of 639 meters. This location is regularly used and is known for its soaring conditions, with some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record for the longest flight is 31.7 km. For more information and to see flights from this spot, you can visit the relevant local paragliding community pages.

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Fasoula ΚΑΣΤΡΟ ΦΑΣΟΥΛΑΣ

This paragliding site in Limassol, Cyprus, has a takeoff altitude of 447 meters. The directions for takeoff are not entirely clear, which might pose a challenge for less experienced pilots. The site is suitable for thermal soaring, making it a good spot for those looking to practice or improve their thermal flying skills. The site record for distance is 11.8 km. For more information and to see flights from this location, you can visit local paragliding community pages or forums.

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Baba Kyrenia

This paragliding site in Cyprus, with an elevation of 805 meters, is occasionally used and offers a medium difficulty level. It is known for its excellent thermal conditions and is frequented by a few pilots, making it a serene spot for soaring. The takeoff area is short but manageable, suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots. Visitor pilots should note that they can fly freely only in the southern part of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part, administered by the Turkish occupation army, is a military area and flying there can be hazardous and regulated. Permission from Turkish authorities may be required, and it is uncertain whether it will be granted. However, there is a site near St. Hilarion Castle, close to the occupied city of Kyrenia, that is used by visitor pilots. For more information on flying in Cyprus, visit: http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/site_guide.htm For local specialists in the northern part of Cyprus, including tandem operators and tour guides, check: http://www.highlineparagliding.com/ Watch a video of the site here: https://vimeo.com/20957508

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Avdellero 2

This site in Larnaca, Cyprus, features a takeoff height of 268 meters and a height difference of approximately 150 meters. It is a rarely used alternative takeoff spot, primarily suitable for ridge soaring. The launch area is short, rocky, and flat, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced pilots. Toplanding is possible at this location. The site record is 4.7 km. For more detailed information, visit [Paragliding Cyprus Site Guide](http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/site_guide.htm).

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Kalo Chorio Zoopigi

The take-off site is located above Zoopigi village, with the landing field situated in the village below Kalo Chorio, which translates to "Good" or "Pretty Village" in Greek. To reach the take-off point, drive 20 minutes north of Limassol towards Agros Village from the Ayia Fyla roundabout on the Limassol bypass, next to Tsirion football stadium. This site is suitable for experienced pilots flying in thermic conditions. The take-off altitude is 950 meters above sea level, with a top-to-bottom distance of 1.24 kilometers and an altitude difference of about 350 meters from the landing field. Flights typically range between 1500 and 2100 meters above sea level. The take-off faces mainly southwest to west winds. Pilots can catch thermals in front and to the left of the take-off, easily gaining 300-400 meters above the launch point. This site is considered one of the best in Cyprus for cross-country flying. Efforts are ongoing to identify alternative landing fields to facilitate longer cross-country flights. The site offers excellent flying opportunities and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Limassol highway, nestled between two villages with nearby restaurants and coffee shops. The site is sheltered from strong sea breezes and winds, although this is still under investigation with ongoing weather studies. Troodos, standing at 2000 meters above sea level, is only 17-20 kilometers away in a straight line from the take-off. Before flying here, it is crucial to contact local pilots who are familiar with the area for tips and advice. The site is suitable for paragliding but not for hang gliding due to the short landing fields. The view from the take-off and in the air is spectacular, offering sights of Episkopi, Curium, Akrotiri, Limassol City, the Akrotiri salt lake, and the Troodos mountains. There are no known flying restrictions in the area, except for the limitation on landing in an eastward direction. Pilots should stick to the designated landing spot near the school in the village down the valley. Landing can be challenging due to the small field size and the presence of power or telephone lines at the far end. Pilots need to lose altitude before reaching the landing field, as the vineyard field before the landing area is thermic and can lift you up again. The landing approach involves an up-and-down line until reaching the vineyard before the clear landing field. For more information, visit [Paragliding Cyprus - Kalo Chorio](http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/kalo_chorio.htm).

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Vougies Vouyes South Βούγιες

This paragliding site in Larnaca, Cyprus, offers an easy launch from a height of 333 meters. It is regularly used for ridge soaring, but be cautious as it is less than 1 km from the buffer zone. Always consult with local pilots before flying here. There is also a northeast option for flying just 50 meters from the main site. The site record for this location is 1.6 km. For more information and to see flights from this spot, visit the provided link. This site is suitable for intermediate-level pilots and offers both ridge and thermal soaring opportunities. Top landing is possible. For more details, visit: [Paragliding Cyprus Site Guide](http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/site_guide.htm)

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Potomia 2

This paragliding site has an elevation of 225 meters and is infrequently used. It is primarily suitable for soaring flights. For more details and flight logs, you can check the following links: [Flight Log 1](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/820237) [Flight Log 2](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/820234)

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Curium alternative launch

This site in Limassol, Cyprus, has a takeoff height of 61 meters. It is occasionally used as a secondary takeoff point, primarily for soaring flights. The site record for the longest flight is 19.2 km. Another nearby site in the same region has a record of 2.7 km. For more information on paragliding in Cyprus, you can visit local paragliding clubs or associations.

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Episkopi Zapalo Bay

This site offers a modest elevation of 108 meters, making it a good choice for those who enjoy soaring. The location provides various takeoff options, including spots directly at the site or to the west-northwest. This flexibility allows pilots to choose the best launch point based on wind conditions and personal preference. For more detailed information, you can visit the official site or check out local paragliding forums and communities.

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Yudi Suric

This site in Cyprus offers a modest elevation of 162 meters, making it suitable for short flights and some soaring. The longest recorded flight here is 0.9 km, indicating limited but enjoyable soaring opportunities.

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Mouti tou Dia Zeus Nose North Troodos Μούτη του Δια

This launch point is situated at an elevation of 764 meters with a height difference of 385 meters. It is occasionally used and is suitable for thermal soaring and small cross-country flights. The site is very near a buffer zone, so caution is advised. Only fly here if you are experienced and have consulted with local pilots. The launch is very short and steep, and there is no option for top landing. The region is Nicosia, Cyprus. The site record is 6.1 km. For more information, visit: [Dias Paragliding Site](http://www.paragliding-cyprus.com/dias.htm) Description: This launch point is ideal for catching thermals coming off the flat, dry plains to the north towards Morphou Bay. It takes a northerly wind (NNW/NNE) and is located on a short spine back ridge at the top of a prominent hill at 2,641 feet above mean sea level. Due to its dimensions, it is not really soarable. Access: The launch point at Zeuss Nose north of Troodos is accessible via 4.5 kilometers of dirt track, but much of it requires a 4x4 vehicle due to the loose surface. The last 500 meters are very steep, and even a 4x4 may not make it all the way up. Walking the last stretch with a hang glider would be very tough. Directions: From Limassol, turn off the highway at Junction 28 towards Troodos. Follow the main road up, passing signs for Mount Olympus and Platres, and continue towards Nicosia. Continue north past Kakopetria and Evrykhou. After 1 kilometer, turn right at a crossroads signposted Ayios Theodoros. After about 2 kilometers, you will arrive at a T junction. Take the left turn onto a dirt track signposted Ayios Ioannis 11 kilometers. Follow the main dirt track for about 2 kilometers until you see a sign with a paraglider and hang glider on it. Keep going and look out for another sign pointing up a steep right fork off the main track. Take this turn, and the road will contour around the hill. You will arrive at a point where the track turns right up the spur towards the peak. This is where the track becomes very steep, and it may be best to start walking the last 500 meters. The track climbs steadily and ends at the launch point.

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Pano Panagia

This location offers a scenic flight experience, though it is rarely used by paragliders. The area provides beautiful views, making it a serene and peaceful spot for those looking to enjoy a quiet flight. However, due to its infrequent use, you might not find many fellow paragliders here.

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Pissouri Bay 2

This site is rarely used for paragliding, primarily offering soaring flights. The takeoff height is 86 meters, which may limit the duration and altitude of your flight. Due to its infrequent use, you might find fewer pilots and less information available about this location.

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Stavrovouni Σταυροβούνι

This paragliding site in Cyprus is frequently used and offers two nearby takeoff points. The site is suitable for soaring and cross-country (XC) flights, especially with light East winds. The launch area is short, steep, and narrow, making it a medium-difficult site. Toplanding is not possible here. The site has a height of 613 meters and a height difference of 369 meters. The site record for the longest flight is 30.4 km. For more information and to see flights from this location, you can visit [this link](https://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights-from-place/?list[place]=Cyprus).

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Pissouri Bay

This site features a cliff with an elevation ranging from 127 to 182 meters. It is occasionally used for high cliff soaring flights. The conditions here are not frequently ideal, making it a less popular choice among paragliders.

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Dora alternative

Located in the Limassol region of Cyprus, this paragliding site offers an alternative takeoff point at an elevation of 674-685 meters. It is rarely used, making it a quieter option for those looking to avoid crowded skies. The site is suitable for soaring and small to medium distance flights. The site record for distance is 6.6 km.

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Fassoula

The paragliding site in Paphos, Cyprus, has an elevation of 437 meters. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for soaring flights. The site record is 2.3 kilometers.

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Vouyies North

This paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 327 meters and is considered easy. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for ridge soaring. Please note that this site is less than 1km from a buffer zone, so it is crucial to consult with local pilots before flying here. The site is suitable for intermediate to novice pilots. The launch area is flat but steep, almost vertical, making it a bit challenging. Toplanding is possible at this location. For more information and to see some flight logs, you can check the following links: [Flight Log 1](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/724406) [Flight Log 2](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/528608) [Flight Log 3](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/724394) [Flight Log 4](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/301434)

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Karpaz Karpass Golden Beach

The Karpaz region in Cyprus offers a unique paragliding experience with a large sand dune ideal for soaring flights. Pilots can choose to land on the beach or opt for a top landing. This site is not suitable for tandem flights, but single pilots are welcome to enjoy the conditions here. For guiding services, you can contact Highline Paragliding: - Website: [Highline Paragliding](http://www.highlineparagliding.com/) - Email: info@highlineparagliding.com - Phone: For English: +90 542 8555672, For Turkish: 0542 8594343 Office Address: Old Harbour Girne/Kyrenia No:114 TRNC (via Mersin 10 Turkey) For more details, you can also find the Highline Paragliding Office on Google Earth.

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