BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN PORTUGAL

There is 406 sites to discover in Portugal and 2 guides available

Available guides:

Óbidos

Probability of Paragliding in the next days
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Madeira

Probability of Paragliding in the next days
3 days 7 days 16 days
0% 0% 2%

Why Go to paraglide in Madeira

  • Madeira offers a unique flying experience due to its island conditions and panoramic views. It's a sought-after destination for paraglid ...

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The Top 20 Paragliding sites in Portugal:

Nazaré S

soaring spot for advanced flyers. works only a few time a year. Landing on the beach.

Click to watch video
Youtube Video Thumbnail

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6kjklfP5YU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=GC-iEB1ynH0

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Lagoa de Obidos

Click to watch video
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Praia da Gralha

soaring spots for experienced pilots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OybrCvlSHJg

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Praia das Paredes da Vitoria 2

Flying is strictly prohibited in the LP R60A airspace between the surface and 4000 feet, spanning from Nazaré to near Figueira da Foz. Violating this restricted airspace is considered a very serious aeronautical infraction and can result in substantial fines. For more information, you can visit [Cavok Portugal](https://cavok.pt/fuaflex/fua-portugal/). This location is occasionally used for local soaring. The record flight distance in this area is 20.0 km. You can view flights near this point and find additional information on the [YouTube link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXVFYNlmXEY).

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xxx Nazare Nazaré 1

Military airspace is closed for paragliding in the LP R60A airspace between the surface and 4000 feet, spanning from Nazaré to near Figueira da Foz. Violating this airspace is considered a very serious aeronautical infraction and can result in large fines. For more details, visit [Cavok Portugal](https://cavok.pt/fuaflex/fua-portugal/). The main takeoff point is regularly used and offers nice local soaring opportunities. The site record for distance is 15.1 km. There are two takeoff options: the one represented here and another on the left side of the elevator (from the beach to the top). Note that flying is not allowed in July and August. Landing is on the beach. The takeoff directions are SE, S, and SW. The coordinates are N: 39.60462, W: -9.0787. This site is suitable for paragliders of levels 1 and 2. Access is available by car or on foot, and the altitude is 99 meters. For more information, you can watch a video of the site [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydeiUEVk68k).

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Praia da Gralha Sao Martino do Porto

Located in Portugal, Praia da Gralha is a frequently used coastal soaring spot with a maximum altitude of 90 meters. The takeoff orientation is primarily northwest and west. Access to the site is good, with a route from S. Martinho do Porto leading to the highest part of the village, followed by a dirt road to the takeoff area. Takeoff is usually done from the beach, and top-landing is easily achievable at any point on the plateau. The flying conditions are predominantly dynamic and very stable, allowing for easy transitions to Praia do Salgado. Landing on the beach is straightforward due to the extensive sandy area, and top-landing is also quite accessible. If you land on the beach, you can either walk a short distance back to the takeoff point or drive up. The most favorable conditions are with laminar west winds. Interestingly, flights are also relatively good with north and northwest winds due to the beach's shell-like configuration, which influences the wind path from the north. However, caution is advised regarding the west-facing cliff, which has an irregular relief. The southwest-facing wall is rarely used due to the difficulty and danger of takeoff. For more information, you can visit [SkyXplorer](https://www.skyxplorer.com/zonas-de-voo/). Flights in this area have a site record of 26.2 km.

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Praia Azul

soaring spot

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xxx Polvoeira

Military airspace between Nazaré and near Figueira da Foz is closed for paragliding. No flying is allowed in LP R60A airspace between the surface and 4000 feet. Violating this airspace is a serious aeronautical infraction and can result in large fines. For more details, visit [CAVOK Portugal](https://cavok.pt/fuaflex/fua-portugal/). This site is regularly used for coastal soaring with various takeoff options. You can either top land or land on the beach. The altitude is 30 meters with a height difference of 30 meters. Access is convenient by road, almost up to the takeoff point. Coming from the north, you can take the road connecting S. Pedro de Moel to Paredes de Vitória, with the takeoff located after passing Água de Medeiros. From the south, take the road between Pataias and Paredes de Vitória, continuing towards Água de Medeiros. The takeoff area is quite spacious and free of obstacles, with an approximate inclination of 30° and a length of 25 meters. The ground is sandy but compact. This site is ideal for beginners as the flight path is not very long and both takeoff and landing are relatively easy. It also offers excellent conditions for practicing top-landing, allowing less experienced pilots to improve their skills safely. Dynamic flying is technically easy along the entire sandy wall, with the wind being ideal for flying the entire wall south to the northwest takeoff at Paredes de Vitória. Flying north is more challenging but allows for a 4 km flight to S. Pedro de Moel without significant technical difficulty. Landing on the beach is straightforward due to the extensive sandy area. Top-landing, as mentioned, is also quite accessible. If you land on the beach, you can usually walk a short distance back to the takeoff point, or you can drive up. The most favorable conditions are when the wind is from the southwest, although the wall is oriented to the west, making it suitable for flights both north and south of the takeoff point. For more information, you can watch a video of the site [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG0CTNFAblY) or visit [Rotas do Vento](http://rotasdovento.com/gca/?id=115).

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Praia de Santa Cruz Praia de Santa Rita

In the region of Torres Vedras, Portugal, the paragliding site at Santa Rita Beach offers a fine coastal soaring experience. The takeoff is located on the left side of the beach when facing the sea, opposite the hotel, at the top of the cliff. Look for a sign on the road indicating "Miradouro" to find the spot. The site features a height difference of 40 meters and is oriented towards the West and Northwest. It is situated north of Santa Cruz, a village 15 km from Torres Vedras, which has an aerodrome, an aeroclub, and is close to the Hotel do Vimeiro, thermal baths, and a golf course. The cliff extends to Santa Cruz and ends before the Hotel do Vimeiro at Praia de Santa Rita. To reach the takeoff, take the first left turn from the road that exits Santa Cruz heading north, onto a road parallel to the coastline, passing by the Faraó nightclub. About 1 km along, there is a dirt and sand detour marked with logs on the sides. The takeoff is about 100 meters from this point. The Hotel do Vimeiro is visible from both the takeoff and the road. This beach is a popular gathering spot for many paragliders and schools, both local and visiting. The cliff offers a larger height difference at the beach behind the hotel, visible to the north of Santa Rita, which serves as a good alternative during heavy air traffic. The simplest access is through the hotel, although there have been issues with car passage to the takeoff, which are expected to be resolved soon. Alternatively, you can enter the beach from the north side. The takeoff area is a flat terrain at the top of the cliff, easily identifiable to the left of the parking area where the dirt detour ends. It is suitable for schools and beginner pilots. The wide takeoff area is excellent for top-landing, and flights are possible with NW winds starting from 17 km/h. Landing is straightforward with normal flight conditions, and there is a large beach extending along the cliff. However, be cautious during high tide as the beach may narrow in some areas. The walk from the beach to the parking or takeoff area takes about 5 minutes. For more information, visit: - [Paragliding in Portugal Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/Port.paragliding) - [AVLS Paragliding](http://www.avls.pt/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=100)

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Praia dos Salgados Saraiva

Altitude: 114 meters, Length: 6,600 meters This site is primarily used by hang gliders, with occasional use by paragliders. Region: Portugal Site record: 29.0 km Region: Nazaré, Portugal Site record: 4.1 km Region: Portugal Site record: 2.0 km Flights: [Facebook Photo](https://www.facebook.com/Port.paragliding/photos/pcb.2005106256435443/2005106193102116/?type=3&theater), [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ICbcsqMLY), [SkyXplorer](https://www.skyxplorer.com/zonas-de-voo/), [Windy](https://www.windy.com/39.546/-9.102?39.485,-9.102,11), [Rotas do Vento](http://rotasdovento.com/gca/?id=115) Altitude: 124 meters Elevation Gain: 124 meters Takeoff Orientation: W, NW Praia dos Salgados is located between Nazaré and S. Martinho do Porto. To get there, head to Nazaré and drive towards S. Martinho do Porto along the coastal road. The beach is signposted on the right (left if coming from S. Martinho). Takeoff: Located on the cliff in front of the Inatel Hang Gliding School (signposted). There are two takeoff points; use the lower one when the wind is strong at the top. Landing: On the beach, in front of the parking lot. Retrieve: Very easy, via asphalt road, 4 km round trip. Flight Type: Contrary to the calm flights typically expected along the coast, this site can be quite turbulent in the summer due to thermodynamic conditions. Exercise caution as many accidents occur due to overconfidence. Takeoff: Well-prepared small clearing Takeoff Directions: N, W, NW Coordinates: N: 39.54356, W: -9.10791 Suitable for Paragliding and Hang Gliding: Levels 1 and 2 Access: By car, on foot Altitude: 113 meters (maximum altitude difference of 104 meters for this location) For more information, visit [SkyXplorer](https://www.skyxplorer.com/zonas-de-voo/).

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Lombo do Mouro 3

H 1490 m
rating 2/6
rarely used, panoramic flights. various takeoff options.
Region: Madeira - PortugalSee flights near this point [ 14 ]Site record : 8.7 kmLink to more information : http://www.madeira-paragliding.com/natural gras slopes, to north, east, south
function cIt(iIP)
N032° 44' 04.80"   W017° 03' 22.06"© paraglidingspots.com · last update 8/2021Feedback / Correction

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Falezia Hotel Praia Valmitao Ribamar

Located in Portugal, this paragliding site offers a coastal soaring experience with several takeoff options. Toplanding is possible, making it a versatile spot for pilots. The site has an altitude of 56 meters, with a maximum altitude difference of 38 meters. The site is suitable for pilots of levels 1 and 2. You can access the takeoff points either by car or on foot. The takeoff directions are primarily west (W) and northwest (NW). The coordinates for the site are N: 39.19576, W: -9.34853. The site record for the longest flight is 43.1 km. For more information, you can view nearby flights at this point.

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Praia dos Salgados 2

Nazaré, Portugal offers a takeoff ramp at an elevation of 96 meters. This site is more frequently used by hang gliders than paragliders, but it does provide various takeoff options for both. The site record for the longest flight is 8.8 km. For more information on flights near this point, you can visit the local paragliding community pages or forums.

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Foz do Arelho Lagoa de Obidos

Located in the West region of Portugal, this paragliding site offers a ridge with a height of 15-30 meters and a length of 3,500 meters, primarily facing northwest. It is a popular spot for local soaring, especially with a north wind. When the northwest wind is strong and sustained, experienced pilots can also enjoy some cross-country flights down the coast. This site is excellent for school training and playing on the dunes, particularly with winds from the north to northeast. The maximum altitude difference here is 20 meters, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate pilots (Levels 1 and 2). Access is convenient by car, followed by a short walk. The site record for distance is 16.1 km. For more visual insights, you can check out these videos: - [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU9JFDf8FcA) - [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_oeH_vsdds) - [Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba9p4vUua0Y) Coordinates for takeoff are N: 39.42522, W: -9.23982.

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Montejunto Sul

This site, located in Portugal, is occasionally used for soaring and small cross-country flights. It is suitable for both hang gliding (HG) and paragliding (PG). The elevation difference is 300 meters, with takeoff orientations to the East, South, North, and West. The best conditions are typically from the East and South. The South takeoff is situated a few meters below the antennas at the highest point of the mountain. The East takeoff is accessed via the military barracks at the crossroads before the mountain summit, followed by a dirt road that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. The East landing area is a large, obstacle-free field next to the access road to the mountain. This is a thermal flying site, and it is advisable to avoid Northeast wind conditions. Be cautious of the West or Northwest breeze, which is common due to the proximity to the sea. For more information and to view nearby flights, you can visit [link not provided]. The site record is 17.9 km.

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Arco da Calheta

H 423 m / easy
rating 5/6
The main spot of Madeira, directly at Madeira Airbase Camp.
extremely frequented, good for soaring, acro and some xc.
Flying in the lee (prevailing NE wind in Madeira). Often you fly directly underneath the compact lee clouds, large area thermals, soft.
Toplanding possible.
Region: Madeira - PortugalSee flights near this point [ 8062 ]Site record : 34.8 kmLink to more information : -
Region: Madeira - PortugalSee flights near this point [ 8853 ]Site record : 31.6 kmLink to more information : -
Region: Madeira - PortugalSee flights near this point [ 789 ]Site record : 32.2 kmLink to more information : -
Região: Madeira - PortugalVêr voos próximos a este ponto [ 3850 ]Recorde do local de voo : 34.8 kmLink com mais informação : http://www.madeira-paragliding.comprivate take-off with all services form paragliding pilots and passengers
Region: Madeira - PortugalSee flights near this point [ 5608 ]Site record : 34.8 kmLink to more information : http://www.madeira-paragliding.comprivate take-off with all services form paragliding pilots and passengers
Direct link to www.xcontest.org flights
function cIt(iIP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbPo9VDYTks&feature=player_embedded
Direcção em descolagens: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NWN: 32.70765, W: -17.14023Adequado para Parapente: Níveis 1 e 2Acesso: Carro, a PéAltitude: 426m (diferença máxima de altitude 793m para este local)
LP Kiesstrand in Madalena do Mar.
Fluggebiet dierekt vor dem Madeira Airbase Camp.Super Rundumsicht über die Steilküste. Gute Toplandemöglichkeiten, Streckenflüge.
Schwierigkeit:leicht Höhe über NN:450Liegt beim Aussichtspunkt & Restaurant 'Costa Verde'. Ideal für Toplandeübungen, geht von vormittags bis Sonnenuntergang, thermisch und dynamisch. Der vielfältigste Startplatz der Insel. Vom Anfänger bis zum XC-Crack und Acro-Piloten geschätzt.
Seit dem Jahre 2000 wird das Madeira-Fliegercamp an der Südweststeilküste der Atlantikinsel in Arco da Calheta betrieben. 330 Flugtage pro Jahr sind keine Seltenheit. Auch ein Eldorado für Acropiloten aus der ganzen Welt.
Durch die geschützte Lage, bietet das Mikroklima tolle Bedingungen das ganze Jahr über. Streckenflüge bis ins Inselzentrum, auf die Hochebene, entlang der Steilküste nach West Richtung Paul do Mar und Ost nach Funchal sind garantiert. Normaler Weise folgt Ihr den Klippen bis zum Strand hinunter, nach Strandlandungen ist der dazugehörige Badespaß obligatorisch.
Schon nach kurzer Sonneneinstrahlung kann mit Startplatzüberhöhung gerechnet werden. Die Flughöhe ist wegen der Nord-Ost-Passat-Wetterlage natürlich begrenzt, 2000 m werden selten erreicht. Streckenflïüge entlang der Küsten sind aber relativ leicht möglich, hier sind die Enden der Insel die Begrenzung, d.h. 20-25 km Strecke sind möglich. Die Sommermonate bieten nahezu jeden Tag Flugspaß. Die Wintermonate aber die spektakuläreren Flüge, dafür aber nicht jeden Tag. Sobald die Sonne sich Nachmittags hinter Wolken versteckt oder sich dem Untergang neigt, neigt sich auch der Flugtag auf Madeira seinem Ende. Ablandige Luftmassen wandeln die tagsüber schmalen, langen Landestrände in kurze aber breite Notlandezonen, Ihr wisst was gemeint ist ;-)
Soaringbedingungen:Soaring bei Westwind bis nach Sonnenuntergang, Start bei 450müNN hoch bis zur Antenne auf 850müNN, toplanden bis zur Perfektion erlernbar, Absaufen fast unmöglich...
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Take off : The best and most beautiful take-off on Madeira concerning XC-flights, altitude gain, Acro, SIV, around 300 days per year good flying conditions
perfect gras ramp,
all pg-flight-records on the south side of Madeira were flown from here,
no high voltage cables, no trees, and wide wind range to take off without obstacles and no cloudbase below, easy toplanding, a dream for pilots!
More information on ParaglidingEarth
LocationN32°42.550' W017°08.400'
Altitude450m MSL
Elevation450m ALZ
Wind180°-270°
SportPG
More info
DHV Details anzeigen
N032° 42' 29.50"   W017° 08' 29.69"© paraglidingspots.com · last update 8/2021Feedback / Correction

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Azinha Sierra de Estrela Manteigas

Altitude: 1240m, Height Difference: 700m. This site is easy to fly and very popular. It is one of the best cross-country (XC) spots in Portugal, especially from May to September. Located in the Serra da Estrela region of Portugal, this site holds a flight record of 301.6 km. The take-off area is near a small village in the middle of Serra da Estrela, offering a beautiful view of Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal. The terrain is a field next to a small river. Directions: Suitable for all wind directions with light winds. Easy access by car or shuttle service from Skipark (Tel. 275 982 870). The site is on the south-eastern side of the mountains, ideal for morning flights. It features a narrow valley with technical but rewarding flying conditions. Stronger thermals develop as the day progresses, allowing for various types of flying. For easier flights, it's best to go early to Azinha or fly from the lower Vale de Amoreira. For guides with transport and accommodation, visit: http://www.pararaglideportugal.com Azinha is a highlight of the Serra da Estrela flying sites. The south-facing take-off at the highest point of Vale de Manteigas offers an incredible view of Torre and the Zêzere River. The site was discovered by Clube Vertical in 2003, which worked with local authorities to improve the take-off area and access. The take-off area includes a tower that is part of a fire surveillance system, often featured in paragliding photos from Portugal. This site has hosted several competitions, including the National Championship, the Nordic Open in 2011, and the World Cup in 2005. Flight conditions: Due to its southern exposure, the site is flyable with any wind direction if the wind speed is below 15 km/h. With a southern wind component, flights are possible all day up to 20 km/h. East winds work until 18:00, and north/west winds until 15:00. The ideal forecast is for light south or west winds. For more information, visit: http://clubevertical.org/index.php/areadevoo/descolagens/azinha Accommodation recommendation: Albergaria o Berne, a hotel with a pool, 18th-century building, six guest rooms, and a good restaurant. Contact: albergaria_berne@hotmail.com, www.albergariaberne.com, Tel 275 981 351. Take-off: Large area with artificial grass. Thermals usually start early. In summer, it can get windy with strong thermal activity around midday. Landing: Wide area next to the Zêzere River, 1 km from Vale de Amoreira (UTM: 29T X:0632159 Y:4473726). For more details, visit: http://clubevertical.org/cms/index.php/descolagens/azinha-sameiro

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Foz do Lizandro Ericeira

Located in the Sintra region of Portugal, this paragliding site offers a unique coastal soaring experience. The site is frequently used and is known for its good local coastal soaring conditions. Top landing is possible, making it convenient for pilots. The site is situated approximately 35 km from Lisbon, near Ericeira, on the cliff to the right of the Lizandro River mouth. The takeoff area is located to the right of the dirt parking lot if you are facing the sea. The altitude difference is about 30 meters, with a takeoff orientation towards the southwest to west. Flying conditions are optimal with winds from the west starting at 17 km/h. Pilots can soar along the cliff to the right of the Lizandro River mouth up to Ericeira, which is about 1 km to the north. The top landing is relatively easy, but caution is needed due to the road and the lighting poles along its edge. Landing on the beach is straightforward with ample space, but be mindful of the wooden walkways. It is easy to walk back up from the beach to the takeoff or parking area. Access from Lisbon is about a 1-hour drive. Take the IC19 towards Sintra, then the IC30 towards Colares/Ericeira, and finally the N247 towards Colares. In Colares, follow the signs to the beaches. For more information, you can visit: - [AVLS](http://www.avls.pt/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=106) - [Rotas do Vento](http://rotasdovento.com/gca/?id=115) - [SkyXplorer](https://www.skyxplorer.com/zonas-de-voo/) Watch some flights at this location: - [YouTube Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11O3gC0wgZs) - [YouTube Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA0T01jhYY8) - [YouTube Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apRpBLa2dI0) For images, check out: - [Hiveminer](https://hiveminer.com/Tags/fozdolizandro,parapente)

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Sierra de Montejunto East

Located in Portugal, this paragliding site offers a height of 484 meters and a height difference of 373 meters. It is regularly used and small cross-country flights are possible. While it is slightly better suited for hang gliding, it is still suitable for paragliding. The site record is 31.0 km. The take-off orientations include East, South, North, and West, with the best conditions typically found for East and South take-offs. The South take-off is located a few meters below the antennas at the highest point of the mountain, while the East take-off is accessed via a military base at the crossroads before the mountain summit, followed by a dirt road that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. The East landing area is a large, obstacle-free field next to the access road to the mountain. This is a thermal flying site, and it is advisable to avoid Northeast wind conditions. Be cautious of the West or Northwest breeze, which is common due to the proximity to the sea. For more information, you can watch these videos: [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wje3OQFWTzA) [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcKICGgz2A)

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Praia da Areia Branca

The site is located in Sines, Alentejo, with a takeoff orientation towards the west. The altitude and elevation difference are both 30 meters. For more details, you can visit [SkyXplorer](https://www.skyxplorer.com/zonas-de-voo/). For additional information, you can also check [Rotas do Vento](http://rotasdovento.com/gca/?id=115).

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Other guides available in Portugal :

Other guides available in Portugal :