Best Conditions
Description
Located in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy, Alassio offers a paragliding experience that is both scenic and challenging. The site is known for its good soaring conditions and has two takeoff options. The takeoff area is situated near the antennas above Alassio, with a site record of 3.2 km.
To get there, if you're coming from Genoa, take the A-10 highway and exit at Albenga, then head towards Alassio. At the end of the descent leading to Alassio, take the first left towards the port. The official landing zone is the beach you encounter after turning towards the sea. For takeoff, return to the Aurelia state road, proceed towards the town center, turn right towards Moglio, and then Vregliasco. Midway up the hill, the road enters a restaurant parking lot. Continue until you reach a fork with a light pole in the middle, turn right, and proceed cautiously on the dirt road to the top of the mountain.
If you're arriving from Ventimiglia, exit at Andora, turn left towards Alassio on the Aurelia state road, and follow the same directions as above.
The takeoff area is spacious enough to comfortably open two or even three wings. It is not very steep but clean at the top, with wind direction indicators present. The takeoff faces southeast, with Capo Mele to your right. Be cautious with west winds as they can create challenging conditions, making it difficult to reach the official landing zone once you descend below the ridges.
The landing zone is a large beach, but from May to September, flying and landing are prohibited due to local regulations and low tolerance from authorities. Therefore, flights are best enjoyed occasionally during the off-season.
In-flight, the area offers thermodynamic conditions with good thermals on all the ridges to the left. With south winds, the valley to the left of the takeoff can create a Venturi effect, posing some challenges.
Historically, this site was used by hang gliders and was off-limits to paragliders for many years. Today, both hang gliders and paragliders use the site. The beach also allows for paramotor takeoff, although it is not recommended due to local restrictions.
Alassio is a charming town on the Ligurian Riviera with plenty of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options. A recommended visit is to the Panama Restaurant, where the owner and chef, Moreno, a paraglider himself, can offer advice on both flying and dining. Contact: Tel. 0182 / 646052 - 640039.
For more information, visit [Settimocielo Genova](http://www.settimocielogenova.it/) and [Finale Volo](http://www.finalevolo.it/voloala2.htm).
The takeoff altitude is 580 meters above sea level with an efficiency of 1:4. From the Alassio train station, take the road towards Stellanello, then continue to Vegliasco. Near a left curve before the parking area, take the road between two pillars. At the next fork, turn left and continue uphill. After the switchbacks, take the dirt road on the right, which leads to the takeoff area. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this route.
The site offers predominantly thermodynamic flights. Be cautious of potential advancement issues with strong south winds. With favorable conditions and south winds, you can catch the ridge on the left to gain altitude for further flights. With east winds, you can fly over Alassio and catch the ridge of Puerta del Sol, eventually reaching Capo Mele.
Accommodation is available at Hotel 'Badano sul mare,' located at Via Gramsci 36, Alassio. It is a pilot-friendly hotel with simple rooms and excellent cuisine. Contact: Tel. +39 (0)182/64 09 64.
For more details, visit [ParaglidingEarth](http://www.paraglidingearth.com).
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