Paragliding Praia a Mare Decollo Alto

Isola Dino, located in Praia a Mare, Calabria, Italy, offers a medium-difficulty paragliding experience with a takeoff altitude of 600 meters above sea level. The site is frequently used and is known for good soaring conditions, with some potential for cross-country flights. Takeoff: - Altitude: 600 meters above sea level - Orientation: West - Southwest - Difficulty: Medium - Access: Requires a 4x4 vehicle Landing: - Elevation difference from takeoff: 600 meters - Difficulty: Easy - Permits: Not required - Distance from takeoff to landing: 6 km - Average travel time from landing to takeoff: 15 minutes - Access: Single traction vehicle The local paragliding community in Praia a Mare consists of about six active pilots. They have improved the takeoff area by leveling the mountain top, despite incurring a fine. For more information, you can contact Nicolas (Nico), who speaks fluent English and can be reached via email. He is knowledgeable about additional takeoff spots in the surrounding mountains. The hike to the takeoff point takes about 20 minutes and offers a stunning view of the sea and the expansive Praia beach. Depending on the thermals and wind conditions, you can enjoy soaring or thermalling. Landing on the beach is straightforward and safe. In normal wind conditions, takeoff is easy on the grassy area. In light winds, a short run is sufficient, while in strong winds, it's advisable to lay out the wing as low as possible to avoid being pulled over the edge. Top landing is not possible. Directions: - Leave Praia a Mare on the coastal road towards Scalea. - Turn off on the inland side of the railway. - Drive towards Casa di Cura San Lucca and continue uphill. - Pass under SS 18 and continue uphill, keeping right at the end of the holiday villa area. - At the saddle, 4WD vehicles turn left onto a forest road. Continue uphill on the asphalt road. - From the forest edge, it's a 20-minute walk to the takeoff point, ascending 130 meters in elevation. For a more convenient experience, use the shuttle service provided by Nico (Nicholas). Contact him at +39 347 55 70 595. Landing is on the beach near the campsite at the southern end of the beach, in front of Isola de Dino. Shuttle service is available on flyable days. For soaring and thermalling, the best conditions are over the ridges and slopes in front of Isola de Dino. In good conditions, you can also fly over the island. Typically, flights head left from the takeoff, especially in southern winds, with the main lift line just above the beach, extending from the Saracen tower. Due to the rocky steep slope, precision is crucial. Prior registration is required. Contact Antonio Di Giorno at 0338/2085936 for registration. For more information, visit [Flymaratea](http://www.flymaratea.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=121) and [Paragliding Forum](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/tracks/world/alltimes/brand:all,cat:0,class:all,xctype:all,club:all,pilot:all,takeoff:8879). Watch a video of the site [here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouRs5j6AGww&list=UUQy6YpmUXGB5h3-iZFjEiMQ&index=10&feature=plcp).