Located in Croatia, the Učka mountain offers a unique paragliding experience with its 20 km ridge stretching south to Plomin. The western side descends towards the interior of Istria, while the eastern side drops towards the Kvarner Bay and the Riviera of Opatija. This site is particularly favored by pilots for its dynamic wind conditions and thermals, especially in the summer with westerly winds. For safety reasons, paragliders are advised to take off from a lower altitude. The site is known for good afternoon soaring, with some potential for cross-country flights. Visiting pilots should announce their flights to Jean-Pjer Kovačević at +385912012752. The height limit for flights is 2100 m ASL. More information can be found at [pjkflumen.org](http://www.pjkflumen.org). The Učka Nature Park requires visitors to behave respectfully and follow the guidance of local rangers. **Takeoff Points:** **Saddle Takeoff:** - Orientation: West - Location: Southern side of Učka, 200 m below the peak - Features: Ample space for multiple wings, wind channeled through a forest clearing - Emergency Landing: Small meadow approximately 200 m away - Note: Preferred for safety; flights can be short if there is no wind or dynamic lift **Vojak Takeoff (1396 m):** - Orientation: West - Location: Steep slopes, 100 m south of the tower at the peak - Note: Requires experience and routine due to limited margin for error; recommended to use the Saddle takeoff to avoid accidents **Flying Conditions:** - Best conditions in the afternoon - Options to follow the ridge south towards Plomin or head west towards Buzet - Later starts are better suited for flights towards the south for longer durations **How to Get There:** - From Rijeka, head towards the Učka tunnel - Turn towards Veprinac 5 km before the tunnel and continue to the pass (hotel, restaurant) - At the pass, take the marked left turn leading to the top of Učka - For the Saddle takeoff, turn left onto the white path about 1 km before the peak, or hike south from the peak for about 10 minutes **Contacts:** - Jean-Pjer Kovačević, operator (Homo Volans Opatija): info@homo-volans.hr - Učka Nature Park: Tel. 051 293 753, Tel/Fax 051 293 751, e-mail: park.prirode.ucka@inet.hr For a visual experience, check out these videos: - [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1eULvfSNGM) - [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELK-Pd026O8) More information can be found at [pjkflumen.org](http://www.pjkflumen.org).