Parapente Santa Lucia del Mela

The paragliding site in Sta. Lucia, Italy, offers a launch altitude between 592-657 meters with a height difference of 521 meters. This site is moderately popular and regularly used for thermal soaring, with some potential for cross-country flights. Region: Sta. Lucia - Italy Site record: 3.2 km For more details, visit: [Etna Fly](http://www.etnafly.com/voli_sicilia.htm) Directions: Take the SS 113 until the Sta. Lucia turnoff. Continue on the SS 113 Olivarello, then turn towards Sta. Lucia del Mela. Head right towards Castello. At the Polizia Municipale, go straight for the start/landing area (right leads to the landing area). Continue straight on SP 65 past Ristorante La Forcetta. Shortly after, you'll find the recommended Ristorante La Forcetta. Park at the Black Madonna parking lot and walk up to the launch site. Contact: Gimmy Catanzaro Address: Via Maio Mariano, 64, I - 98057 Milazzo (ME) Mobile: +39 338 163 0185 Homepage: [Gimmy2000](http://gimmy2000.interfree.it) Email: gimmy2000@hotmail.com Gimmy speaks fluent English and is an ideal contact person. He also rents apartments in Milazzo if needed. Thermal flying is common here. The wind should not exceed 15 km/h and can come from the west or east, as the launch site is on a ridge rising from the north. Thermals form in the broad river valley and the plain extending to Milazzo. Pilots can often gain up to 1000 meters in altitude, with flights to Taormina recorded. Due to the challenging landing and return transport in the sparsely populated mountains behind, it is advisable to stay within the surrounding peaks. Launching typically begins in the morning when thermal bubbles start to form, and thermals can be sought towards Castello.