Harissa, located 26 km from Beirut in Mount Lebanon, is a popular paragliding site known for its coastal soaring opportunities. The launch site is situated at 650 meters above sea level, near the church of Our Lady of Harissa, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Jounieh. The take-off area is small, accommodating only one glider at a time, and is best suited for experienced pilots. It is accessible by car, and it's recommended to visit with local pilots initially. The launch site allows for take-offs in SouthWest to NorthWest winds. Pilots can glide down to the sea, reaching about 300 meters in height. Even in winter, thermals are available, and the long ridge provides excellent soaring conditions. The landing zone is on the beach near the only casino in the Middle East, but caution is advised as north-northwest winds can create turbulence due to the nearby hill. For more information, you can visit: - [Harissa Paragliding on JustAcro](http://justacro.com/startplaces/lebanon/harissa) - [Paragliding in Lebanon](http://www.paraglidinglebanon.com) - [Paragliding in Harissa Pictures](http://www.paraglidinglebanon.com/galleries/flying-in-lebanon/paragliding-in-harissa-pictures/) Local contact for tandem flights: Raja, a tandem pilot. Additional details: - The site record is 16.4 km. - The take-off parking GPS coordinates are 33.9941 N, 35.6699 E. - The landing parking GPS coordinates are 33.995 N, 35.6413 E. - Flights are only permitted after 2 pm (14:00 h) and require authorization. - The landing area is spacious and located next to the sea. - The site is not flyable with north winds. Nearby tourist attractions include Harissa, Jeita Grotto, Jbeil, Jounieh, and Beirut, which is just a 30-minute drive away. For further inquiries, you can contact info@ikamalebanon.com.