The endless sunshine that blesses the gorgeous island of Tenerife makes paragliding here one of the best experiences in the Canary Islands. Just picture yourself floating in a sky of blue with magnificent views over the island, as you glide from one incredible vista to the next. That is what paragliding in Tenerife is all about – views that take your breath away!
Tenerife is the largest Canary Island and with that size comes a huge amount of diversity in landscapes. Everything from a sea of clouds between mountains, to the volcanic wonders of Teide National Park, to lush subtropical forests, to the famous dragon trees, to the beautifully rugged coastline. All of these landscapes combine to paint a marvelous picture.
Sometimes the only way to appreciate the true scale and beauty of the landscapes of Tenerife is from the sky. And while private helicopter flights or scenic flights might be too expensive for most travelers to the island, paragliding offers an affordable and fun way to get those panoramic views. Whether you are a couple on a romantic getaway or a family with teenage kids – paragliding offers a unique way to see this stunning Canary Island.
Why Paragliding is so Enjoyable
For those who have never tried paragliding before you are in for a real treat. The feeling is akin to flying like a bird. Gliding in the air at slow speeds is like being an eagle commanding the skies. As you sit safe and sound in your harness (with the instructor behind you), any fear of heights dissipates and all you will be able to think about is the fact that you are flying!
Having the instructor with you for the entire flight means all you need to do is sit back and relax. Many people assume that paragliding is a full-on adrenaline pumping activity, yet for most people it’s about as relaxing as it gets. Apart from the beginning where you run and glide off a mountainous cliff, most of the trip is characterized by a peaceful gliding feeling. If it’s speed you are after then paragliding might not be the right activity for you.
The only possible downside is if you suffer from things like motion sickness. There are times when your instructor will make turns and sway you from side to side as you glide down to the landing spot. Just speak to your instructor before you go if you suffer from this ailment and let them know that you prefer no sudden movements or swaying (if that is possible).
Best Spots To Go Paragliding in Tenerife
There are some epic places to go paragliding in Tenerife and two of the best places have to be Costa Adeje and Teide Volcano. Costa Adeje is one of the world’s best resort destinations with a variety of beautiful beaches and amazing activities to keep guests entertained for days on end.
You can easily book your Tenerife paragliding experience with the team at Club Canary. They offer two magical experiences in the air at Costa Adeje. Firstly, they have a Standard Paragliding Flight which is great for first-timers. This 15-20 minute flight takes you gliding over Costa Adeje and finishes at the pebbly black sand beach called Playa de la Enramada.
The second option for Costa Adeje is the Performance Paragliding Flight with Club Canary. This will take you 200 meters higher than the standard flight and it lasts for about 10 minutes longer. If you have more experience with paragliding and desire a higher, longer and more invigorating flight then this option is perfect. Again, you will land at Playa de la Enramada.
The last but certainly not least paragliding option with Club Canary is the Base of Teide Flight. At 2,250 meters this experience is not for the faint of heart. The flight takes you gliding around the base of Teide Volcano with jaw-dropping views for the entirety of the 30-60 minute flight. If you want something more pulsating than the flights at Costa Adeje, and have done paragliding before, then the Base of Teide Flight is an awesome way to go.
While Costa Adeje is located in the southwest of Tenerife, Teide National Park is situated smack-bang in the middle of the island and so it requires a one hour drive from Costa Adeje. Once you arrive at the national park you will realize just how incredibly beautiful this place is with the star attraction being the Teide Volcano – the highest mountain in all of Spain (believe it or not) standing at an impressive 3,715 meters above sea level.
7 Travel Tips for Paragliding in Tenerife
- Always book with a certified instructor (like the ones at Club Canary).
- Anyone from the age of 8-80 can go paragliding with Club Canary. Anyone 14 years or older can go by themselves, while 8-14 year olds will need to be accompanied by an adult or have adult permission to go.
- The weather in Tenerife is usually excellent with clear blue skies every day. However, paragliding is a weather dependent activity and in the unlikely event of bad weather the flight might be postponed.
- If you go paragliding in the winter months in Tenerife you will want to wrap up warm with a jacket. The higher you go the colder it gets.
- Photos and videos of your flight can normally be purchased after the trip with your company. Talk to them beforehand to arrange this.
- There is normally a weight range limit for paragliding flights (between 40kg and 120kg or something similar). Some companies will be able to accommodate different weights, all you need to do is talk with them beforehand to see if they can accommodate different weights.
- Make sure you wear shoes with a closed toe, shorts to ensure a comfortable experience in the harness and a jacket for the wind.
