| This post may contain affiliate links. Whenever you book or buy something through one of these, Giving Getaway gets a small commission, of which 100% will be donated to charity, without any extra cost to you! |
If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for your next adventure, paragliding should be at the top of your list. The rush of wind in your face, the freedom of flight, and the breathtaking views below make for an experience that’s hard to top. That’s why in this post, I’ve compiled a list of ten of the best places for paragliding in the world!
Whether you’re an experienced paraglider looking for your next challenge or a first-timer looking to take to the skies, these destinations are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. By the way, for more adventure inspiration, check out my other posts where you can find for example the best places for skydiving and white water rafting.
And if you decide to book any of these adventurous experiences, feel free to use the affiliate links to complete your bookings on Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor. By doing so, I will get a commission of which I will donate 50% to charity, at no extra cost to you.
But now, pack your wings and get ready to soar over some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet!
1) Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken in Switzerland is an adventurer’s paradise. Perched between two glacial lakes and surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, Interlaken offers a unique combination of Swiss culture and alpine activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or leisurely sightseeing, there’s something to suit everyone in this breathtaking area.
Paragliding is the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies who want to experience all that Interlaken has to offer from high above. With its perfect flight conditions throughout the year and professional paraglider pilots on hand offering tandem flights, it’s no surprise that Interlaken is one of the best places in the world for paragliding.
You’ll take off from one of the many launch points at varying altitudes and be swept off your feet by the adrenaline rush of the initial lift. As you gain altitude, you’ll get to experience the freedom of flight and feel like you’re floating on air. And the scenery? Stunning. You’ll have the chance to see some of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps, including the Three Peaks, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Whether you’re an experienced paraglider or a newbie looking for a thrill, paragliding in Interlaken is an experience you won’t soon forget!
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Interlaken:
- Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken
- Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley
- Summer Paragliding Beatenberg in Interlaken
2) Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown in New Zealand is a destination that should be on the top of any adventurous traveler’s list. The stunning mountains provide unparalleled views and adventure opportunities for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Paragliding from Bob’s Peak offers spectacular views of the Whakatipu Basin below as you soar through the air like a bird.
In 1987, Rene Schwaller brought paragliding to Queenstown after learning how to do it in Switzerland. He made history by jumping off Bob’s Peak with two modified parachutes and inspired others to follow suit. During the 90s, more hard-core paragliders joined him, hiking up mountainous peaks before launching into the sky above.
Today, there are numerous hang gliding and paragliding experiences available in Queenstown due to their popularity amongst adventurers who seek out thrilling activities during their travels. All operators have excellent safety records and give visitors peace of mind when taking part in these exhilarating activities.
With its majestic mountain ranges providing endless opportunities for exploration, this beautiful city will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve gone home.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Queenstown:
3) Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is an urban paradise for the paraglider. With its vibrant culture and stunning local attractions, this picturesque destination offers a thrilling experience to all who dare take flight. The Pedra Bonita hill provides an immense launch pad at 510 meters high, allowing pilots to soar in their freedom like eagles above the lush Tijuca National Park below.
Rio’s hot and humid climate makes it one of the best places on Earth for paragliding – with long thermals that can transport you gracefully through the sky over white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. You get incredible views of iconic landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ Redeemer statue, Copacabana Beach, and much more!
One of the unique features of paragliding in Rio is the chance to fly over a dense urban landscape. You’ll see the contrast between the city’s sprawling favelas and high-end neighborhoods, and the striking coastline with its crystal-clear waters.
Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of flying with the opportunity to see the city’s landmarks from a new perspective. If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime, be sure to add paragliding in Rio to your travel bucket list!
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Rio de Janeiro:
- Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio
- Paragliding Tandem Flight in Rio de Janeiro
- Paragliding or Hang Gliding Experience in Rio de Janeiro
4) Kamshet, India
Kamshet is a small village located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, and it’s one of India’s best paragliding spots. With its stunning Sahyadri Mountains, Kamshet has some spectacular views to take in while soaring through the air. It offers three different types of paragliding fly: Basic Tandem Fly, Instructional Tandem Fly, and Acro Tandem Fly—all suitable for both novices and experts alike.
To ensure safety when paragliding here, several protocols are put in place such as mandatory training programs for all flyers and experienced instructors monitoring every flight. The flights in Kamshet usually last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. During your flight, you’ll have an amazing panoramic view of the hills and countryside below. You’ll see small villages, fields, and lakes, and maybe even spot some of the local wildlife.
Kamshet is known for its excellent thermal conditions, which make it a perfect spot for paragliding. The thermals are created by the warm air rising from the valleys, providing pilots with the opportunity to stay in the air for longer periods and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a bird’s-eye view.
The best time to go paragliding in Kamshet is between October and May when the weather is dry and the winds are favorable. So if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure and a chance to experience the beauty of the Indian countryside from a unique perspective, paragliding in Kamshet is worth adding to your travel itinerary.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Kamshet:
5) Chamonix, France
Chamonix is one of the world’s best paragliding destinations. Located in the French Alps and surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers, it’s a place for adventurers looking to experience the thrill of flight. According to statistics, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley alone sees over 400,000 visitors each year who come seeking out its stunning scenery and exciting activities like paragliding.
The weather in Chamonix makes it ideal for paragliders. The valley has an average temperature of 10°C during summer with stable conditions due to the thermal winds coming from Mont Blanc. In winter, however, temperatures can drop below 0°C so you’ll need special cold weather equipment if you plan on flying then! Local outfitters provide everything necessary including helmets, harnesses, reserve parachutes, and more – perfect for beginner pilots or experienced flyers alike.
Besides being known as a popular tourist destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts around the globe, Chamonix is also steeped in rich Alpine culture. Its traditional mountain villages are full of quaint cafes where you can enjoy local delicacies or sample some great wines from nearby vineyards. Plus there are plenty of shopping opportunities within the main town area too!
With its pleasant climate and easy access to take-off areas plus excellent local infrastructure and support services, Chamonix offers something unique that all free-fliers should try at least once in their lifetime!
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Chamonix:
- Paragliding Tandem Flight over the Alps in Chamonix
- Acrobatic Paragliding Tandem Flight
- Paragliding Discovery Flight
5) Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara in Nepal is one of the world’s top 10 tandem paragliding spots and offers an opportunity to take in breathtaking views above some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. The safety aspect of paragliding here is second-to-none as you can launch from Mandre Dhunga at 1788 meters/ 5866 feet high and enjoy stable thermals while looking out onto Fewa Lake, the valley below and Himalayan mountain ranges like Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
The region comes alive during peak season between September and May when hundreds of flights depart each day – making this a great destination year-round. Enjoying a bird’s eye view of villages, monasteries, temples, lakes, and jungles makes this activity irresistible for those seeking freedom in flight.
After your adventure, there are plenty of resorts nearby offering accommodation where you can relax amidst Nepalese culture or continue your journey with other activities such as rafting or trekking.
As if soaring through the sky isn’t enough; what sets Pokhara apart is its stunning backdrop which adds immeasurably to the unforgettable experiences that come with flying here. Whether you’re completely new to paragliding or have been doing it for years, paragliding in Pokhara will be sure to leave lasting memories that won’t soon fade away!
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Pokhara:
- Paragliding at Sarangkot Pokhara
- 30 min Paragliding Tandem Flight from Pokhara
- Paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal
6) Valle De Bravo, Mexico
Valle de Bravo in Mexico is known as the go-to spot for extreme sports and activities such as paragliding and hang gliding. It is a picturesque town located just a few hours outside of Mexico City, making it an easily accessible destination for adventure seekers.
Valle de Bravo offers two main sites to paraglide: La Torre (The Tower) a 30-minute ride up with its ridge soaring area and a beautiful view over town; and El Peñón (The Big Rock), which is considered a competition-level flying site with cross country flights reaching 14 km away from Valle. 
One of the unique features of paragliding in Valle de Bravo is the chance to experience different flying conditions throughout the day. The morning flights usually offer smoother conditions and clearer skies, while the afternoon flights can provide more dynamic flying conditions and better thermals.
The best time to go paragliding in Valle de Bravo is between November and April when the weather is dry and the winds are favorable. Whether you’re an experienced paraglider or a first-time flyer, paragliding in Valle de Bravo is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Valle de Bravo:
8) Porterville, South Africa
If you’re looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, Porterville in South Africa is the place to be. With its stunning views of the Cederberg Range and expansive plains stretching to the horizon, it’s no wonder this destination has become one of the top spots for paragliding in the world.
The town is situated in the heart of the Western Cape, with easy access to the soaring sites on the surrounding mountains. The flying conditions in Porterville are ideal for paragliding, with consistent thermals and strong winds that provide excellent lift. The best time to visit is between November and March when temperatures can soar into the thirties (ºC) with good thermal activity and height gains.
Porterville offers a unique experience compared to other paragliding sites. Fly high over hidden valleys, or opt for an easy cross-country flight if you’re proficient at thermalling – up to 20 km (12 mi) is achievable! Winter months also bring calm thermic conditions after cold fronts pass through, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore all year round.
As you glide through the air, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and farmland below. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and it’s a unique perspective that you can only experience while paragliding.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Porterville:
9) Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy offer some of the most incredible paragliding experiences on earth. With 300 sunny days a year, you can enjoy stunning views of Schlern and Langkofel as well as the Rosengarten massif while soaring through the air with a tandem paraglider. Popular launch sites like Spitzbühl provide optimal thermal currents to take off from, ensuring that your adventure is safe and enjoyable.
For those seeking an unforgettable journey, destinations such as Paganella, Panarotta, and Col Rodella are simply unmissable. From Molveno or Montanara area to Cima Panarotta and Vetriolo for launching – the options are endless! Not only will you be surrounded by breathtaking vistas filled with majestic wildlife but you will also experience the unique local culture tucked away in these mountain valleys. 
Whether it’s taking in the deep blue waters of Levico Lake or flying above lush green meadows towards Barco di Levico, every outing allows adventurers to explore one of nature’s many wonders at its finest. The weather conditions here can vary so it’s best to plan before setting out on any flight plans.
Paragliding in the Dolomites provides unparalleled opportunities for adrenaline-seeking thrill seekers looking for something special, whether it’s gliding along rugged peaks under a beautiful sunset sky or just enjoying peaceful moments suspended between heaven and earth, this place has something magical waiting around every corner.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in the Dolomites:
10) Oludeniz, Turkey
Located on the Southwest coast of Turkey and surrounded by stunning mountainside scenery, Oludeniz is an adventure seeker’s paradise. With its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and historical sites all within easy reach, Oludeniz provides a picturesque backdrop for paragliding.
The take-off point is located at the top of Mount Babadag, which rises over 6,000 feet above sea level. As you launch from the peak, you’ll feel the wind carry you over the lagoon and the surrounding hillsides. The initial ascent can be a bit nerve-wracking, but once you’re in the air, you’ll feel a sense of freedom and weightlessness that’s hard to describe.
The views from above are simply breathtaking. You’ll see the sparkling turquoise waters of the lagoon, the beautiful coastline, and the rugged hills of the Taurus Mountains. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two swimming in the clear waters below.
But it’s not just the views that make paragliding in Oludeniz an unforgettable experience. The thermals that rise from the ground create the perfect conditions for long flights, and you can spend up to 45 minutes in the air, soaring like a bird over this beautiful corner of Turkey.
The top 3 paragliding experiences in Oludeniz:
- Oludeniz Paragliding Fethiye Turkey
- Paragliding Oludeniz, Fethiye, Turkey
- Paragliding in Oludeniz near Fethiye
Conclusion
Paragliding is an exhilarating activity that can be done almost anywhere in the world. From high mountains to bustling cities, these ten locations offer some of the best paragliding experiences available. Each one offers breathtaking views and incredible opportunities for adventure seekers of all levels.
From Interlaken, Switzerland to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and everywhere in between, there are countless places around the globe where you can enjoy the thrill of paragliding. Whether you’re an experienced paraglider or a first-time flyer, with the help of experienced pilots and instructors, you can soar like a bird and take in the breathtaking scenery from a unique perspective.
And if you plan to do so, make sure to book your hotel, flight, or rental car with Giving Getaway. Every completed booking earns Giving Getaway a commission, 50% of which will be used to organize charity events like the 2021 Christmas gift drive for kids and teenagers in a children’s home in Montenegro.
So not only will you be experiencing the trip of a lifetime, but you’ll also be contributing to a great cause. Start planning your trip now and make a difference with Giving Getaway!
