The best places for paragliding in Algarve
The Algarve, the coastal area of southern Portugal, is one of the best places to paraglide in Europe. In this article we help you choose the best area for paragliding in the Algarve depending on the type of traveller you are.
There is no greater feeling of freedom than flying, feeling the world beneath your feet and marvelling at the immensity from the heights while the world continues to spin below. This is why paragliding is an activity that is attracting more and more people, as it also allows you to enjoy sightseeing from a completely different perspective.
One of the best places in Europe for paragliding is the Algarve, a region in the south of Portugal, whose capital, Faro, is located 2.5 hours from Lisbon. The Algarve is the most touristic region of Portugal due to its beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, its natural parks and rock formations such as the Benagil Cave (Lagos).
Sagres: for the adventurous
Located in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, in Sagres you will fly over cliffs up to 75 metres high that outline a rugged coastline where rock formations give way to great beaches such as Praia Da Mareta, one of the most beautiful in Portugal, or Praia Do Tonel. Sagres is also one of the best areas in the Algarve for surfing due to the strong winds, so enjoying the spectacle of the big waves breaking on the rocks is breathtaking. If you don't want to miss it, check out this tandem paragliding flight in Sagres, Algarve.
Lagos: for those seeking tranquillity and culture
Just an hour's drive from Faro airport is the fishing town of Lagos, the former capital of the Algarve, whose streets still bear traces of a colonial past marked by the construction of caravels. Paragliding over Lagos is an indescribable experience, as below your feet you will see the calm turquoise waters of Meia Praia, the largest beach in Lagos and one of the largest in the Algarve, as well as the spectacular arches of Ponta da Piedade. Lagos is perfect for paragliding as the frequent wind in this region allows you to take off from the top of the cliffs and then fly over the beaches. If you want to experience it for yourself, take a look at this tandem paragliding in Lagos.
Faro, Algarve: for urbanites
Faro, east of Albufeira, has been the capital of the Algarve since 1756. This walled city treasures a wealth of cultural richness in its various buildings from the Moorish, Jewish and Gothic past. Moreover, its streets are full of life and atmosphere, making it a great place to visit with friends. This cosmopolitan side contrasts with the Ria Formosa, a huge 60 km long lake with marshes, canals and islets and temporary home to many different species of migratory birds. There is plenty to do in Faro and paragliding can be a great opportunity to see the Ria Formosa in its entirety as well as appreciate the 300-metre-high sand and mudflats border between the city and the sea.
Albufeira: for those in search of golden sandy beaches
Albufeira is the perfect destination for those looking for dream beaches in the Algarve. Paragliding over Albufeira is the perfect opportunity to get a bird's eye view of Portugal's most spectacular beaches such as Praia do Peneco, Praia dos Pescadores or Praia de Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal thanks to its cliffs and golden sands. Enjoy a 20-minute paragliding flight over turquoise beaches, while the sea breeze and the Portuguese sun caress your skin, and all your worries will be blown away with a gust of wind. This tandem paragliding in Albufeira, Algarve could be the flight you are looking for.
Vilamoura: for the gourmets
Put on your best clothes because we have arrived in the most luxurious town in the Algarve: casinos, golf courses and the largest yacht club in Europe, reminiscent of its sisters Marbella or Monaco. However, the landscape changes when you fly over Vilamoura by paraglider. From above, you will see Praia de Falesia, the longest sandy beach in the central Algarve, stretching along 8 kilometres of white sands with an imposing clay cliff to accompany it. The contrast between luxury and nature is assured with this paragliding flight in Vilamoura.
As you have seen, the Algarve offers paragliding flights for all tastes: from the most sporty to those who are just starting out in the world of paragliding, as well as those who are looking for a beach or an unforgettable experience. So if you don't know what to do in the Algarve, paragliding is for you: you will enjoy Portugal and its magnificent coastal region from above. We know: choosing just one place is not easy!
And if you're still hungry for more or think heights aren't your thing, you can discover the Agarve on a kayak trip from Faro, a diving boat trip from Albufeira or surfing lessons in Vilamoura.