If you’re an adventure enthusiast searching for the perfect spot to experience the thrill of flying, Gran Canaria should be at the top of your list. Known for its stunning landscapes and ideal weather conditions, this Canary Island offers some of the best paragliding spots in the world. Gran Canaria’s diverse terrain and favorable winds make it a paragliding paradise. In this guide, we’ll explore the best locations to enjoy this exhilarating sport and why Gran Canaria is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to “fly Canaries.”
Why Gran Canaria is a Paragliding Paradise
Gran Canaria is renowned for its varied landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for paragliding. The island’s consistent trade winds, coupled with its pleasant temperatures year-round, create ideal conditions for flying. Whether you’re looking to soar over dramatic cliffs or glide above lush valleys, Gran Canaria offers a range of experiences for every type of paragliding enthusiast.
Paragliding in Los Giles
Los Giles is a renowned spot for paragliding in Gran Canaria, offering a unique combination of ideal flying conditions and breathtaking views. Located in the northern part of the island, Los Giles provides an exceptional experience for both novice and experienced paragliders. Here’s a comprehensive guide to paragliding in this fantastic location.
Why Paraglide in Los Giles?
Los Giles is celebrated for its excellent paragliding conditions, which include:
- Consistent Winds: The area benefits from steady trade winds, which are crucial for safe and enjoyable paragliding. The winds here are generally reliable, making Los Giles a favored spot among local and visiting pilots.
- Diverse Terrain: The diverse terrain around Los Giles includes rugged hills and open valleys, providing a variety of flying experiences. Whether you’re looking to practice ridge soaring or enjoy a thermal flight, Los Giles offers options for both.
- Stunning Views: One of the highlights of paragliding in Los Giles is the stunning scenery. From the launch site, you can enjoy panoramic views of Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas city and the north coastline of Gran Canaria. On a clear day, you might also catch glimpses of neighboring islands.
Best Time to Fly
Los Giles offers great paragliding conditions year-round. However, the best times to fly are generally in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the winds are stable. The summer months can also be excellent, but it’s important to be prepared for potentially stronger winds.
Launch Sites
There are several launch sites in and around Los Giles, each catering to different skill levels:
- Main Launch Area: The primary launch site in Los Giles is easily accessible and provides ample space for takeoff. This site is suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots. The area’s orientation ensures favorable wind conditions for a smooth takeoff.
- Alternative Launch Points: For those seeking a more challenging experience, there are alternative launch points around Los Giles that offer different wind conditions and views. These sites may require a bit more experience and local knowledge.
- The 2 main Launches face one North-East and the other one North. The access for both is a harsh but short dirt road that you may prefer to walk through, around 1/2 km long.
Paragliding in Silva
El Puente de Silva offers a distinctive paragliding experience due to its:
Unique Features: The location is distinguished by its natural beauty and geographical features, providing a different perspective compared to other paragliding spots on the island. The Cenobio de Valeron caves are right next to it and you fly above what one day was the highest bridge in Europe.
Scenic Landscape: The area is renowned for its dramatic and picturesque landscapes. Paragliding here allows you to take in breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and lush vegetation of Gran Canaria and also you could land at Vagabundo beach or fly to the natural pools of San Felipe.
Ideal Winds: El Puente de Silva benefits from favorable wind conditions, which are essential for a smooth and enjoyable flight. The steady winds in this region make it a reliable spot for both novice and experienced pilots.
Conclusion
Paragliding at El Puente de Silva offers a unique and exhilarating experience with its stunning landscapes and favorable flying conditions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a scenic flight or explore a less frequented spot, El Puente de Silva provides a memorable adventure for paragliding enthusiasts.
Paragliding in Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas is an exciting paragliding destination located in North tip of the island of Gran Canaria, offering a distinctive flying experience characterized by its unique landscape and favorable conditions.
Why Paraglide at Las Coloradas?
Las Coloradas stands out as a top paragliding spot due to its:
- Breathtaking Scenery: The area is renowned for its vibrant red color and striking landscapes. Paragliding at Las Coloradas offers stunning views of the colorful city of Las Palmas and the surrounding coastal scenery, making for a visually spectacular flight.
- Excellent Wind Conditions: Las Coloradas benefits from consistent and reliable wind conditions, which are essential for a safe and enjoyable paragliding experience. The stable winds make it an attractive location for both novice and experienced pilots.
- Varied Terrain: The diverse terrain around Las Coloradas includes coastal cliffs and open spaces, providing a range of flying experiences. This variety allows pilots to enjoy ridge soaring sometimes with very strong wind.
- This are is mostly in a military base so contact the locals before flying.
Paragliding in Agaete
Agaete is a captivating destination for paragliding in Gran Canaria, offering a blend of stunning coastal views and favorable flying conditions. Located in the northwest part of the island, Agaete provides a unique paragliding experience. Here’s what you need to know about flying in this area:
Why Paraglide at Agaete?
Agaete is known for its exceptional paragliding opportunities due to:
- Spectacular Views: Paragliding in Agaete allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, lush valleys, and the surrounding mountains. The contrast between the green-yellow hills and the blue Atlantic Ocean creates a visually stunning experience.
- Faneque is known for being the second highest ocean cliff in the world. Flying over its 1200 meters of height is unparalleled.
- Stable Winds: The area is normally blown by consistent strong winds, BUT, in winter the calms are ideal for paragliding. These favorable winds make it a popular spot for pilots of all levels, from beginners to experts. Get ready for a nice thermal flight with stunning views.
- Diverse Terrain: Agaete features a mix of coastal cliffs and rolling hills, providing a variety of flying experiences. This diverse terrain allows for both ridge soaring and thermals, offering a dynamic and exciting flight.
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