Tandem Paragliding over Las Palmas

Gran Canaria's steep slopes and steady sea breezes make it a natural place to fly, and this tandem paragliding flight needs no experience at all. You are strapped in with an experienced instructor, who handles the take-off, the flying and the landing, while you enjoy aerial views of Las Palmas and the island. The flight lasts about twenty minutes in the air, long enough to settle into the silence of the glide and look at the coast, the city and the mountains from above, and photos of the flight are included. It is a short, vivid activity that suits adventurous couples, friends and solo travellers, and it takes only a part of a day, so it pairs easily with other plans in the capital.

The flight is about twenty minutes in the air, and the total time on site is longer once you add the briefing, kit-up and the return.\n\nWhat to expect: wind and weather decide everything in paragliding.

Flights run only when conditions are safe, so be flexible with your dates, and expect the operator to reschedule or refund if the wind is wrong. The sensation is gentle rather than stomach-churning, closer to a quiet ride than a fairground drop, and many first-timers are surprised by how calm it feels. Wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes with grip, and sunglasses, and tie back long hair.

The weight limits and age rules vary by operator, so check them on your voucher.\n\nPlanning around it: because the flight is short, it is easy to fit into a morning and still have the afternoon for Vegueta, the city beach at Las Canteras or the aquarium.

If you are travelling with someone who does not want to fly, they can usually watch the landing from the ground, which makes it a good shared outing.\n\nGood to know: tell your instructor about health conditions, a fear of heights or motion sickness before take-off, and do not eat a heavy meal immediately beforehand.

The photos included with the flight are a pleasant memento, and you can save your phone for the landing rather than risk it in the air.\n\nWhy it works: a tandem flight is one of the few adventure activities that asks nothing of you but trust.

The instructor does the work, the flight is long enough to feel unhurried, and the included photos mean you can look at the view rather than a camera. Compare it with the buggy safari or the jeep tour if you prefer to stay on the ground, or with the Mogán caves kayak if you want an active outing on the water instead. Before you book, think about timing: morning flights often meet calmer air, and operators may hold or move departures when the wind changes, so avoid scheduling the flight on your last day before an early flight home.