Few activities give a better sense of Tenerife’s shape than a flight above it. The south of the island rises steeply from the sea in dry, sunny slopes, and the warm air that rises from them, combined with steady breezes, makes it one of the best places in Europe for paragliding. On a tandem flight, you do not need any experience, as the pilot does the flying. After a short briefing you run a few steps down the slope, the wing lifts and the ground falls away, and then you glide in silence above the hillsides, the banana plantations and the resorts of Costa Adeje, with the blue of the Atlantic below and La Gomera on the horizon. The version we link to is a standard tandem flight with pickup from the main resort areas, and the whole outing takes around two hours, with the flight itself lasting a part of that. It is an easy way to add a thrill to a beach holiday.
How it works
A minibus collects you from your hotel, drives up to the take-off area in the hills above the coast, and the pilot fits the harness and gives a briefing. The flight is a standard tandem, and the time in the air depends on the wind and the conditions on the day. After landing, the transport returns you to your accommodation. The complete experience takes around two hours, which makes it easy to fit into a morning or an afternoon.
What to expect
You sit in a harness, supported, while the pilot steers, and the take-off is a short run on a slope, which is much gentler than most people imagine. Landings are soft, and most people describe the flight as calm and quiet. Flying depends on the weather, and the operator cancels or changes the time if the wind is too strong or too light, so keep your schedule flexible.
There are weight and age limits, and the operators ask about health conditions such as heart and back problems, so read the restrictions at booking. Most people are comfortable with a fear of heights, as there is no feeling of falling, but those who are very anxious may prefer to stay on the ground.
Making the most of it
Wear closed shoes with a good grip, comfortable clothes and a layer for the air, and fasten sunglasses and cameras securely. Book early in your trip so there is time to reschedule if the weather interferes. Many operators sell photo and video packages, which are worth considering because you will not want to hold a phone while flying.
For a calmer view of the same coast, a boat trip from Puerto Colón is a gentler choice, and for the highest view on the island, the Teide cable car is the one to take.
What to expect
The experience
A tandem paraglider flight with an experienced pilot from the hills above Costa Adeje, with hotel pickup and return.
Best time
A clear, breezy day; operators schedule around wind and may move the time at short notice.
How long
About two hours for the whole outing, with the flight itself a portion of that.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and secure your belongings, check the weight and health limits, and keep a spare day in case of weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a thrill with no experience needed and a bird’s-eye view of the coast.
- Families
- For older children and teenagers who meet the age and weight limits; younger children cannot fly.
- Couples
- A shared adventure that gives memorable photographs and a story to tell.
- Pair with
- A whale-watching trip from Puerto Colón, or a beach afternoon at Costa Adeje.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
Do I need experience to paraglide in tandem?+
No, the pilot controls the wing, and you only need to follow the briefing and run a few steps at take-off.
What if the weather is bad?+
Flights depend on the wind and can be moved or cancelled for safety. The operator usually offers a new time or a refund.
Are there weight or age limits?+
Yes, operators set minimum and maximum limits and ask about health conditions. Read the restrictions in the booking details.
How long is the flight?+
The whole outing lasts about two hours with pickup, and the time in the air depends on the conditions on the day.
Is it frightening?+
Most people describe it as calm and quiet, with no sense of falling. If you are very afraid of heights, a boat trip may suit you better.
