Tenerife isn’t just about enjoying the beaches or hiking its volcanic trails; there’s a way to experience the island that will take your breath away: from the sky. Thanks to its unique topography and trade winds, Tenerife is considered one of the best destinations in the world for paragliding 365 days a year.
If you’re planning your next adventure, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
📍 The Best Flight Zones in Tenerife
The island offers radically different scenarios depending on where you decide to jump. Here are the three most iconic areas:
1. The South: Taucho and Ifonche (Adeje)
It is the most popular area due to its stable climate and almost permanently clear skies.
- Views: You will fly over the Barranco del Infierno, the Roque del Conde and the modern coasts of Costa Adeje.
- Landing: You will usually land at Playa de la Enramada, where you can celebrate your flight with a refreshing drink by the sea.
2. The North: La Corona (Los Realejos)
For those seeking green landscapes and marine contrasts.
- Views: You will take off from about 800 meters high with an impressive panoramic view of the Orotava Valley and the north coast.
- Landing: Usually at El Socorro beach, an iconic spot for surfers and lovers of wild nature.
3. The Jewel in the Crown: Izaña (Teide National Park)
It is one of the steepest descents in Europe.
- Views: Take off from over 2,200 meters high in the heart of the National Park. You’ll fly through the “sea of clouds” and see the majestic Mount Teide behind you as you descend towards Puerto de la Cruz or Güímar.
- Experience: It is a long-duration flight (about 30-45 minutes) that offers absolute peace.
🪂 Is experience necessary?
The short answer is: No.
Most visitors opt for the tandem (two-seater) flight. You’ll be attached to a certified professional instructor who will handle all the technical maneuvers. All you have to do is take a few steps at the launch site, sit comfortably in the harness, and enjoy the GoPro camera.
Practical tips for your first flight:
- Clothing: Even though it’s hot on the beach, it gets chilly at 1,000 meters. Bring a windproof jacket and long pants.
- Footwear: The use of closed sports footwear is mandatory (preferably mountain boots or sneakers with good grip).
- Motion sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking a preventative measure before your flight to fully enjoy your trip.
🏢 Recommended companies: Who to fly with?
To ensure a safe jump, it’s essential to choose companies certified by the Canary Islands Government . Here are some of the most prestigious, based on their location and specialization:
In the South (Adeje and surrounding areas)
- Kangaroo Tandem: Run by the Canary Islands champion, Cristo Alfonso. They are known for their friendly and professional service, operating mainly from Ifonche and Taucho. They offer packages that include high-quality photos and videos.
- Sky of Tenerife: Led by world champion Daniel Crespo. They offer a premium, multilingual experience (Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian), ideal for international tourists.
- HappyFly Tenerife: One of the highest-rated companies for its personalized service. They are experts in “thermal flights” for those looking to spend more time in the air taking advantage of the heat currents.
In the North and Teide (Izaña and Los Realejos)
- Enminube Paragliding : Specialists in take-off from La Corona (Los Realejos). It’s the ideal option if you’re looking to land on the volcanic sand of El Socorro beach.
- Parapente Canarias: With over 30 years of experience, they are pioneers on the island. They offer spectacular flights from Izaña , descending from the slopes of Mount Teide to the coast.
- Daydream Paragliding : They offer a wide variety of routes, including the impressive flight from Izaña to Güímar or towards Puerto de la Cruz, crossing the spectacular sea of clouds.
📋 What does the service normally include?
When hiring a professional company, the price (which usually ranges between €90 and €180 depending on the height and duration) generally includes:
- Certified Instructor: A licensed two-seater pilot who operates all the equipment.
- Mandatory insurance: Civil liability and accidents.
- Equipment: Paraglider, harness, helmet and safety systems.
- Transportation: Pick-up at the meeting point or, in many cases, directly at your hotel if you are in the tourist area.
- Digital souvenir: Most record the flight with action cameras so you can take the video home (sometimes as an extra).
🚕 Your transport to the meeting point
Remember that many of these launch sites are located in hard-to-reach areas. If the paragliding company doesn’t offer pickup in your specific area, or if you prefer the comfort of a private vehicle for your group, Official Taxi Tenerife guarantees a punctual and safe journey to the mountain areas.
All you have to worry about is enjoying the scenery!
More information
Canary Islands Federation of Air Sports: https://fecda.org/
Tenerife on Windy.com: https://www.windy.com/28.291/-16.556?28.199,-16.556,11