Paragliding doesn’t just let you experience the thrills of an extreme sport—it also lets you escape and soar like a bird. From sports adrenaline addicts to tree huggers, Paragliding is the perfect mix of peace and adventure.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or you’re a hardcore para-junkie, here are the places you will discover on every experienced paraglider’s lips. Specifically, they talk about the “best places in the world” based on visitor popularity, views, accommodation, and overall good vibes.
Here are the top 10 greatest places to paraglide that every adventure seeker should have on their list.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Best Time to Go: May – October
Why It Stands Out: Exceptional Alpine views, strong safety standards
Interlaken Situated between the idyllic lakes of Thun and Brienz and surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest peaks, Interlaken has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure sports, and the paragliding experience here is nothing less than magical. Lift off from Beatenberg or Harder Kulm and fly over emerald green valleys, glistening lakes, and soaring peaks of the Bernese Alps. There are plenty of professional guides and gear in the region, so it’s suitable for beginners. The bird’s-eye view of that Bernese Oberland region around the Jungfrau is one of the most heart-stopping and safe places in the world to do the swoop and soar thing.
Oludeniz, Turkey
Best Time to Go: April – October
Why It Stands Out: Iconic views of the sea and mountain, ideal for tandem flights
Now imagine launching from a mountain peak at an elevation of over 6,500 feet and flying above one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. That’s what you get in Oludeniz. Taking off from Babadag Mountain, you will drift over turquoise waters, white beaches, and the famous Blue Lagoon. The thermals are easy, the flights are long, and the landing on Belcekiz Beach is soft and picturesque. It is one of the most photographed paragliding sites in the world — and for good reason.
For more breathtaking destinations, thrill-seeking adventures, and bucket-list travel inspiration, check out Worldsultimate – a hub for the most extraordinary experiences around the globe.
Pokhara, Nepal
Best Time to Go: September- April
Why It’s Stands Out: Himalayas at close range, adventure on a budget
Ukhara is sometimes referred to as the “paragliding capital of Asia,” and with good reason. Sitting by the tranquil Phewa Lake with the Annapurna mountain range looming in the distance, the views here are truly breathtaking. It is a surreal experience to fly with the Himalayas at eye level. Flights generally launch from the top of Sarangkot hill and float over forests, villages, and the sparkling lake.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Why It Stands Out: Scenic variety, strong safety, helpful infrastructure
Queenstown is internationally prized as the adventure capital of the world, and paragliding is no exception. Depart from either base at Coronet Peak or Skyline Gondola and admire Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and lush valleys below. Boasting top-of-the-line facilities and experienced instructors, Queenstown is as good as it gets for tandem and solo flyers, too.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Best Time to Visit: June – September
Why It Stands Out: Pro-level adventure and dramatic alpine scenery
For veteran paragliders, crisscrossing the peaks around Mont Blanc — Western Europe’s highest mountain — is a dream. Chamonix provides pulse-quickening thermals, jaw-dropping glaciers, and pure alpine air. Below, meadows lie below rugged peaks, the contrast between the two ensuring an unforgettable journey. The flights here can be more of a technical one, making things exciting for more advanced pilots.
Cape Town, South Africa
Best Time to Visit: November – March
Why It Stands Out: City meets nature in the sky
Few places in the world can rival the excitement of the urban along with the beauty of nature like Cape Town can. Paragliding from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head allows you to see Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the colorful cityscape from above. The flights are smooth, and landing is often on Sea Point Promenade — a stone’s throw from cafes and the beach.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Best Time To Visit: November – March
Why It Stands Out: Stable flying conditions, competition scene
Hidden gem for paragliders, and a lovely lakeside town. Valle de Bravo benefits from ideal wind conditions and thermals, and is a popular host for international contests. Take-offs are from La Torre and flights cover a stunning terrain that includes pine woods, mountainous countryside, and the lake itself. It’s an ideal location for intermediate and advanced flyers.
Danyang, South Korea
Best Time to Visit: March – November
Why It Stands Out: Clean Design, Tidy, and easy for beginners too
Among Asia’s undiscovered gems, Danyang offers a safe and scenic place to fly and soar over forested hills, past serpentine rivers. They have a great set-up here with the infrastructure — built launch pads and landing zones. It’s also less busy than many other international hotspots, which is great for anyone who prefers quieter, yet still exhilarating, flying.
Bir Billing, India
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Why It Stands Out: Asia’s longest flight zone, holy Himalayan vibes
Host of the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, Bir Billing makes the list of the premier paragliding destinations on the Asian continent. It’s in the Himachal Pradesh region, and it’s one of the world’s best and most distinctive combinations of cultural allure and high-altitude adventure. With the longest flight time of anywhere in Asia (an impressive 20–30 minutes), this location is ideal for those keen to take full advantage of being up in the air.
Castelluccio, Italy
Best time to visit: May – July
Why It Stands Out: Striking natural color and off-the-beaten-path serenity
Between lush valleys, which give way to terraced fields of lentils and sunflower-seed-growing crops, the tiny town of Castelluccio’s flat position in the middle of the Apennine chain has made it known for its flowered fields and striking landscapes. Paragliding here is like floating above a painting — and especially in the blooming season, when fields are awash in color. It’s a serene stopover that draws nature-loving aviators from across Europe.
Final Thoughts
Soaring over snow-capped peaks, around turquoise coasts, or above blooming valleys, here is what each of these places offers for those who enjoy paragliding. With the proper instruction and equipment, paragliding can be an exhilarating and safe experience that connects you to nature like no other.
And always check the local weather, fly with certified instructors, and obey safety protocols before you go. Now, choose your dream spot, clip in, and leap — you won’t regret it.
Photo by Tino Rischawy on Unsplash
