Take To The Sky: The World’s Best Paragliding Destinations

Whether you’re a true extreme sportsfan or just someone who likes to experience your environment from a completely new perspective, paragliding gives you the chance to combine adrenaline-pumping excitement with some spectacular scenery. From flat coastal regions to soaring mountains, you can glide alone or in tandem. Soaring over thermal currents, riding air channels and turning with the wind, you can explore any landscape, making this an ideal way to really experience a new destination.

Often listed as one of the most accessible extreme sports, paragliding can actually be an incredibly calm, peaceful experience as you glide in silence high above the ground – it is hard to get things out of perspective when you are seeing the world from such a great height.

If you’re already a fan, or you want to try it for the first time, here are my top three paragliding destinations to whet your appetite for taking flight.

Fun for all Levels in Hawaii

Thanks to its stunning topography (everything from expansive plains to soaring cliffs, mountains and beaches), Hawaii is the ideal destination for any level of paraglider. Would-be fliers can experience stunning tandem flights from the mountains of Maui, while those looking to try their first solo experience can test their wings on the plains of Big Island. Those with a little more experience searching for the ultimate thrill will love the updrafts created by air coming in off the ocean and hitting the Makapuu Cliffs on Oahu.

City Scenes of Cape Town, South Africa

Not all paragliding takes place over remote countryside. Tandem flights from Lion’s Head and Signal Hill (Table Mountain’s near neighbours above Cape Town, South Africa) give a stunning glide in the air above the city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Depending on the wind direction you will glide over Table Mountain National Park (taking off from the mountain itself is forbidden), or out over the city and its stunning Atlantic coastline.

Extreme Thrills in Chamonix, France

For a truly exhilarating experience flights from Europe’s highest peak are hard to beat. Setting off from Mont Blanc and soaring above the Chamonix Valley will not only get your pulse racing but will give you access to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Experienced gliders can go solo here, but flying tandem in the Alps will give you all the thrills while also allowing you to relax and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery while someone else takes care of the ride.

Make Sure You’re Covered

While paragliding may not be considered one of the official extreme sportsthere are still some travel insurance policies which will not cover you for the activity, so it’s very important to check the small print before you book up your excursion. If this isn’t the only high-octane excitement you’re planning for your holiday then it may be worth arranging specialist extreme sportstravel insurance, which will keep you covered in case of an emergency.

Ethan Bailey is an experienced adventure traveller and insurance expert with the team at Let's Go Insure. Ethan’s passion is to inspire his clients to go just that little bit further, deeper and higher on their travels and he loves to share his expert knowledge on topics as varied as choosing the right extreme sports activity or creating the ultimate adventure holiday checklist. If you're looking for the best travel insurance, Let's Go works with the most experienced underwriters, intermediaries and insurers to offer a range of competitive insurance without compromising on cover.