Paragliding on La Palma
Between volcanic slopes and the Atlantic
La Palma has exceptional terrain for paragliding: high volcanic slopes fall to the Atlantic within a very short distance. Trade winds, ridge lift and thermals can support long flights, yet also produce markedly different conditions only a few kilometres apart. Palmaclub describes October to April as the generally best season, although every flying day must be assessed afresh.
The island is not a simple site for pilots unfamiliar with its terrain. Lee turbulence, strong wind, limited safe outlanding options and rapid weather changes demand experience and a proper local briefing. Sunshine on the coast alone says little about wind or cloud at launch and ridge level.
Tandem flights for visitors
For visitors without a pilot licence, the appropriate way to fly is a tandem flight with an authorised professional operator. The pilot decides from wind, cloud and landing conditions whether a flight is possible, at what time and from which launch. Duration and route can therefore never be guaranteed in advance.
Palmaclub Aventura
An official paragliding school in Puerto Naos offering tandem flights, training and a guide service for licensed pilots. It is registered as an active-tourism company with the Canary Islands Government.
TandemFly La Palma
A local tandem-flight operator whose pilot is registered as an authorised active-tourism business. Launch site and operation depend on the conditions of the day.
Wear sturdy closed shoes and sports clothing; a windproof jacket is useful at altitude. Mention any health restriction, age concern or uncertainty when booking, and follow the pilot’s instructions precisely during take-off and landing.
Information for independent pilots
Even experienced pilots should obtain a current briefing from a local club or guide before their first flight. Every launch and landing has its own wind window, access and rules. Palmaclub, for example, identifies a specific official landing area at Puerto Naos; the beach and promenade are not normal landing zones.
Pilots need a valid qualification, adequate insurance and complete approved safety equipment including helmet and reserve parachute. Restricted airspace, protected areas, local permissions and current notices must also be checked. When in doubt, do not launch.
Do not rely on old site descriptions or weather apps alone. On-site observation and the judgement of experienced local pilots take priority; lee conditions and some northerly or southerly winds can make an apparently familiar site dangerous.
Flying areas and the post-2021 landscape
The Puerto Naos and Los Campanarios area remains the principal reference for tandem flights and many west-side routes. However, the 2021 Tajogaite eruption profoundly changed terrain, roads, farmland and access across the Aridane Valley. Old coordinates, tracks and alternative landing fields must not be reused without checking.
Puntallana is another recognised flying area in the north-east. The official tourism website describes a launch at about 430 metres in north-north-easterly wind and warns that northerly wind can make it turbulent. This description does not replace a daily assessment or local permission. See Visit La Palma’s Puntallana flying-site information.
On the day, treat access, launch, official landing field, wind direction, cloud base and closures as one connected system. A site that appears flyable does not mean conditions on the other side of the island are suitable.