Most visiting pilots of both hang gliders, and in recent years many paraglider pilots, come and enjoy the great winter flying conditions Lanzarote has to offer. The majority of pilots arrive when the weather in their own country really starts to bit. Lanzarote is a direct flight from most European airports. With the advent of airlines like Ryan Air, EasyJet and Jet2 offering very cheap flights a trip to Lanzarote is becoming very affordable, especially if you can manage it outside of any school holidays. Flight times are normally around the four hour mark.

If you are intending to Paraglide in Lanzarote then you will not have anywhere near the problem that the hang glider pilots have transporting their equipment. Rules vary from airline to airline with regards to sports equipment but on the whole Paragliders are accepted by all airlines. Unfortunately Hang Gliders to not have any easy time with the airlines. The size and weight of hang glider equipment tests the limits of the baggage hold in an airplane plus the backs of the baggage handlers. Airports to the North of England plus many other airports in Germany are willing to load hang gliders on the planes.

Lanzarote has a lot to offer the travellling paraglider and hang glider pilot and their families. A little winter sun is always very beneficial and the sunny weather is dependable. Lanzarote has a flying site for almost every wind direction. The best direction being from NNW to ENE, this enables flying at the best sites. The most famous flying route is called the Famara Ridge Run. This is a long NNW facing ridge that runs for 25 kilometers from the old capital of Teguise right to the northern tip of the island near a town called Orzola. Not only is this a great long flight the views are spectacular. You fly two thirds of the route on the coast and can see the sea on both sides of the island. You fly over deserted beaches, look at other islands and marvel at the clear blue sea. This has a good reputation and for good reason.

The next most popular place to paraglide and hang glide in Lanzarote is across the dam in Mala. This site needs a NE to ENE wind. There are great thermals and really good opportunities to fly out in front of the hill towards the North or take a cross country flight south towards Playa Blanca. Many pilots have made it to Playa Blanca from Mala.

Three other popular sites are Orzola, El Cuchillo and La Asomada. Paragliders have a few other sites they fly due to their added access capabilities and landing possibilities.

If you are planning a trip to Lanzarote then you will need somewhere to stay. The favorite area of choice is Famara and the best way to stay here is by organising yourself a nice Famara bungalow to rent. These properties are perfectly situated at the foot of the Famara cliffs, where the ridge run is, and overlooking Famara beach. After a great days flying you can rejoin your family by making a very cool landing on the beach.

Each year more and more pilots are visiting Lanzarote and for good reason. Lanzarote has reliable weather and its volcanic landscape will give you some aerial views that you will never see anywhere else.

The island of Lanzarote has flying sites for almost every wind direction and some fantastic flying routes. The most famous route is the ‘Famara ridge run’. The wind direction needs to be from west to north, ideal direction being north west. Take off can be made either at the ‘high take’ or locally known at ‘Chimidas’. Chimidas is the more guaranteed and spectacular take off spot, take off height is about 350 metres above sea level off a dramatic steep cliff overlooking the plane below. Height is easily gained then its turn right, cross one large gully and full speed ahead along the cliffs to the northern tip of Lanzarote. From take off to the northern tip of Lanzarote is about 12 miles of some of the most beautiful scenary with views of both sides of the island. The lower take off is about 1.2 km’s to the left of the high take off. The advantage of the lower take off is the fact that you can top land. Top landing on the high take off is not reccomended.

Other great flying sites for hang gliding in Lanzarote are Mala for winds in the North East, Asomada for South East winds, El Cuchillo for NNE winds, Orzola or Mirador in the North for light NE winds plus a few others.

If you are looking for accommodation for you hang gliding in Lanzarote holiday then Famara is the ideal spot. From your apartment you will be able to see the wind direction and even a couple of the take off spots. The family can enjoy the Famara beach and you can even land there after completing the epic ‘Ridge Run’.