For the Certified Pilot: Unclip and Fly Free in Tenerife

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While tandem flights offer a spectacular taste of flight, for the certified solo pilot, Tenerife is a world-class playground. It's a destination that draws pilots from across Europe all winter long, offering a rich variety of conditions that will challenge and reward you in equal measure.

If you have your own wing and the license to use it, here’s what you need to know to plan your ultimate flying holiday in Tenerife.

Before You Go: The Non-Negotiables

Flying solo in Spain comes with specific legal requirements. Don't even think about launching without these sorted:

• License: You must hold a valid national paragliding license (e.g., BHPA, DHV, FFVL) that is equivalent to an IPPI 4 rating or higher. This demonstrates you have the necessary skills for independent flying in potentially thermic conditions.

• Insurance: This is mandatory. You need two types of coverage:

  1. Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covering potential damage or injury to others.

  2. Search & Rescue / Repatriation Insurance: Covering your own personal accident and rescue costs.

• Teide National Park Permit: To fly from the iconic high-altitude launch at Izaña, you must obtain a free permit in advance from the Teide National Park administration. These are limited and can be booked online. Plan ahead, as they are often reserved weeks in advance!

The Pilot’s Guide to Tenerife's Flying Zones

Tenerife is an island of two halves, and its flying sites reflect this. The south is generally arid, reliable, and thermic, while the north is lush, green, and more dynamic.

1. The Southern Sweet Spots (Adeje & Arona)

These are the most popular and accessible sites, perfect for shaking off the rust and enjoying reliable thermal and coastal soaring.

• Key Launches: Taucho (760m) & Ifonche (1000m).

• The Flying: Expect well-formed, reliable thermals that allow you to climb high above the tourist resorts. You can often enjoy long, relaxing flights, playing in the thermals before gliding out for a spectacular landing near the coast.

• Landings: The official beach landing at La Enramada (La Caleta) is the star attraction. There are also several other designated inland landing fields.

• Best For: All levels of qualified pilots, relaxed thermalling, XC beginnings.

2. The High-Altitude Mecca (Izaña, Teide National Park)

This is the flight that's on every pilot's bucket list. It’s a serious, high-altitude XC flight that demands respect and experience.

• Key Launches: Two launch points within the park at ~2200m.

• The Flying: This is a morning or evening flight.

  • Morning Thermals: Launching after the sun has warmed the slopes can lead to powerful thermals and a very high cloud base. This is the gateway to big XC flights across the island.

  • The "Restitution" Flight: The classic Izaña experience. Launch in the late afternoon as the sea breeze pushes up the slopes. You'll glide over a sea of clouds (the "mar de nubes") in super-smooth air for an unforgettable 40+ minute flight down to the coast.

• Landings: Puertito de Güímar on the east coast or Puerto de la Cruz in the north are common targets, making for a true top-to-bottom island flight.

• Best For: Experienced pilots (IPPI 5 recommended) comfortable with high-altitude flying, strong conditions, and long glides. Permit is mandatory.

3. The Lush North (Los Realejos)

Experience a different side of Tenerife, soaring over the verdant Orotava Valley.

• Key Launch: La Corona (780m).

• The Flying: This site benefits from the prevailing trade winds, offering a mix of thermic and ridge soaring. The views over the black sand beaches and Puerto de la Cruz are phenomenal. The air can be more "punchy" and conditions can change faster here than in the south.

• Landing: The official landing is on the black volcanic sands of Playa El Socorro.

• Best For: Pilots comfortable with more dynamic conditions and coastal proximity.

4. The Ridge Machine (Güímar)

A favourite among locals, Güímar is a long ridge that offers fantastic soaring opportunities.

• Key Launch: Ladera de Güímar.

• The Flying: When the wind is right, this site offers miles of effortless ridge soaring. It can get very strong, so it’s crucial to assess conditions carefully. It's a great place to practice your ridge soaring skills.

• Best For: Pilots looking to perfect their ridge soaring in consistent wind.

Logistics for the Solo Pilot

• Getting to Launch: This is your biggest logistical challenge.

  • Rent a Car: The most flexible option, allowing you to chase the best conditions around the island. It’s essential for retrieve if you fly XC.

  • Shuttle Services & Guiding: Several local companies and schools offer "remontes" (shuttles to launch) and retrieve services for a daily fee. This is a fantastic, stress-free way to maximize your flying time and meet other pilots. A guide for your first day or two is highly recommended to understand the local micro-meteorology.

• Connecting with Locals: The best way to get real-time info is to connect with the local flying community. Look for Tenerife paragliding groups on Telegram or WhatsApp—they are invaluable for daily weather updates, car-sharing, and retrieves.

• Safety & Communication: Always fly with a radio and know the local frequencies (often posted at launch sites). A smartphone with a live tracking app (like Telegram live location) is also a brilliant safety tool. Be acutely aware of the inversion layer, the powerful trade winds (the Alisios), and the restricted airspace around Tenerife South (TFS) and North (TFN) airports.

Tenerife offers a lifetime of flying in one beautiful island. By respecting the rules, understanding the conditions, and connecting with the community, you'll have an unforgettable aerial adventure.