Top 10 Places for Paragliding in Italy

Have you ever fantasised about flying like a bird, reaching new heights, and seeing the world from above? This is the essence of paragliding. Feel the excitement of gliding over lakes, valleys, woods, and mountains before gently landing in a lush meadow and wishing to do it all over again. In this blog, you will find the top 10 places for paragliding in Italy (+ recommended campsites). So, if you are interested in paragliding and are planning to go on a camping holiday soon, keep in mind! 

Choose your launch place and follow the wind from Molveno, Deft, or the Montanara area. Below you will find the beautiful waters of Lake Molveno and the verdant Fai della Paganella highlands, before rising to the jagged peaks of the Brenta Dolomites and the dramatic landing on the lakefront. The slopes above Andalo and Fai are lush with greenery and home to various ski resorts, whilst the slopes below the Adige river are steeper and rockier. A flight from the stunning view of Cima Paganella will be a unique experience for a long time. The pilots' enthusiasm and significant experience will ensure that you enjoy a pleasant and safe trip. Flying does not require any prior experience. 

Stay at Camping San Cristoforo.

Val di Fassa draws paragliding fans from all over the world who learn to paraglide in the Dolomites. The take-off point is Col Rodella, which is located at 2400 metres and can be reached via the same-named cable car in Campitello di Fassa. As soon as you step off the cable car, you become aware of the paradise that surrounds you. The Sassolungo group, for example, stands noteworthy due to its height of 3181 metres. The grassy lawn that serves as a launching pad for tandem paragliders can be seen on the right, with the Sella group in the distance. Looking around, you can see the Sella pass, which borders Val Gardena, the Pordoi pass, which connects Arabba and Livinallongo, and the Fedaia pass, which lies at the foot of the Marmolada, the queen of the Dolomites.

Stay at Camping Punta Indiani. 

For paragliders, Bassano del Grappa is unquestionably heaven. There are six launch points, two landing sites, and a nursery area. Those who are interested in paragliding but have never done it before can use the services of a local paragliding school. Monte Grappa is known as the free-flight Mecca. It boasts conveniently accessible take-offs that are always free of snow, roughly 300 flyable days per year, predictable weather, and few high winds. It is a great destination for both novice and experienced pilots, and is an excellent starting point for cross-country flights to Slovenia and Austria over the Veneto foothills. The picture of a fantastic vacation for all those who enjoy paragliding and hang-gliding in Veneto is completed by eight take-offs, three landings, various services, and friendly hospitality. 

Stay at Camping Village Lago Arsiè.

If you want to go paragliding in Italy, include Tre Cime in your itinerary, and you will remember it forever. The vistas are breathtaking, and the place has its own distinct appeal. You will have to trek a short distance to get to a great launching place, but you will not be disappointed. Get a little closer to the summits of the three Zinnen Dolomite mountains. Ascend the popular skiing and hiking mountain by cable car with the help of specialists, and you will be up in the air after a short walk! Circling above Sesto is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and with luck and good weather conditions, you might even float above the Three Peaks. There is also the option of paragliding at sunrise, which is ideal for early birds and nature enthusiasts.

Stay at Camping Olympia. 

The Cima Panarotta's elevation of almost 2000 metres provides a spectacular view over the Brenta Dolomites and much of the northeastern Alps, as well as the Valsugana Valley and its magnificent lakes of Caldonazzo and Levico Terme to the south. A new take-off site in Vetriolo Terme, at an altitude of around 1500 metres to the south, has been fitted by the local "Volo Libero Trentino" club with a hang-gliding platform and a natural slope for paragliding. The unique location offers spectacular flights, especially in the winter, and, more importantly, flying with northerly winds, which is a true rarity in the Alpine range! 

Stay at hu Altomincio Village.

The well-known skiing destination is ideal for paragliding. Paragliders fly across Europe's greatest Alpine meadow from the jagged cliffs! The flight with the pilot lasts around 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Glide through the air and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Schlern, Langkofel, and Plattkofel, as well as the Rosengarten massif, are visible for 300 days of the year. The Spitzbühl, which attracts paragliders from all over the world due to its ideal thermal currents, is the launch area for tandem paragliding flights. A paragliding flight is one of the few places where you can get as close to Schlern as you can from above. Even for those who have never tried paragliding before, the fantasy of flying can come true in the Dolomites: see the Seiser Alm from a bird's eye perspective with an expert paragliding pilot. Your pilot will notify you when the weather is suitable for your Dolomites flight and will offer all essential equipment, including a helmet and suit.

Stay at Camping Vidor.

Paragliding over Lake Garda is a memorable experience for pros and amateurs alike, thanks to perfect training conditions, pleasant weather, and spectacular views. From Malcesine, the launch place at Monte Baldo is easily accessible by cable car. The flight, which reaches a height of roughly 1800 metres, provides a different perspective as well as a spectacular view of the Lake Garda area. Paragliding in Lake Garda is a great way to get a boost of excitement while also getting lots of fresh air. Every year, a large number of enthusiastic paragliders flock to Lake Garda to fly with a paraglider over its breathtaking scenery. 

Stay at Camping Le Palme.

Castelluccio is the highest village in the Apennines, standing at 1452 metres. The beautiful valleys that blossom throughout the spring and summer are the village's most famous feature. There are also hang gliding and paragliding schools in the town, which provide an exciting flight. You can visit Castelluccio at any time of the year. Go there in the spring and summer, from late May to early June, to see the fields of blooming flowers. Castelluccio has been home to a national school of free flight for almost 25 years, offering paragliding, hang-gliding, and paramotor courses. There are classes for all levels, from beginner to expert, set in a lovely location. Tandem flights with a guide are also available. 

Stay at Camping B-Side Camp.

Above the Monfestino castle you can always see paragliders in flight. The panorama spreads from the cities of the plain to the Apennine mountains, starting from the ancient medieval village next to the castle. It is the nearest flight to the plain (Modena city) and the take-off may be reached by car. It is located in a green oasis where hiking and mountain biking are also popular. Even traditional Emilian food has its "allure": there are various trattorias where passengers can pleasantly celebrate their flight. This location, which is adjacent to Sestola and Pavullo airports, is ideal for paragliding, hang gliding, and sailing.

Stay at Camping Ecochiocciola.

Enjoy a tandem paragliding over the stunning Amalfi with a professional and friendly guide. Your guide will ensure your safety, enjoyment, and plenty of excitement! The flight takes off from the summit of Mount Castelgiorgio at a height of 612 metres and settles on top of Castel San Giorgio or along the banks of the Sarno river, depending on weather conditions. Depending on weather and wind conditions, the flight can take from 25 to 40 minutes. The views will be unforgettable: the magnificent Vesuvio, colourful farmland, the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Ischia and Capri. 

Stay at Villaggio Camping Nettuno.