Welcome to one of the most beautiful landscapes of the national tourist panorama, of enormous biodiversity, of an incomparable attractiveness, where the free flights without motor have been gaining entity over the decades. Today, undoubtedly, the "Island of the Hundred Volcanoes" is a splendid place for paragliding.

Its preferred location, off the coast of West Africa, allows us to smoothly fly over the sea; appreciate its natural wonders such as its lava streams, its volcanic eruptions, the architectural and sculptural legacy of its Favorite Son, César Manrique, its idyllic turquoise beaches; enjoy from above incredible views over cliffs, caves, vineyards, prickly pears, the furious waves that lash in Orzola perfect for surfers.

Yes, if you are passionate about the aeronautical sport of paragliding, this is definitely your island. But if not, for beginners, tandem flights are the most appropriate for enthusiastic people with no previous experience. Prior to the start of the activity, an instructor gives a talk in which, among other things, explains how you should position yourself along the entire route and how to fold your legs on landing. These briefings, in addition to Spanish, are also available in English and German.

Finally, depending on the wind direction and its intensity, the jumps can be made from different points because, being an island of tiny dimensions, the distances are covered in a short time, with only 44 miles (71 kilometers) from end to end. Race down the slope with a professional and jump into the void. You will be amazed.

Where are the best areas for paragliding in Lanzarote?

• Famara: Belonging to the town of Teguise, Caleta de Famara is the reference place to practice this sport. Two thirds of the island's paragliding flights start here, in particular from the famous Risco that gives its name to the town. During 15, 30 or 45 minutes, according to the selected flight, you can visit different locations such as Femes, Las Caleras de Chimidas, Puerto Calero, or La Graciosa.

• Gautiza: You will be able to choose different routes (one is discovery, another one includes photographs and filmed videos, and the last one is of a "roller coaster" nature) of 20-30 minutes provided by a single company. Over the Mala Dam is where the paragliders take off, and, just nearby, we observe fields full of cactus, which give it its peculiar greenish tone, cultivated in the shelter of the ash. Other places of interest near the launch are the Cactus Garden designed by César Manrique and the Guatiza Salt Flats, with a bathing place for a dip next to the terraces.

What types of paragliding flights are available in Lanzarote?

- Tandem flights are ideal to simultaneously share the experience with your partner or your friend while gliding with an instructor through the skies of the Canary archipelago. This way, you can wave to your partner from the clouds or smile as you contemplate his or her extravagant gestures. Add a photo or video report to amplify the experience.

- If you’re looking for pure adrenaline, your thing is the acrobatic or rollercoaster flights of approximately 20-30 minutes, which cross the black sand of Quemada Beach, the hamlet of La Asomada or the village of Tenesar, nestled in a rock on the slope of a hillside. During the course of this tour, after a gradual take-off, the pilot, always in consensus with the passenger, will perform vertiginous pirouettes, impossible caprioles, aerial turns and changes of direction. Super fun, it will leave you breathless.

- Special flights: Likewise, the companies that operate in the "Conejera" offer 45-minute approaches to the coast that take advantage of the triggers or rising thermal masses to suddenly lift us into the atmosphere. We will see, from a privileged position, Orzola, the window to the Atlantic Ocean, and El Cuchillo, a small population center characteristic for its similarity to the Sahara region. The little ones of the house also have a place with a journey of a quarter of an hour designed to initiate them in this category.

What are the compulsory requirements to be able to fly?

In general, the only requirement, based on the companies that offer it, is to weigh between 6 stone (40kg) and 17 stone (110 kilos). This means that any person from 5 years old, 7 years old depending on their physiognomy, can make the descent.

As an exception, this island offers exclusive flights for children that don’t normally exceed 15 minutes of duration and in which it is dictated that the participants exceed, at least, 3 stone (20 kg).

Are these types of jumps safe?

Of course they are! Several factors converge to ensure the normal development of this activity, without any disturbance. First of all, all the schools have in their staff qualified instructors with international licenses, experts of the orography and the atmospheric conditions of the Lanzarote mountains as well as creditors of a proven experience with an infinity of jumps to their credit.

In addition, these instructors are always in charge of giving, before the beginning of the activity itself, a briefing about concepts such as safety mechanisms in the apparatus, the maneuvers that are allowed, the relevant use of the material or the places that you will cross.

Another element to highlight is the necessary equipment, of the highest quality and approved. The craft itself, the harness, the helmet, the radio and the emergency parachute, of the latest generation, have been previously tested by specialists. With these coordinates, let yourself go, the rest is taken care of by an expert instructor.

What should I wear on the day of the activity?

Without doubt, we recommend wearing sports or mountain shoes that ensure covered feet. Since the flight implies absolute freedom of movement, it would be recommended to wear comfortable clothing, without it being too tight, precisely to avoid stiffness.

And although the temperature is always ideal, we must consider that the activity takes place at high altitudes, surrounded by cold air currents, with minimum temperatures of 15-16º C during the winter, so it would be reasonable to come with warm clothes according to the season.

When is the best time to paraglide in Lanzarote?

It is a sport that is totally influenced by the weather hence the right conditions must be given in order to ensure the safety of the activity and a flight duration of at least 15 minutes.

Lanzarote enjoys a warm climate throughout the season, with an annual average of 21º C, which makes it an ideal destination to practice this discipline at any time of the year. However, in the middle of the summer (July, August and September), the wind blows more frequently, so it is best to make the jump from October to June, coinciding with spring, autumn and winter. Regardless of this detail, as long as the weather is good, it is possible to fly over this wonderful island with an eagle's eye view.

Take the plunge! It will be an experience of a lifetime.