Our main advice is to enjoy and let your mind go blank. A priori it seems simple but it is not, considering all the implications behind it. Indeed, the combination of two factors is key to understand the functioning of this magnificent discipline: the place where it takes place and the flight itself.

Let's explain it with examples. Without detracting, it is not the same a Bentley with all luxury of details, elegant, with power, than a car of the 80's rickety, without doors and with a melted engine. By this we mean that there is a big difference between one and the other and, given the choice, we will choose the model of the English brand. The same applies to some outdoor activities: it is not the same to do them in, say, a landfill than surrounded by a dazzling landscape. Hence the importance of central Portugal, specifically in the area of Lisbon. Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, etc., hide the best kept secrets of the nation.

If, in addition, what takes place in these locations is paragliding, we have the winning combination. According to the testimonies of those who have tried it once, the feelings that one experiences are overwhelming and can’t be compared to anything else. Come to your specialized center in the vicinity of the city of light and ask without obligation for rates and schedules. They will be happy give you information, you who are one of those who are eager to embark on this fascinating adventure, you who have the spirit and initiative of a true courageous person.

Where are the best areas for paragliding in Lisbon?

• Sintra: This is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, known worldwide, especially for the three architectural jewels located outside the city center. On the outskirts, in the middle of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, are located the Sintra National Palace, the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira Palace. You already know why so many jumps decide to fly over this region, the views over these treasures that mix neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-Manueline style, are indescribable. Apart from these majestic buildings, it is breathtaking to hover in the air while contemplating the hills of the mountain range. The culmination of this tour is to land in Praia Grande, cradle for bodyboarding and surfing enthusiasts. What you did not imagine is that at the southern end of this beach is located an ancient dinosaur site. Who knows, maybe Jurassic Park was really filmed in Portugal.

• Parque Natural da Arrábida: The main objective of the other paragliding company's offers in Lisbon is to travel along the wonderful coast of Setúbal, with its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, and then reach the Parque Natural da Arrábida and cross it from end to end while you shudder contemplating from the heights the native fauna and flora that inhabit the reserve. Arrábida, and its entire ecosystem, is one of the nation's protected areas, especially due to the preservation of the Mediterranean maquis, a species of bush that is not so common in these parts.

What types of flights are available in Lisbon?

- Tandem baptism of 30 minutes: The paragliding trips start from this basic premise, meaning, they are suitable for beginners, for any person, regardless of experience or not. Depending on the air currents, which are fluid in this region of Portugal, the itinerary lasts between 20 minutes and half an hour. Also, as the name suggests, these are flights for two people, an instructor and a passenger, in which the first one attaches the second one to his body by means of a harness and, after that, becomes his shadow. Everything (or almost everything) the instructor does will have an immediate effect on his pupil's mobility.

- Add photos, videos or both: We have already said on several occasions that it makes no sense to hire this activity without adding photos of the day, videos or both. And even more when what we have in front of our eyes is the beautiful scenery of the Lisbon coastline or the Arrábida or Sintra-Cascais Mountains. For practical reasons, a selfie stick is usually used to immortalize the moment and, in some circumstances, an external pilot to the couple descends with them and records from an external position.

Who can do this activity?

The criteria applied by the two companies that provide this service in the Lisbon region differ fundamentally in terms of the age of the participants. One of them sets it at 5 years, when it is usually from 6 years, while the other stipulates a minimum of 10 years, in which case they must be accompanied by the father, mother or legal guardian of the minor to sign the relevant authorization.

What they do seem to agree on is the weight of the applicants. Those between 3 stone (25 kg) and 18 stone (120 kilos) are allowed to perform the activity. This is due to the fact that flying equipment supports a specific weight defined by the manufacturer of the device, usually with a maximum limit of 37 stone (240 kg).

Are paragliding jumps in Lisbon safe?

You won't have to worry about anything. We promise you this it. You don’t have to feel any kind of rejection or worry because everything is, from the first minute, under control. Mainly for three reasons, all related. The instructors of these schools have a long trajectory, dedicated to their profession for decades, specialists in the morphology of the territories that are crossed and in the prevailing climatology of the county. As it could not be otherwise, they will be responsible for providing a brief, preventive theoretical training, prior to the start of the take-off.

Finally, the materials that each company uses. From the harness, to the radio or helmet, to the ropes or the emergency parachute, everything is in perfect condition, everything is checked by our team of experts in order to ensure safety. In other words, zero nervousness.

What should I wear on the day of the activity?

First of all, it is recommended to wear shoes that close well, either sports or mountain shoes, so that they don’t swing around the foot during the trip, thus avoiding falling. In line with this, it is about feeling comfortable, so it would be advisable to come with flexible clothing, not too tight, so it allows you to do all kinds of movements with absolute freedom.

Another aspect that must be taken in to account depends exclusively on the temperature, since, for example, on a foggy or cold day, it is preferable to bring a sweatshirt or a jacket rather than being totally exposed. Remember that in winter, the minimum temperatures during the day reach 9ºC in Lisbon, in addition to the constant forecast of precipitation, so it would be useful to wear an extra layer.

When is the best time to paraglide in Lisbon?

As it is a sport completely dependent on the weather, what matters is not so much the time of the year, but that certain conditions are met in order for the activity to take place normally, these are, that it doesn’t rain or snow and that the wind is not extremely strong. This guarantees a flight duration of at least fifteen minutes.

Although, it is true that it is easier that in the winter months the previous limitations are recreated more frequently. On the other hand, we must consider that the areas of Sintra and Setúbal have a Mediterranean climate with oceanic and inland Mediterranean influence, respectively. This means that throughout the year, hot, dry summers coexist with mild, partly cloudy winters. So, clearly, the best time to paraglide around Lisbon would be from May to September.

What are you waiting for, take the plunge in the Portuguese capital!