Most paragliding pilots spend more time researching their next glider than they spend planning the trip that will actually make them a better pilot. A good paragliding holiday doesn't happen by accident — the destinations are wind-dependent, the flying windows are specific, and the right coach makes an enormous difference to what you take home. Here's how to plan it properly, with specific guidance on how booking a week with Fly with Behrooz in Portugal actually works.
Step 1: Know What Kind of Flying You Want
This is the question most people skip — and it determines everything else. The broad categories:
- Coastal soaring and ridge lift — consistent, smooth air generated by Atlantic winds hitting the cliffs. Confidence-building, high airtime, beginner-to-intermediate. Portugal's Atlantic coast is one of Europe's premier venues for this.
- XC cross-country thermalling — flying inland in search of distance and altitude. Requires at minimum P3/CP2 level and some experience reading thermals. More variable weather dependency.
- Ground handling and skill-building — intensive kiting, reverse launches, active piloting techniques. Doesn't require good flying weather all week. Best suited to pilots who know they need to rebuild a foundation.
- Paragliding holiday with some tourism — flying is a major part of the week but you also want evenings in a nice town, good food, some non-flying time. Sesimbra works well for this.
If you're unsure, message me and describe your hours, licence, and what's felt challenging recently. I'll recommend the right programme based on where you actually are, not where you think you are.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination
The main European options for a coached paragliding week, ranked by what they're best for:
| Destination | Best for | Season | Cost level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal (Sesimbra) | Coastal soaring, XC combo, ground handling, intermediate pilots | March–November (year-round possible) | Low–Mid |
| Annecy, France | Alpine thermal XC, spectacle, advanced pilots | June–September peak | High |
| Ölüdeniz, Turkey | Tandem flights, tourism with flying, scenic | April–October | Low–Mid |
| Piedrahíta, Spain | Thermal XC flatland, competitions | May–September | Low |
| Swiss Alps | High mountain flying, advanced XC | July–August | Very High |
Portugal's combination of reliable coastal winds, mild temperatures, long season, and low cost makes it the best-value serious flying destination in Western Europe. If coastal soaring or a mixed coastal/XC week sounds right for you, Sesimbra is very hard to beat.
Step 3: Choose Your Dates — The Most Important Decision
Picking the right time of year is more important than almost any other planning decision. At Fly with Behrooz, the reliable flying windows are: