What a coastal soaring tour in Portugal looks like
The Coastal Soaring Programme is guided Atlantic ridge soaring in Sesimbra, a fishing town 30 minutes south of Lisbon airport with its own microclimate. You fly smooth, laminar sea air above dramatic cliffs, dunes and white-sand beaches, with the ocean below and the coastline stretching out on both sides. Fly a single day, a few days or a full week: every morning Behrooz reads the forecast and picks the best site for the conditions, and private transfers to the launch and back are included.
Behrooz, an active competition pilot with more than 20 years of flying, flies alongside the group. With a maximum of 8 pilots, coaching stays personal: a briefing before you fly, radio guidance in the air and an individual debrief at the end of each day. His coaching focuses on what makes the biggest difference: ground handling until your wing does exactly what you ask, clean launches and top-landings in strong wind, and reading the weather forecast so you understand why a site works on a given day. Expect real progress every day and a lot of fun along the way. After a week with Behrooz, you’ll fly with far more control and confidence.
Every pilot is welcome, whatever your age. Beginner and recently licensed pilots build airtime safely in smooth, predictable ridge lift; experienced pilots come for long soaring flights and to refine their technique in stronger coastal wind. Behrooz looks after every pilot in the group, so you get plenty of personal attention and a high-quality day of flying, every day.
Sesimbra, the home of ridge soaring in Portugal
Sesimbra is one of the best coastal soaring destinations in Europe, and among the finest in the world. Dozens of flying sites lie within a short drive, from the towering cliffs of Arrábida to Praia das Bicas and Cabo Espichel. With a site for every wind direction, you can soar here all year round.
Coastal ridge soaring is paragliding at its purest: no thermals to hunt, just smooth Atlantic wind rising over sea cliffs and dunes, giving long, predictable lift you can stay in for hours. For pilots who want to progress, it is the ideal classroom: hours of airtime in smooth air, every day the wind blows.
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What's included
- Daily weather & site briefing
- Radio support every pilot, every flight
- Ground-handling & top-landing coaching
- Cobra starts & reverse launch practice
- Video & photos of your flying days
- Evening track-log analysis & debrief
- Private transfer to every launch, daily
- Bad-weather backup site every day
Before you come
What to sort before you leave home — so the week runs smoothly from day one.
Licence & IPPI card
Flying solo? Bring your national licence or IPPI card — Behrooz checks every pilot’s qualification before the first flight (a photo on your phone is fine).
Reserve repack date
Check your reserve was repacked within the last 12 months. Behrooz will ask — if it's overdue, get it repacked before you travel.
Glider condition
If your glider hasn't had a porosity check or line measurement in the last two years, get one done before you travel. Flying a glider of unknown condition on unfamiliar coastal lift isn't worth the risk.
Travel insurance
Standard travel insurance rarely covers paragliding. Get a policy that explicitly includes it — most paragliding associations offer one. Behrooz can suggest options if you need them.
What to pack
Layered flying kit — mornings on the Atlantic coast can be cool even in summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the beach landings. Casual clothes for evenings in Sesimbra. Nothing formal needed.
Getting here
Fly into Lisbon (LIS) — Sesimbra is 30 minutes away by car. Ask Behrooz about airport transfers when you confirm your dates; daily transfers to the flying sites are included.
Frequently asked questions
What paragliding experience do I need?
To soar solo you need a basic paragliding licence (P1/P2 or your country’s equivalent) and to be comfortable in moderate coastal wind. Beginner and recently licensed pilots are welcome. Unsure about your level? Message Behrooz before booking.
What's the best time of year for a coastal soaring paragliding holiday in Portugal?
The programme runs year-round. September to July is the most reliable period, with the most consistent wind; August, the month of summer heat waves, is the least reliable.
Is transport to the flying sites included?
Yes — private transfer from your accommodation to the launch and back is included every day. No rental car needed.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Bring your own wing, harness, reserve and helmet; radios can be provided free.
How does payment work?
Payment goes directly to Behrooz — no booking platforms, no agencies and no deposit. You usually pay once your programme is over, and only for the days you actually fly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation on all programmes. If you've already paid, you get a full refund — just send a WhatsApp message or email.
What happens if conditions aren't suitable for flying?
Behrooz always has a backup plan and moves to wherever is flyable. On a day nothing can be flown, you aren't charged the day rate — only reasonable administrative or transport costs may apply.