If you are based in Costa Adeje and have been wondering where to launch a paraglider in Tenerife, the answer has a name: Taucho. A place that, once you see it from the air, makes it clear why we pilots have chosen it as our home in the sky.
But before telling you what flying here is like, there’s a question we get asked all the time, and it deserves a straight answer from the outset.
Can you paraglide over Mount Teide?
The straight answer is no, and it makes complete sense. Teide National Park is protected airspace with very clear flight restrictions. The airspace above the volcano is regulated to safeguard both the natural environment and the safety of any aircraft. On top of that, Teide, standing at 3,715 metres, generates extremely complex thermodynamic conditions: wind rotors, ridge turbulence and unpredictable convective thermals that make the area unsuitable for tandem paragliding.
But you don’t need to fly over Teide for it to take centre stage in your flight.
From our take-off point in Taucho, at 800 metres above sea level in the municipality of Adeje, Teide rises behind you like a silent giant. As the paraglider’s wing opens up and the local breeze gently carries us towards the coast, that iconic volcano remains a constant backdrop, a reminder throughout the flight that you’re soaring above a truly extraordinary island. Without exaggeration, it’s one of the most breathtaking views I’ve shared with thousands of passengers over many years of flying here.
Taucho and the charm of the south of the island
If you ask me why the south of the island, and Taucho–Adeje in particular, brings together a combination of factors that few places in the world can match, the answer lies in geography and weather.
Why is Taucho the ideal take-off point?
- Optimum altitude and drop. Taking off at 800 metres above sea level gives us the perfect height difference to enjoy a flight of between 15 and 20 minutes on the standard flight, and up to 35 or 40 minutes on the long flight.
- The trade winds, our allies. This wind current, so characteristic of the Canary Islands, blows steadily and predictably from the north east. For us pilots, the trade winds mean reliable conditions and smooth flights. There’s no magic in paragliding, there’s physics, and the trade winds are our best travelling companions.
- The thermals from Barranco del Infierno. This ravine generates thermal lift that, during the central hours of the day, allows us to gain height naturally and quietly. When you feel the paraglider climbing without the pilot doing anything obvious, it’s the mountain itself lifting you upwards.
- Landing on the coast. The flight ends with your feet back on the ground near La Caleta or the Playa de la Enramada area, where the Atlantic shows off its full range of blues and turquoises. There’s no better way to end a flight than with that contrast: mountain, ravine and sea in a single journey.
Paragliding areas in Tenerife
Although Taucho is the go-to spot for paragliding in South Tenerife, the island has a rich and varied aerial geography. As an instructor with decades of experience, I’ve explored many of its corners from the air.
Other historic and recommended flying spots
Ifonche is another classic take-off point on the Adeje massif, much loved by free flight pilots for the quality of its thermals and its views towards La Gomera. When the horizon is clear and the silhouette of that neighbouring island appears in the distance, it creates one of those moments of quiet wonder that no photograph can quite capture.
In the north of the island, areas such as Los Realejos, with the La Corona viewpoint as a reference point, and the surroundings of Icod de los Vinos offer flights over a radically different landscape: the deep green of the laurel forest and the black cliffs of the north coast, shaped by the trade winds, which are felt with far greater intensity here.
La Ladera de Güímar, on the eastern flank of the island, is another site with a long tradition among Canarian pilots. The breadth of the Güímar Valley and the stability of the wind at certain times of year make it a technically interesting area for free flying.
South Tenerife: flying conditions all year round
Tenerife is an island of striking climatic contrasts. While the north can be covered in cloud and rain, South Tenerife enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. This, combined with the steadiness of the trade winds, makes the Adeje area one of the most reliable paragliding destinations in Europe.
It’s no coincidence that we fly all year round. And that’s not marketing, that’s geography.
The conditions that make the south special:
- Constant, predictable trade winds, which channel the local breeze in the flying area very effectively
- Active thermals during the central hours of the day.
- Sufficient height difference for long, high-performance flights.
- Landing on the coast with Atlantic views.
- Easy access from all the main tourist resorts.
At Brisa, we chose this take-off point after decades of experience. Nothing about choosing Taucho was left to chance: every detail, from wind direction to the slope of the take-off, has been assessed with the rigour that our responsibility to every passenger demands.
Frequently asked questions about where to go paragliding in Tenerife
Can you paraglide over Mount Teide?
No. Teide National Park is protected airspace with flight restrictions. What’s more, the weather conditions at that altitude aren’t suitable for tandem paragliding. From our take-off point in Taucho, Teide takes centre stage visually throughout the flight: you’ll have it in front of you during the climb and behind you as you glide towards the coast.
Where exactly does Brisa go paragliding in Tenerife?
Take-off is in Taucho, municipality of Adeje (South Tenerife), at 800 metres altitude. Landing takes place on the coast at La Caleta / Playa de la Enramada. Our free transfer service departs from the main tourist resorts in Costa Adeje.
What’s the best time of year for paragliding in Tenerife?
You can fly all year round. Winter offers very favourable thermal conditions. In summer, the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Each season has its own particular charm, and at Brisa we tailor the experience to each day’s conditions.
How long does the full experience last?
The complete experience, including pick-up, transfer, equipment, flight and return, lasts approximately 2 hours. Flight time itself varies between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the option chosen.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking several days ahead, especially during peak season. You can contact us directly via WhatsApp or through the booking form on our website to secure your place.
Are there other paragliding areas in Tenerife besides Taucho?
Yes. However, for tandem flights with passengers, Taucho is the optimum area thanks to its combination of weather conditions, flight reliability and accessibility.
Ready to see Tenerife from above?
At Brisa, we take care of every detail so your only job is to enjoy the ride. We’ve spent more than 25 years sharing Tenerife’s skies with travellers from all over the world, and every flight is still, for us, the most important one.
👉 Book your paragliding flight in Tenerife with Brisa by WhatsApp, phone or web form. We fly today if conditions allow.
Got any questions? Get in touch directly. Our multilingual team will answer you in your own language.