5 Wonderful Destinations for Paragliding in Turkey

Ömer Faruk Kino
Onedio Member
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People come to Turkey to visit many extraordinary places and enjoy many wonderful activities. Recently, paragliding has become one of the most popular activities that attract visitors to Turkey. Paragliding is an activity for all seasons and year round. Whether you are on a summer or winter holiday in Turkey, you can experience a dizzying view of the outstanding, crystal clear sea, the exceptional green areas and the breathtaking snow everywhere from an altitude of 1800 metres. Let's delve more into the topic by first learning what you need to know before paragliding in Turkey👇

What is paragliding?

Paragliding is an aerial sport in which you use a free parachute or a foot-launched inflatable wing to take off. It is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do in Turkey.

If you're an adrenaline junkie, willing to try new things and experience unforgettable moments, paragliding will be the best activity for you. Turkey has many remarkable landscapes that you can see from a bird's-eye view, which can amaze you.

Do you need a licence to fly a paraglider?

Paragliding is essentially a self-regulated sport, but to fly a paraglider yourself in Turkey, you need a P3 licence, which is an intermediate pilot licence approved by the Turkish Aeronautical Association and the International Aviation Federation.

There are 30-day training programmes available to obtain the P3 paragliding licence. During this training, you will practice 50 flights to improve your take-off and landing skills.

Modern paragliders are extremely safe to fly with a qualified pilot. When you visit Turkey, you'll be accompanied by a well-trained and certified pilot.

What equipment do I need for paragliding?

Paragliding requires several pieces of safety equipment, as the wrong equipment can put the pilot in danger. In addition to the paraglider itself, you will need a helmet, harness and reserve paraglider.

Other equipment is optional. For the best paragliding experience, you will need a GoPro, a small, high-quality camera, to take pictures and videos from your point of view. Other equipment is optional, such as flight suits, special boots, gloves and sunglasses.

Where are the best places for paragliding in Turkey?

There are many outstanding paragliding destinations with great views. Here is a brief list of some of the most unique places to go paragliding in Turkey👇

Ölüdeniz (Fethiye) - Muğla

When it comes to paragliding in Turkey, Ölüdeniz in Fethiye is the first destination that comes to mind. After a hike on Babadağ Mountain, it is a dream to fly over 2000 metres and land directly on the beach of Ölüdeniz. You can take in the dazzling views of the turquoise sea and lush green forest. Paragliding in Fethiye is one of the most popular activities that should be on every adventure lover's bucket list.

Kaş - Antalya

Flying between the mountain slopes covered with lush greenery, you will enjoy one of the most amazing views over the Kaş area of Antalya. It is a unique opportunity to see the peaks of the mountains and the land from Kaş harbour.

Abant - Bolu

Paragliding in Abant, nestled in the stunning Abant Mountains just 34km south of Bolu city centre, offers an exhilarating experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Accessible via a scenic 25km tarmac road that winds through dense rainforest, Abant Lake is the perfect starting point for paragliding. The surrounding hillsides, particularly near the Örencik Plateau, provide ample take-off areas with wide grassy plains. With its lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere, Lake Abant attracts visitors all year round, offering picnic opportunities in summer and winter sports in the colder months. Paragliders can soar above this picturesque landscape, marvelling at the lush greenery below and enjoying the adrenaline rush of flight against the backdrop of the Abant Mountains.

Bozdağ Highlands - İzmir

The Bozdağ Highlands in İzmir is one of the top places in Turkey for paragliding. Enjoying the incredible view of İzmir with the clear sea and green areas below, paragliding is done on the Akçakmak and Güldalan hills of Bozdağ Highlands over 130 metres high. This is the perfect destination for paragliding beginners.

Pamukkale - Denizli

The airfield, which takes its name from an old dynamite warehouse on the hill, is 300 metres high. The runway has a large area where two parachutes can easily take off. It is the point where you can see all the beauty of Pamukkale. Here you can enjoy 25 minutes of an unforgettable flight. You can land on the land at the end of the flight path, but you can also land safely on the helipad at the entrance to the travertine.

Paragliding in Turkey isn't just about adrenaline and adventure; it's also an opportunity to get in touch with nature and appreciate the country's diverse landscapes from a unique perspective.

Whether you're an experienced pilot or a first-time flyer, Turkey offers an unforgettable paragliding experience that will leave you breathless in more ways than one. So buckle up, spread your wings and embark on an unforgettable aerial adventure in the heart of Turkey.