Paragliding in Antalya: Best Spots, Season and What to Expect

Most tandem paragliding on the Antalya coast happens at three places. Alanya has a short, scenic flight over the castle to Cleopatra Beach. Kemer has the longest descent in the region, launching from the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı. Kaş has a smaller flight above the harbour, with views towards the Greek island of Meis.

You do not need any experience. On a tandem flight, a licensed pilot flies the wing and you are harnessed in front. This guide covers each site, who can fly, the best season, what to wear and how hotel pickup works.

Paragliding Spots in Antalya at a Glance

Flight times depend on the wind and thermals on the day, so treat them as a guide.

1. Alanya: Over the Castle to Cleopatra Beach

Alanya is the most popular place for paragliding in the Antalya region, and it is where Maxtoria's flights take place. You are driven up a mountain road to a launch point about 700 m above Alanya. After a short run, you glide out over the town, with Alanya Castle, the peninsula and the harbour below. The flight ends with a landing on the sand at Cleopatra Beach.

What a typical flight looks like:

1. Hotel pickup and a short briefing at the flight base

2. About 25 minutes' drive up to the launch

3. Harness fitting and a safety explanation from your pilot

4. A 15 to 25-minute tandem flight

5. Landing on Cleopatra Beach, then the return transfer

Maxtoria offers Alanya flights with hotel pickup from three areas:

• Alanya and nearby resorts, from Mahmutlar and Kargıcak to Konaklı, Avsallar and Okurcalar: Alanya paragliding for everyone. Flights run through the day, and there is also a female pilot option for women who prefer one.

• Side and Manavgat: Side paragliding over Alanya.

• Antalya city, Konyaaltı, Lara, Kundu and Belek: Alanya paragliding from Antalya. It is about 2 hours' drive each way, so allow most of a day.

2. Kemer: Tahtalı Mountain (Olympos)

The highest flight in the region starts at the top of Tahtalı Mountain (2,365 m) above Kemer. You reach the summit on the Olympos cable car (Olympos Teleferik), which is an experience in itself. The descent to the coast is much longer than Alanya's, often 30 minutes or more, with views over the Taurus Mountains, the pine forests and the Kemer coastline.

Things to know:

• It is colder at the top. Bring a layer, even in summer.

• Conditions at altitude change more. Flights can be delayed or cancelled even when it is calm at sea level.

• Book with an operator that includes the cable car, or one that clearly states it is not included.

Maxtoria does not currently list a Tahtalı flight. If you are staying in Kemer, Tekirova or Çamyuva, it is the closest option to you.

3. Kaş: Above the Harbour

In Kaş, flights launch from Asas mountain, about 600 to 650 m above the town. They glide out over the bay, with the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) on the horizon, and land near the harbour. It is a shorter flight than Tahtalı, but Kaş itself is a relaxed base, popular for diving and boat trips.

Kaş is about 3 to 3.5 hours' drive west of Antalya, so this option is really for people staying in Kaş or Kalkan. Maxtoria does not currently list a Kaş flight.

Nearby, but outside Antalya province: Ölüdeniz near Fethiye, in Muğla province, is one of the best-known paragliding sites in Türkiye, with launches from Babadağ. If you are staying in Kaş or Kalkan, it is within reach as a day trip.

Can You Paraglide in Antalya City?

There is no regular tandem launch for visitors in Antalya city itself. Most operators in the city and in Lara, Kundu and Belek drive guests to Alanya for the flight, which is why the Antalya pickup option is a longer day.

Who Can Go Paragliding?

You do not need any experience or special fitness. Your pilot controls the wing, and you only need to take a few running steps at launch and follow instructions when you land.

Typical conditions on Maxtoria's Alanya flights:

• Age: minimum 6 or 7, depending on the operator. Under-18s need a parent's consent.

• Weight: roughly 25 kg up to 105–110 kg. The pilot has the final say, based on weight and wind.

• Not suitable if you are pregnant or have heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, serious breathing problems or spinal injuries.

The limits differ slightly between tours, so check the page of the flight you book.

What to Wear and Bring

• Closed sports shoes with good grip. They are required, since you will run at launch. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

• Light, comfortable clothing, plus an extra layer for Tahtalı.

• Sunglasses with a strap, if you wear them.

• Swimwear, if you want to stay on at Cleopatra Beach after landing in Alanya.

• Leave your phone with the team. Most operators do not allow personal phones or cameras in the air for safety reasons.

Photos and Videos

Pilots usually film the flight with a camera on a stick or mounted on the wing. On Maxtoria's Alanya flights, photos and video are an optional extra purchase, and you can usually watch the footage after landing before you decide.

Best Time for Paragliding in Antalya

Flights run for much of the year, weather permitting, but the most reliable period is April to October, when skies are clearer and winds more predictable.

• Spring and autumn are comfortable and often give smooth air.

• Midsummer brings clear skies but strong heat at the launch and on the beach. Morning flights are more comfortable.

• Winter flights are possible on good days but are cancelled more often.

Is Paragliding Safe? The Weather Policy

Tandem flights are flown by licensed pilots with full equipment, a helmet and insurance, and they only go ahead in suitable conditions. The pilot decides on the day. If wind or weather makes flying unsafe, Maxtoria's tours are moved to another date or refunded.

Arrive on time for the briefing, follow your pilot's instructions at launch and landing, and tell them about any health issues before you fly.

Paragliding vs Parasailing

The two are often confused:

• Paragliding launches from a mountain. You glide freely down with a pilot and land on the ground or a beach.

• Parasailing is done at the beach. You are lifted by a parachute while being towed behind a boat, then brought back down to the boat.

If you want the mountain launch and the free flight described above, you are looking for paragliding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place for paragliding in Antalya?

It depends on what you want. Alanya has the easiest access and lands on Cleopatra Beach. Kemer's Tahtalı has the longest and highest flight. Kaş is a quieter option in the west.

How long does a paragliding flight last in Alanya?

Usually 15 to 25 minutes in the air, depending on wind and thermals. The whole experience, with transfers, takes about 2 to 3 hours from Alanya hotels.

Can I go paragliding from Antalya city?

Yes, but the flight takes place in Alanya. Maxtoria's paragliding trip from Antalya picks up in Antalya city, Konyaaltı, Lara, Kundu and Belek, and takes most of a day.

Can children go paragliding?

Yes, from age 6 or 7 depending on the operator, with a parent's consent and within the weight limits.

Do I need experience?

No. On a tandem flight, the pilot flies. You only need to follow a few simple instructions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flights only go ahead in safe conditions. If they cannot, Maxtoria's tours are moved to another date or refunded.

Are photos included?

Usually not. On Maxtoria's Alanya flights, photos and video are an optional extra.

Book a Paragliding Flight

See all flights with hotel pickup in Alanya, Side and Antalya.