Paragliding in Madeira

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works

Visitors who have seen Madeira from its cliffs often want to see it from the air, and the south-west coast is where to do it. Tandem paragliding flights take off from the hills at Arco da Calheta, between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar, and glide over the sea for 15 to 20 minutes with a pilot, landing on the beach at Madalena do Mar or Calheta.

For something faster, a zipline and a giant swing hang over a valley at Porto Moniz on the north coast, and in Funchal harbour a parasail rises behind a boat for 30 minutes.

Tandem paragliding at Arco da Calheta

The common mistake is to book a flight weeks ahead. Paragliding depends on the wind, and the flights are decided day by day.

The operator at Arco da Calheta does not take advance bookings: contact them after 11:00 on the day you want to fly, and they confirm if the wind allows. The wind has to be right, neither too light nor too strong, so keep two or three days free for a flight.

On the day, you meet in the village by the beach and a van takes you up to the take-off, a grassy slope at the top of a cliff of about 300 m above the sea. You run a few metres, the wing lifts, and the pilot flies for at least 15 minutes, 20 on average, before landing on the pebble beach.

Passengers should preferably weigh under 85 kg, and at most 115 kg depending on the wind; there is generally no age limit as long as the pilot can talk to the passenger. Wear hiking or sports shoes, sunglasses and a windproof jacket.

Arco da Calheta is 33 minutes from Funchal by road, 30.3 km, a little past Ponta do Sol; Calheta itself is 39 minutes. Cabo Girão, 17 minutes away, is also used for paragliding.

The zipline, the swing and parasailing

Visitors often assume the zipline is near Funchal. It is on the north coast.

The zipline at Porto Moniz runs 1.6 km at up to 110 km/h, 320 m above the ground, and the giant swing hangs over the Ribeira da Janela valley with a drop of 250 m beneath it. The zipline costs €69 for adults and €49 under 12, the swing €39 and €29, and both together €89 and €69; they open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, and prices move, so check them on the day. Porto Moniz is 56 minutes from Funchal by road.

From Funchal, a 4x4 day of 5 hours, rated 4.95 from 42 reviews, goes to Ponta do Sol and the black sand of Seixal and offers an optional zipline and swing, not included in the price. It collects from central Funchal and the port, and it is not suitable for people afraid of heights, during pregnancy, or for anyone under 40 kg.

In the city, a parasailing flight of 30 minutes along the coast, from the harbour, is rated 4.35 from 88 reviews.

Visit Madeira lists the island's adventure operators.

Parasailing flights depart from the harbour in central Funchal.

Common questions

Can I book a paragliding flight in advance?

No. The flights at Arco da Calheta are decided on the day by the wind; contact the operator after 11:00 on the day you want to fly.

How long is a tandem paragliding flight in Madeira?

At least 15 minutes in the air, 20 on average, from the hills at Arco da Calheta down to the beach.

Is there a weight limit for paragliding?

Passengers should preferably weigh under 85 kg, and at most 115 kg depending on the wind.