Thanks to the unbeatable climate of the Canary Islands, the characteristic trade winds and the island's unique volcanic terrain, El Hierro is a top destination for paragliding enthusiasts, acrobatic paragliding and all different modalities of this free flight sport.
Paragliding in El Hierro is a way of discovering the island from a different perspective. All you need to do is launch yourself from one of the many take-off areas to experience the incredible sensation of flying freely, with no engines and nothing but the sound of the wind as you discover an island of incalculable beauty from above - an island that has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve.
The ideal place to take off on a paragliding adventure
Paragliding is a form of flight that involves taking off from a high point, such as a mountaintop or a steep slope, in order to achieve a smooth, horizontal flight guided by air currents. Due to the unique conditions the island offers for this sport, El Hierro is one of the best places for free flight not only in the Canary Islands, but also in the whole of Spain, as it allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, vertiginous landscapes and volcanic valleys with total freedom.
For the curious, and those who love adventures that are different, paragliding is one of the best ways to get to know the island of El Hierro and explore its volcanic beauty. The presence of the trade winds, which blow constantly in the island’s highlands, allows one to enjoy this sport in optimal conditions all year long. When the trade winds are blowing, the best areas for flying are those facing La Frontera, and when they are not blowing, you can fly without any problems on the opposite side of the island.
The island is particularly welcoming for anyone wishing to try a free flight experience for the first time. Thanks to specialised schools and companies, it is easy to get started in this sport here, learn the rules and basic concepts, and enjoy the experience with the aid of certified pilots and guides.
Planning a flight around the island
In terms of paragliding, we could say that El Hierro has two sides to it. The north-western side, crossed by the imposing El Golfo valley, the boldest one. It is the area most exposed to the winds, with the highest altitudes, and its thermals allow you to prolong the experience. To the south, near Tacorón beach, there is a much calmer flying environment, ideal for days without much of a breeze.
Dos Hermanas
Located in the heart of the island, this jumping area is a gliding Mecca. And it’s no wonder, as it has all the ingredients for a memorable jump. Its different heights and terrain have been used to create four take-off points ranging from 600 to 1200 metres, suitable for all levels and types of gliding.
Once in the sky, the views are quite simply spectacular. A panoramic view of the El Golfo valley towards the pristine beach of Arenas Blancas, from where you can head to the Integral Nature Reserve of Roques de Salmor, home to the giant lizard of El Hierro.
Jable Tabano
Very close to Dos Hermanas, following the highest part of the mountainside, there is another surprising take-off area. Its position and altitude, at 1100 metres, make it perfect for long flights without the need for updraughts, which can easily reach the Charco de los Sargos bathing area.
The Jable Tabano area has one last surprise in store. From here, it is possible to fly over the sea of clouds on days when this curious phenomenon envelops the highest peaks of the El Golfo Valley.
Montaña Colorada
Heading west from La Frontera we find Montaña Colorada, a distinctive reddish-coloured promontory about 800 metres high, from which it is common to see colourful canopies taking off. The unique conditions and wide variety of routes that can be taken from here have made it one of the most famous and popular paragliding spots throughout the year.
Pico de La Naranja
Behind Tigaday, the busiest part of La Frontera, is a favourite take-off point for novice pilots. It is about 600 metres high, which is perfect for short flights or simply trying out the experience. Its size is also an advantage on days without much cloud cover, as it allows one to continue enjoying this sport without losing visibility.
Sabinosa
In the west of the island lies Sabinosa, a picturesque little village where old customs co-exist with a new passion for flying. Its idyllic landscape with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop and spectacular conditions for practising this sport have made this area a favourite spot with experienced pilots and acrobatics enthusiasts.
An island made for sport
Despite being the smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has space for all kinds of outdoor sports. More than 250 kilometres of trails and routes running through nature, secluded roads for cycling enthusiasts, volcanic walls for a different kind of climbing,