Madrid never stops. There’s always something new to see, something exciting to do. A vibrant nightlife, a diverse cultural environment, the best of local and world cuisines, all in one place… we could go on and on. Still, sometimes what you need is a well-served shot of pure adrenaline – and we know just the right recipe for it.
Related article: Madrid for the Adrenaline-Junkie
Index
Paragliding
Things have evolved quite a bit since humans first defied the birds’ monopoly of airspace, but whether you’re flying in the hot-air balloon engineered by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783 or enjoying the comforts of a modern Boeing, you don’t really feel much like a bird, do you? You don’t have wings! But paragliders do – that’s why they’re awesome.
A paraglider is a lightweight glider aircraft, with wings made of fabric, that relies on aerodynamic mechanics to allow free-flying over large areas (often tens of kilometres). Don’t worry, it’s not as dangerous as it may seem. Recreational paragliding is done in tandem with a trained pilot and you don’t need any previous preparation. It’s not like parachuting either – you won’t jump off a plane or a cliff. Takeoffs are done by just running down slopes of grass with only a slight inclination.
The weather in central Spain remains mostly warm and stable for the entire year, so you can fly like a bird any time you feel like it, regardless of the season. There’s no better way to experience the gorgeous natural landscapes of the region, so if you’re a thrill seeker we highly recommend that you try paragliding in Madrid at least once.
Madrid Outdoor Sports
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s you. Paragliding over Madrid, your heart pumping fast, the smile on your face only disturbed by the wind that caresses it. It’s a very liberating feeling and you can do it easily, with maximum comfort and safety, through Madrid Outdoor Sports, a company specialized in outdoor activities. Their tandem paragliding flights are usually done in either Cebreros or on the mountain pass of Somosierra and normally cover a distance of around 800 vertical metres, lasting from 10 to 25 minutes depending on wind conditions. You will be provided with flight overalls and gloves at the site, but it is also recommended wearing trekking boots, which you should take yourself.
Prices for the flight start at 80€. Different price packages offer you transport and HD quality recordings of your flight, so make sure to schedule and customize your experience on the company’s official website, where you can see all the dates and options available to you.
That’s about all you need to know about paragliding in Madrid. Spread your wings and enjoy your flight!