Tandem Paragliding Near Athens: Mountain Flights Over Megara & Boeotia

Tandem paragliding near Athens puts you in a harness beside a certified pilot, launching from a mountain slope west of the city and gliding down over the Megara or Boeotia valleys. You need no experience, no fitness beyond good general health, and nothing more than sensible shoes. Choose a 20-minute flight from €115 or a longer 40-minute VIP flight at €175.

What is tandem paragliding?

Tandem paragliding is a flight under a large, two-seat paraglider wing, with a qualified pilot sitting behind you and doing all of the flying. You sit in a padded harness, the pilot handles take-off, steering and landing, and you are free to take in the view. There is no engine. The wing rises on wind blowing up the mountainside and on warm air currents, so the flight is quiet apart from the wind.

Our pilots hold licences from the Greek Air Sports Federation, and every flight uses a full tandem set: wing, harness and helmet.

Where do the flights take off?

We fly from two mountains within reach of Athens, and the pilot picks the one where the wind is right on the day:

• Kithaironas, above Plataies village: views over the surrounding mountains and the wide Boeotia valley.
• Kandili, near Megara: views across the Megara valley, Elefsina, the island of Aegina and much of Attica.

Both sites are roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by car from central Athens. Because the site depends on the forecast, we confirm the exact meeting point two to three days before your flight.

What happens on the day?

You meet the pilot at the agreed point and travel up to the take-off area together. Transfers between the landing field and the take-off site are included. On the slope, the pilot fits your harness and helmet and gives a short ground briefing on how to run a few steps at launch and how to sit once you are airborne.

Then you wait for the right breeze, which can take a few minutes or longer. When it arrives, you take a few steps downhill together and the wing lifts you off. After the flight you land in an open field below. Allow one to two hours in total, including the briefing, the wait and the drive back up.

Which flight should I choose?

• Basic flight, 20 minutes, €115: a smooth glide from launch to landing, ideal for a first flight.
• VIP flight, 40 minutes, €175: twice the time in the air, more chance to climb in rising air and see the coast and valleys from higher up.

Video of your flight is included with both options, so you can relive it and share it afterwards.

Is paragliding right for me?

If you are in good physical and mental health and can walk a few steps on a slope, you can fly. The requirements are clear:

• Minimum age 8. Anyone under 18 needs a consent form signed by a parent.
• Maximum weight 105 kg, with clothing.
• Good physical and mental health.
• No previous experience needed.

People who dislike roller coasters are often surprised at how calm paragliding feels. There is no drop in the stomach at take-off, just a gentle lift. If you get motion sickness, tell the pilot, who can keep the flight smooth and avoid tight turns.

What should I wear and bring?

Mountain air is cooler than the city, even in summer, so dress in layers:

• Long trousers
• Hiking boots or trainers with good grip
• A light jacket
• Sunglasses
• A bottle of water

What if the weather is not right?

Paragliding depends entirely on wind and weather, which is why we treat every booking as a request and confirm it against the forecast. We send you the outlook two to three days ahead. If conditions are unsafe on the day, the pilot will not fly, and you choose a new date or a full refund of your deposit.

When is the best time to fly?

Flights run whenever the wind and weather allow. Spring and autumn often bring steady breezes and clear air with long views to the islands, while summer days can be hot by midday, so morning or late afternoon slots are often the most comfortable. The pilot will suggest the best time once the forecast is in.

How to get there from central Athens

The take-off sites are in the mountains west and north-west of Athens. By car, head west on the Athens to Corinth motorway for Kandili near Megara, or north-west through Elefsina towards Thiva for Kithaironas and Plataies. Expect 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the site and traffic. There is no practical public transport to the take-off areas, so plan to drive or ask us about getting there when you book.

Good to know

• The exact take-off site and time are set by the forecast and confirmed two to three days before.
• Each pilot flies one passenger, so friends and families fly one after another.
• Video of the flight is included in the price.
• Bring cash or a card for the balance, which is paid on the day.