Paragliding over Ölüdeniz from Fethiye

Paragliding in Fethiye is the dream of everyone who loves a thrill. The nearby village of Ölüdeniz, the Blue Lagoon and Mount Babadağ, 1,960 m high, might have been made for launching from the summit and flying a paraglider — pure drive, with fantastic views. Thousands of visitors come to Ölüdeniz to feel that magical sense of flight; around 600 flights are made here every day.

For your safety

Anyone who wants to touch the sky, feel like a bird and look down on a piece of Greece can fly — in clear weather the island of Rhodes is visible on the horizon. There are limits, though: the maximum weight is 110 kg for men and 90 kg for women.

Children under 10 are not allowed on a paraglider. Paragliding is not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, anyone with a weak sense of balance, or those who fear flying.

No special training is needed, because you will not be flying the wing — an experienced instructor will. He is the one in charge of the tandem; your role is passenger.

For the flight you need trainers that fit snugly, a windproof jacket, sports trousers and sunglasses (best secured with a strap).

The paragliding price covers:

• transfer from your hotel in Fethiye to the launch site on Mount Babadağ;
• return transfer from the landing point to the hotel;
• the briefing;
• equipment;
• the pilot’s services;
• insurance.

You can book a flight for any time of day, but no earlier than 9:00 and no later than 17:00.

The way to the summit

You are collected from your hotel and driven to the foot of Mount Babadağ, then climb the narrow mountain switchbacks to the launch site. That mountain road, with its sharp turns on the very edge of the drop, is an extreme ride in its own right — and what a rush of adrenaline, what views open up along the way.

The climb to the top takes half an hour. On arrival at the launch site you are given a detailed paragliding briefing: how to take off from a high mountain, how to behave in the air, how to land. Once you have your equipment you are securely clipped into the harness. On a tandem launch the run-up is very short — a few steps and you are flying.

Fear turns to delight

Many people feel nervous about the flight ahead and afraid of the unknown, and that is only natural. But the anxiety is nothing next to the childlike delight, the extraordinary sensations and the rush of feeling a paraglider flight gives. The moment you rise into the sky, the nerves are gone.

From high above you will see the Blue Lagoon, the open sea, the hotels, tiny tile-roofed houses, mountains and forest — the whole coast laid out below. Meanwhile the pilot films from various angles. Striking photographs and video of your flight can be bought separately.

The flight lasts about 30 minutes and the landing is soft. The instructor brings the wing gently down onto the path along the beach, or straight onto the sand.

Paragliding is a beautiful sport and the most popular thing to do in Ölüdeniz. Seventy per cent of the visitors staying here do not deny themselves an unforgettable flight. Join the majority.