Paragliding in Tenerife, high above Adeje.

The process is simple. A driver picks you up at one of 23 pickup locations in the south, the group drives up together, and at the launch site your pilot explains everything you need to know. The helmet and safety equipment are included in the price; you only need to bring sporty clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Then you take a few steps, the wing lifts, and the ground falls away beneath you. Below you lies the coast of Adeje with its bays and hotels, ahead of you the sea. The tandem flight in Tenerife with this offer costs from $150, and you can book now and pay later.

Paragliding in Tenerife is more than just terrain. Turismo de Tenerife describes paragliding on the island as a unique experience, thanks to the climate and the impressive landscapes. In the south, conditions are mild all year round, and rain is rare, leaving many days open for a flight.

Above it all stands Teide, at 3,715 meters the highest peak in Spain. From the slopes above Adeje you can see its summit in the background on clear days, while the neighboring island lies on the horizon ahead. This mix of mountain and sea makes the flight so special.

Equally often, the topic is the pilots. Guests praise the fact that they always felt safe in the air, that the briefing was clear, and that the pilots come across as calm and experienced. This is reflected in the guide reviews: 5 out of 5 points.

The photos and videos made by the pilots during the flight also come up. And several guests mention that their flight was postponed because of the wind and took place on another day, which they see as a clear sign of care.

Rain is rare. From May to September, the station records on average no days with significant rainfall, and even in December there are only 2 rainy days on average. So sunshine is almost guaranteed, and visibility over the sea is wide on clear days.

What matters is this: whether you fly depends not on the sun but on the wind. A sunny day can be too windy, and a cloudy day can be perfect. Plan your flight early in your holiday so you still have time for a second attempt.

If the wind doesn't work, you wait or reschedule. That can be an hour or another day. Guests who have experienced this describe it in their reviews not as a nuisance but as a sign that everything is being looked after here. That is exactly how you should see it, too.

So that a reschedule costs you nothing, the conditions are flexible. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the booking and reserve now but pay later. That way there is no pressure to fly no matter what, even when the weather is uncertain.

If you want more, you can book a larger package with photos and videos or a package with 360-degree footage from a spherical camera. Both cost an extra. Think ahead about whether a few photos are enough or whether you would like to see the takeoff and landing as a video.

A tip from the reviews: on hazy days the visibility is less clear, and photos look more muted. If you are unsure, decide after the flight for a package, as long as the team offers it. Just ask during the briefing how things are handled on that day.

Then you wait for the right moment. When the wind is right, you take off on command, the wing rises above you, and after a few steps it carries you both. This moment is surprisingly gentle, with no jolt and no drop, more like a slow lift off the slope.

In the air you sit comfortably in the harness, and your pilot searches for the thermals. If you like, he flies a few turns; if not, you glide calmly over the coast. When landing, you stand up briefly just above the ground and take a few steps forward.

At the takeoff site up in the mountains it can be cooler than at the beach, especially in the morning or in winter. A light jacket does no harm. Sunglasses with a secure fit help against the bright light over the sea, and sunscreen belongs in your gear no matter the weather.

Loose items stay in the car or in a closed bag. A hat flies away immediately at takeoff, and a phone without a strap can slip out of your hand. Since the pilot takes the photos, you do not need anything in your hands for nice pictures anyway.

Paragliding in Tenerife with a German-speaking pilot is therefore a real advantage, especially for nervous guests. You understand when you should run, you can ask questions in the air about what you see, and you can say when a turn feels like too much. That makes the flight more relaxed.

When booking or at the latest at pickup, let it be known that you prefer German. A team that speaks several languages will then assign a suitable pilot, as the day allows. The rest of the group can still be looked after in English or Spanish.

Even higher is the highland. According to Turismo de Tenerife, the launch site in Izaña is at 2,300 meters, with a direct view of Teide, and flights from there land in Puerto de la Cruz or in Güímar. A flight from Teide to Puerto de la Cruz costs from $173.

These flights require a longer transfer and are scheduled in English and Spanish. For a first flight, the south is usually the more relaxed choice, and for a second flight, the north and highland are a nice addition.

Pregnant women, persons over 70 years of age, and persons over 110 kilograms are not permitted to fly. Anyone with health concerns should speak with their doctor beforehand. And anyone who has only one free day must be prepared for the possibility that the wind will not cooperate on that exact day.

Honestly speaking: a tandem flight is short compared to a full-day excursion, and it depends on the weather. But it stays in your memory for a long time, often longer than an entire day at the beach. Guests give this flight 4.94 out of 5 points from 1,169 reviews.