REVIEW · KYRENIA
CYPRUS: Tandem Paragliding Experience
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Cyprus Paragliding · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Kyrenia looks different from the sky. This tandem paragliding experience puts you in the air over Kyrenia’s mountains with a licensed pilot, while you take in the Mediterranean Sea from roughly 750–800 meters up. It’s built for first-timers too, with a pre-flight briefing and certified safety gear.
What I like most is how the flight is kept safe and calm without removing the fun, plus the fact you get serious time in the sky (about 15–20 minutes) rather than a quick photo stop. One thing to consider: if you get uneasy with heights or vertigo, the launch and the altitude can feel like a lot, even with a tandem pilot doing the hard work.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- What you’re really booking in Kyrenia tandem paragliding
- Why this one is good value at $47
- Getting from Kyrenia to the launch slopes: the ride portion is part of the day
- The takeoff moment: where nerves turn into focus
- What the pilot is doing while you look around
- In the air over Kyrenia: Mediterranean views from 750–800 meters
- How long you’re actually flying
- Adrenaline vs calm: you can steer the mood of your flight
- Photos and videos: great memories, but you can’t bring your own camera
- Insurance and safety: what “peace of mind” really means here
- Who should book (and who should skip): limits are real
- Skip it if this applies
- Age restrictions (important)
- What to wear and bring for comfort (and fewer headaches)
- Price and logistics: is $47 actually good value?
- Making the most of your flight day in Kyrenia
- Final call: should you book Cyprus Paragliding?
- FAQ
- How long is the paragliding flight?
- How high will I fly?
- Is insurance included?
- Are photos and videos included?
- Where do I meet the company?
- Do I need prior training?
- What should I bring?
- Who is this not suitable for?
- Is the instructor multilingual?
Key points to know before you go

- 15–20 minutes flying, with total time closer to a 2-hour experience once prep and transport are included
- About 750–800 m elevation for big Mediterranean Sea and coastline views
- Licensed tandem pilots with equipment that’s regularly inspected
- No cameras allowed by you, so consider the optional professional photo/video add-on
- Multilingual instruction (English, Turkish, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek)
- Off-road + scenic drive as part of getting to the takeoff area
What you’re really booking in Kyrenia tandem paragliding

This isn’t a solo sport day where you learn wing control and foot-launch technique. You’re buying a tandem ride: you strap into the harness, the pilot flies, and your job is basically to look around and enjoy the ride.
The pitch is straightforward for a reason. You start from a safe takeoff setup on the Kyrenia slopes, do a short walk on a gentle incline as the wing comes to life in the wind, and then you’re up in the air. From there, you get views that are hard to match on the ground—turquoise water out toward the Mediterranean and the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains below.
And the time matters. The experience is described as a 1-hour option, but the flight itself is only part of a broader 2-hour block that includes preparation and transport. So treat it like a half-morning/half-afternoon style commitment, not just a quick “in-and-out” activity.
Why this one is good value at $47
At $47 per person, you’re paying for:
- professional tandem flying (not rental gear and guesswork),
- safety gear and a pre-flight briefing,
- flight insurance coverage,
- and a real aerial experience over Kyrenia, not a short spin.
Add to that the fact that the flights are tailored—some people want calm sightseeing, others want a little thrill—so you’re not stuck with a single style of ride.
Getting from Kyrenia to the launch slopes: the ride portion is part of the day

Your activity starts around the Alyakut Elektronik area, and you’re expected to arrive independently to the operator’s Kyrenia office at Ülcay Business Center (Ankara Cad. Ülcay İş Merkezi, Alsancak, Yayla Mah. No:4-19-E, Kyrenia).
From there, the plan includes a drive (around 80 minutes) plus an off-road segment before you reach the takeoff zone. This matters more than you might think. Even if you’re mainly excited about flying, you’ll want to be comfortable sitting, wearing layers if it’s breezy up top, and ready for a bit of bumpiness on the way.
What to expect on the ground before takeoff
- A safety-focused briefing so you know what happens next.
- Getting fitted with certified harness and helmet gear.
- A short walk on a gentle incline as the wing fills with wind.
If you’re the type who likes to understand the sequence, you’ll probably appreciate the step-by-step approach. Many first-timers feel nerves right before the lift-off, but that briefing helps you feel like you’re in good hands.
The takeoff moment: where nerves turn into focus

The lift-off is described as a rising into the sky after your wing fills with wind and the incline walk ends. It’s normal to feel your heartbeat move faster right there. The good news is you’re not doing any flying work. You’re strapped in, and your pilot handles the wing and flight path.
Also, your altitude is part of what makes this feel dramatic. The flight starts from around 750 meters above sea level (the experience is described in some places as soaring up to about 800 meters). Either way, the numbers add up to a big visual change: what looks close on the ground suddenly becomes tiny below.
What the pilot is doing while you look around
You can choose the vibe: calm sightseeing or more thrilling maneuvers. The key is that your tandem pilot can shape the flight to your preference. That’s not just marketing language. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re watching the world float by and feeling like you’re actively riding the wind.
In the air over Kyrenia: Mediterranean views from 750–800 meters

Once you’re airborne, you’ll likely spend your time switching between awe and noticing details. The views are the main event:
- the deep blue Mediterranean Sea,
- the golden coastline,
- and the Kyrenia Mountains silhouetted beneath you.
And because you’re at height, the world gets “flattened” in a strange, cool way. Roads look like lines. Boats (if you spot them) look like dots. The coast becomes a strong curve. That’s the moment people often describe as when you finally grasp just how high you are.
How long you’re actually flying
Your time in the air is 15–20 minutes. That’s long enough to enjoy the change from launch to cruising, and still short enough that it doesn’t become exhausting. If you’re tempted to think you’ll be up there for hours, don’t. You’ll be back on the ground while it still feels exciting.
Adrenaline vs calm: you can steer the mood of your flight

This is one of the most appealing parts of tandem paragliding when you’re nervous or unsure. You can choose the ride style:
- calm and peaceful sightseeing, or
- adrenaline-packed maneuvers.
A good pilot will read the room. If you’re nervous, you’ll probably want a calmer start while you adjust to the air. If you want more thrill, you’ll likely get it while still staying within the safe tandem framework.
It’s also worth knowing that paragliding here is described as being suitable for all ages and skill levels—with limits. So the intent is broad, but your body and comfort matter. If you can handle heights, you’ll likely have an easy time enjoying the ride.
Photos and videos: great memories, but you can’t bring your own camera

This is a big operational detail: cameras are not allowed, and professional cameras, selfie sticks, and even video recording are listed as not allowed. Cellphones and photography inside are also restricted.
So how do you get a record of the flight? You have an optional add-on for high-resolution photo and video service. In the experience description, these are professional HD captures you can keep as memories of the day.
Practical takeaway: if you plan to rely on your own camera, you’ll be disappointed. Think of your phone as something you may not be able to use during the flight portion. If you want photos, budget for the optional package and let the team handle it.
Insurance and safety: what “peace of mind” really means here

The experience includes:
- certified safety equipment (harness, helmet, and gear regularly inspected),
- a professional licensed pilot,
- and flight insurance for full coverage.
That combination is what turns a scary activity into a manageable one. In the stories people shared after their flights, a common theme is how quickly the team puts you at ease—especially if you feel nervous right before takeoff.
Also, the crew is described as professional and courteous throughout. You’re not being thrown into a sport with guesswork. You’re guided from briefing to harness to lift-off.
Who should book (and who should skip): limits are real

Tandem paragliding sounds like it should be for everyone. The operator lists specific limits, and you should treat them seriously:
Skip it if this applies
- People afraid of heights
- People with vertigo
- People with epilepsy
- People with high blood pressure
- Pregnant women
- People with altitude sickness
- People over 100 kg (220 lbs)
- People over 200 cm (6 ft 6 in)
- People over 80 years
Age restrictions (important)
There are explicit minimum ages listed (children under 2, 3, and 4 years are not suitable), plus weight thresholds for kids (like under 15 kg and under 20 kg). If you’re traveling with kids, check the exact age/weight rule that matches your child before you book.
If you’re not sure where you fall, this is one activity where it’s smart to ask questions early rather than wait.
What to wear and bring for comfort (and fewer headaches)

The equipment comes from the operator, but your comfort starts with what you wear. Pack for a day that includes a drive (including off-road) and time outdoors.
Bring:
- comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
- sunglasses
- sun hat
- sportswear / comfortable clothes
- hiking shoes or sports shoes
- weather-appropriate layers
- goggles (listed as recommended to bring)
- medical statement
Skip:
- sandals or flip-flops
- high-heeled shoes
- large bags, luggage
- drones
- selfie sticks
- food and drinks (also not allowed)
- smoking-related items in the vehicle
Also, don’t plan to bring a ton of electronics. Cellphones and photography rules are strict here, so keep your setup simple.
Price and logistics: is $47 actually good value?
At $47 per person, this is priced like an entry point into a high-adrenaline experience. The value gets better because key costs are included:
- pilot and tandem flight,
- insurance,
- safety gear and briefing.
The one extra cost to watch: departure point is 20 € and isn’t included. If you’re comparing activities, that extra matters. Still, even with that added, tandem paragliding often lands as one of the most memorable “one-day” experiences you can do in Northern Cyprus.
The other cost lever is the optional HD photo/video service. If you want professional media and you can’t use your own camera, that add-on may be worth it. If you’re traveling light and mainly want the flight itself, you can skip it and just enjoy the memory in your head.
Making the most of your flight day in Kyrenia
This is how I’d plan if I were turning this into a smooth, low-stress day:
- Eat before you go
Food and drinks aren’t allowed, so don’t rely on snacking during the activity.
- Wear sturdy shoes and think about the ride
Off-road plus outdoors means you’ll want shoes that don’t slip.
- Plan for nerves
Many people feel slightly nervous at first. If that’s you, good. Your pilot’s job is to fly while you breathe and get used to the feeling of height.
- Decide your vibe upfront
Tell the pilot you prefer calm sightseeing or want more maneuvers. It helps shape the ride.
- If you care about photos, choose the optional package
Because cameras are restricted, your photos are more “get them from the team” than “capture them yourself.”
- Use the language option
The instructor can work in English, Turkish, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish, or Greek. If you want the briefing in your comfort language, this matters.
Final call: should you book Cyprus Paragliding?
Book it if you want one of the clearest “wow” experiences in Northern Cyprus without needing any training. The setup is designed for first-timers: tandem flying, briefing, certified gear, and insurance. And you’ll get that core paragliding payoff—15–20 minutes above Kyrenia with Mediterranean views that you just can’t replicate on foot.
Think twice if heights or motion make you anxious. Even with a professional pilot and safety gear, launch and altitude are still real sensations. Also, if you’re a “must-have my own footage” person, understand that cameras and phone use are restricted, so you’ll likely need the optional photo/video service if you want lasting proof.
If you fit the comfort limits and you’re after a memorable aerial perspective, this is an easy yes. It’s the kind of experience you’ll talk about long after you’ve forgotten what restaurant you tried down the street.
FAQ
How long is the paragliding flight?
The flight time is about 15–20 minutes.
How high will I fly?
The flight starts from around 750 meters above sea level, and the experience is also described as soaring up to about 800 meters.
Is insurance included?
Yes. Flight insurance is included with the experience.
Are photos and videos included?
High-resolution photo and video service is not included, but it’s available as an optional extra.
Where do I meet the company?
The office is in the heart of Kyrenia inside Ülcay Business Center: Ankara Cad. Ülcay İş Merkezi, Alsancak, Yayla Mah. No:4-19-E, Kyrenia.
Do I need prior training?
No prior training is required.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, weather-appropriate clothing, and goggles. A medical statement is also listed.
Who is this not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people afraid of heights, people with vertigo, people with epilepsy, and people with high blood pressure. There are also height and weight limits (over 200 cm or over 100 kg).
Is the instructor multilingual?
Yes. Instruction is available in English, Turkish, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish, and Greek.




