One option, one decision: 120 € for a tandem paragliding flight over the Lousã mountains, operated by AltitudeX - Madeira. The 1.5h experience is rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning no prior training required but expect active takeoff and landing. Guides speak English and Portuguese. Book directly if you want aerial views of the Serra da Lousã ridgeline from a pilot-controlled harness. Ideal for first-timers who want real altitude without managing the glider themselves.
Tandem Paragliding Flight over the Lousã mountains, near Coimbra
Takeoff. You run a few steps downhill, the wing catches the thermal, and you leave the ground within seconds. After that, the flight levels out into a sustained glide over the Lousã mountains.
A degree of vertigo is normal. Most first-time tandem passengers report the sensation fades within the first two minutes once the glider stabilizes. You're strapped to a certified pilot the entire time.
The total experience lasts 1.5h including briefing and ground time. Actual airtime depends on thermal conditions over the Lousã mountains on the day.
120 € is the listed price per person. Confirm directly with AltitudeX whether transport from central Coimbra or photos and video are included before booking.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.2°C | 68.7 mm | Possible |
| February | 9°C | 97.5 mm | Possible |
| March | 9.9°C | 96.4 mm | Possible |
| April | 13.1°C | 28.4 mm | Good |
| May | 16.7°C | 46.3 mm | Peak |
| June | 21.5°C | 10.8 mm | Peak |
| July | 24.8°C | 2.3 mm | Peak |
| August | 24.3°C | 1.3 mm | Peak |
| September | 20.9°C | 26.7 mm | Peak |
| October | 15.5°C | 92.7 mm | Good |
| November | 11°C | 102.7 mm | Possible |
| December | 8.2°C | 54.5 mm | Possible |
Equipment
Wear closed-toe shoes with ankle support and layer up: temperatures drop at altitude even in summer. The physical level is "Occasionally sporty", so leave backpacks and loose items in the car.
Getting there
The meeting point is the Lousã Pico da Ortiga paragliding landing zone, located in the Serra da Lousã roughly 30 km south of Coimbra city center, reachable by car via the N342 road.
Updated March 2026