Paragliding · Florence
How to choose
Two tandem paragliding flights, two price points, one clear split. Paragliding Italy launches from San Giuliano Terme, near Pisa, for 150 € over 2h total, giving you more time on the ground with your pilot before and after the flight. Top Level operates out of Diecimo, in the Lucca hills north of Florence, at 170 € for 1.5h. The 20 € premium reflects the Tuscan Apennine launch site, with the Serchio valley stretching below. Both operators run bilingual sessions in Italian and English, and both rate the experience as "occasionally sporty", meaning no fitness baseline required. If you want the longest block of time with your instructor, book Paragliding Italy. If the mountain backdrop near Diecimo is the priority, the extra 20 € is justified.
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Our picks
Tandem Paragliding Flight in San Giuliano Terme, near Pisa
Paragliding Italy delivers the full tandem experience for 150 € with a 2h slot, the lowest price and the longest time block of the two options.
Tandem Paragliding Flight near Florence
Top Level launches from the Lucca Apennine hills near Diecimo for 170 €, trading 30 minutes for a higher-elevation ridge setting above the Serchio valley.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment of a tandem paragliding flight?
The launch. You run toward the edge of the hill, the wing inflates above you, and within a few strides your feet leave the ground. That 3-to-5-second transition from running to flying is what most first-timers describe as the peak adrenaline spike, before the flight settles into a smooth glide.
Do you need to be afraid of heights to enjoy this?
A mild fear of heights actually works in your favor here. There's no platform, no harness click, no countdown. You're moving forward and then airborne, which bypasses the freeze response most people experience on static drops. Both pilots here are certified instructors who manage the transition deliberately.
Which flight goes higher?
The exact launch altitudes aren't published for either site, so we won't invent a number. What's confirmed: both flights depart from Tuscan hillside launch sites in the Apennine foothills, where thermal conditions between May and September produce stable, extended glides over valley landscapes.
Can the pilot perform acrobatic maneuvers during the flight?
Tandem intro flights are not acrobatic by default. If you want spirals or wingovers, request it explicitly at booking. Both operators speak English, so the conversation is straightforward. Don't assume it's included unless confirmed.
What's the best month to fly near Florence?
The season runs May through September. July and August produce the strongest thermals, which means longer airtime and more dynamic conditions. May and September offer cooler temperatures and cleaner air, which many pilots prefer for a first flight.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.2°C | 72.2 mm | Possible |
| February | 8.7°C | 100.2 mm | Possible |
| March | 9.6°C | 117.4 mm | Possible |
| April | 13.4°C | 98.8 mm | Good |
| May | 16.6°C | 99.2 mm | Good |
| June | 21°C | 62.5 mm | Peak |
| July | 24.5°C | 47.6 mm | Peak |
| August | 25°C | 35.1 mm | Peak |
| September | 21.2°C | 78.6 mm | Peak |
| October | 16.2°C | 117.6 mm | Good |
| November | 11.5°C | 180.2 mm | Possible |
| December | 6.5°C | 71.6 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Both flights are rated "occasionally sporty", so wear closed-toe shoes with ankle support and layer up with a light jacket regardless of ground temperature. Bring sunglasses with a secure strap and leave loose scarves, hats and bulky backpacks in the car.
Getting there
The Paragliding Italy meeting point is in San Giuliano Terme (Province of Pisa), roughly 80 km west of Florence via the A11 motorway, while Top Level meets at Diecimo, near Lucca, about 70 km northwest of Florence on the same route.
See also
Paragliding elsewhere
Updated March 2026