Paragliding · Gioia Tauro
The essentials
One option, zero hesitation needed. Massimo Pronesti runs a 30 min tandem paragliding flight from Bagnara Calabra, a coastal launch site with views over the Strait of Messina and the Sicilian coastline. At 110 €, the flight is open to all fitness levels. Book directly with the operator and confirm your slot at least a few days in advance, especially during the May–September peak season when thermal conditions are strongest.
The offer
Tandem paragliding in Bagnara Calabra, near Scilla
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any paragliding experience?
None at all. The physical level is listed as 'Everybody welcome', meaning you fly tandem with a certified pilot who handles all controls. Your only job is to run a few steps on takeoff.
What's the most intense moment of the flight?
Launch from the hillside above Bagnara Calabra is the sharpest rush: you go from standing still to airborne in seconds. After that, the 30 min flight settles into thermal soaring with open views over the Strait of Messina.
What languages does the pilot speak?
The operator speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese, so briefings and in-flight communication are covered in all three languages.
When is the best time to fly?
The season runs from May through September. Thermal activity is typically strongest in summer, which means longer soaring potential within your 30 min session.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.7°C | 77.7 mm | Possible |
| February | 9.1°C | 80.8 mm | Possible |
| March | 9.5°C | 120.4 mm | Possible |
| April | 11.8°C | 106.5 mm | Possible |
| May | 15.6°C | 69.7 mm | Good |
| June | 20.1°C | 25.7 mm | Peak |
| July | 22.9°C | 36.9 mm | Peak |
| August | 24°C | 4.3 mm | Peak |
| September | 20.8°C | 52.9 mm | Peak |
| October | 16.7°C | 130.7 mm | Good |
| November | 13.4°C | 121.7 mm | Possible |
| December | 8.3°C | 151 mm | Poor |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear closed-toe shoes with ankle support and dress in layers: temperatures drop noticeably at altitude even on warm days. The flight is 30 min and open to all fitness levels, so no specialist gear is required.
Getting there
The meeting point is in Bagnara Calabra, Province of Reggio Calabria (89011), roughly 40 km north of Reggio Calabria city center, accessible by car via the A2 motorway or by regional train to Bagnara Calabra station.
See also
Paragliding elsewhere
Updated March 2026