Lanzarote – Famara – lower (PG) TO

Lanzarote's Famara lower paragliding takeoff sits right on the coast at 188 m, on the island's dramatic northern cliff-and-dune ridge in the Canary Islands, Spain. It flies with wind from the north through northwest, and is popular for both thermalling and ridge soaring above the beach below. This lower launch is the backup option: pilots use it when the wind at the upper hang-glider takeoff becomes too strong for paragliders, and the ridge itself offers several possible launch points higher or lower depending on how hard the wind is blowing that day. The same stretch of ridge doubles as a landing area, so pilots share the same ground for takeoff and touchdown rather than flying out to a separate field. One hazard is worth knowing before you fly: heading low and north along the ridge brings you close to a powerline, so altitude and line awareness matter on that leg.

Launch & conditions

This lower takeoff is the fallback when wind at the upper hang-glider launch is too strong for paragliders. The ridge has several possible launch spots, chosen higher or lower depending on how strong the wind is on the day.

Local rules & hazards

Flying low and heading north along the ridge brings you close to a powerline; keep enough height and stay alert on that stretch.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Lanzarote – Famara – lower (PG) TO, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Lanzarote – Famara – lower (PG) TO with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.