Monte Baldo (Malcesine)

Monte Baldo above Malcesine is one of the most celebrated launches on Lake Garda, and pilots who've flown it describe it as one of the nicest takeoffs you'll find anywhere — a big claim, but one this iconic Alpine-over-lake site consistently earns. Access is by cable car from Malcesine, with special day-pass pricing available for paragliders, so most pilots skip any real climb and go straight to enjoying the view from 1,736 m. The wind window here is unusually wide — north, north-east, east, south, south-west, west and north-west all work — which is part of why this is such a reliably flyable site through the season, for both thermal and soaring flying. Landing is on an artificial beach right on the lakeshore, and because of that lake-adjacent landing, wearing a life jacket is compulsory here, not just recommended — worth having one ready rather than treating it as optional gear. Conditions can turn genuinely windy, so check the forecast carefully rather than assume a calm launch will stay that way.

Launch & conditions

Regularly rated by pilots as one of the best launches on Lake Garda.

Getting there & local rules

Cable car from Malcesine gets you to the top, with special day-pass pricing available for paragliders.

Local rules & hazards

A life jacket is compulsory here, not just recommended, because of the lake-adjacent landing. Conditions can turn genuinely windy — check the forecast carefully before committing.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Monte Baldo (Malcesine), 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 Monte Baldo (Malcesine) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.