Paragliding Shashica, Vlore

Looking for the best paragliding in Vlore? Take off from Shashica, the hill above the city of Vlora, and glide over the Bay of Vlora with a licensed instructor from Sky Sports Albania. Tandem paragliding in Vlora needs no experience, no fitness training and no special equipment — you only need the courage to run the first three steps. The rest is a quiet, floating flight of about 15–20 minutes with the whole Albanian Riviera under your feet.

Paragliding in Vlora, Albania: why fly here?

Vlora (Vlorë) is the place where the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea meet, and that makes it one of the most spectacular regions in the country to see from the air. Below you lie the Bay of Vlora, the long beaches of the Albanian Riviera, the pine-covered Karaburun peninsula and the silhouette of Sazan Island. Behind you rise the Ceraunian Mountains, the same range that makes the neighbouring Llogara Pass famous among pilots.

That combination of sea breeze, warm air rising from the hillsides and an open view in every direction is exactly what a pilot looks for. It is why paragliding in Vlora has become one of the most popular air sports in Albania over the last ten years — and why more and more visitors add a tandem paragliding flight in Vlore to their summer holiday on the coast.

Shashica: our take-off site above Vlora

Shashica (Shashicë) is a green hill on the edge of the city. It is easy to reach by road, only a short drive from the centre of Vlora, and it faces the bay, which gives pilots a clean, wide take-off slope and a smooth glide over the water. Because it is so close to town, you do not need to spend half a day travelling: you can book a flight in the morning, be in the air by the afternoon and still enjoy the rest of your day on the beach.

When the wind direction suits Shashica, our team brings you up to the take-off, prepares the equipment and explains everything calmly. On days when the wind is better somewhere else, we fly from one of our other sites — Llogara, Dajti, Korça, Berat, Mesopotam and more — so that your flight is always done in the safest and most beautiful conditions. Safety decides the take-off site, never the schedule.

What a tandem paragliding flight in Vlora feels like

A tandem flight means you are strapped securely to an experienced, licensed instructor who controls the wing from start to finish. You are the passenger: you sit back in a comfortable harness and enjoy the view.

Step by step: first you meet the team and receive a short briefing — about five minutes. You put on a helmet and harness. At take-off you simply walk and then run a few steps against the wind while the wing rises above you; the instructor does the rest and in a moment your feet leave the ground. After that there is no noise except the wind. You soar above Vlora, you may feel the thermals lifting the wing, and — if you ask for it — your pilot can add a gentle free fall maneuver for extra adrenaline. The landing is soft and usually done standing up.

The whole experience takes around 15–20 minutes in the air. Your video and photos are included for free, so you can relive the flight and share it with friends and family.

Who can fly tandem paragliding in Vlora?

Almost anyone who is in normal health can try it, which is why so many first-timers choose paragliding as their first air sport. You do not need previous experience, you do not need to be an athlete, and most people find the flight more peaceful than frightening. There are limits for age and weight and a few health conditions that rule out flying, and the final decision belongs to the pilot on the day, so please contact us before you book if you have any doubt.

If you are afraid of heights, many guests report that paragliding feels completely different from standing on a balcony: there is no feeling of falling because you are supported by the air itself. Paragliding from Llogara and from Shashica is often recommended as the best way to start.

When is the best time for paragliding in Vlore?

Flights are weather dependent, as with every air sport. The main season in Vlora runs through the warm months, roughly from spring to autumn, when the weather is stable and the sea breeze is regular. Early morning and late afternoon often give the calmest air and the softest light for photos. In July and August the demand is highest, so book early if you want a specific day.

We check the wind every day. If conditions are not safe we will move your flight to another time or another site — or reschedule it together with you.

Paragliding Vlore with Sky Sports Albania

Sky Sports Albania is the largest air sports company in the country, with more than ten years of experience in tourist flights, international events and training. Our home base is the Sky Sports Center at Palasë beach, between Vlora and Llogara National Park, where you can combine your flight with water sports, a boat ride, a meal at our restaurant or a day at the beach. Our team is made up of qualified instructors with international competition experience, and safety is always the first rule.

Beyond tandem flights we also offer paratrike (motorized paragliding), parasailing, scuba diving and other water sports on the same coast. Read more about our instructors, check the prices or learn about tandem paragliding in Albania.

What to bring and what to wear

• Comfortable sports shoes that close around the ankle (no sandals or flip-flops)
• Long trousers or sports leggings and a light jacket — it is cooler up high
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A phone with a charged battery (we also film the flight for you)
• A good mood — the rest is on us

Frequently asked questions about paragliding in Vlora

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