• ABOUT THE SPOT

Hang Gliding in Canhas, Ponta do Sol, Madeira Portugal

Elevation (take off):
481m (1578ft)
Elevation (landing):
14m (46ft)
If you want to feel like Superman for a while, then you should try hang gliding. It's an extreme fly sport that gives you the opportunity to feel free like a bird and taken away by adrenaline. The amazing view of the landscape and the increasing speed you get at, is a really good combination.

If you are looking for the right place, then you should visit Canhas. It’s a small village in the municipality of Ponta do Sol, in the Portuguese island of Madeira. It’s one of the access doors to Paul da Serra, the only plateau in Madeira and the only source that feeds the stream-lets that flowing down the Island. The warm climate, with temperatures between 28°C / 82.4°F in the summer and 17°C / 62.6°F in the winter, makes Canhas a small paradise for those who don’t like cold.

Alternatively, you can have a panoramic view of Canhas by hang gliding. The GPS coordinates for the take off are 32°42’10” (32.7029)N, 17°7’33” (17.1261)W (Elevation : 481 m/1578 ft) and for landing the GPS coordinates are 32°42’4″ (32.7013)N, 17°8’12” (17.1369)W  (Elevation : 14 m/46 ft).

The landing point is just in front, on the Madalena do Mar beach, but don’t land on the promenade. Canhas is the best take off  in Madeira for teaching the new pilots. The region is for private take off, but it’s free to use. You should first get in touch with the Association of hang-gliding and paragliding of Madeira (AVLM). You must have a valid insurance coverage and a valid pilot license. Last, but not least, in Canhas you can do other activities on your spare time and if you want to take a nap, you will find comfortable accommodations.