From City of Side: Alanya Tandem Paragliding w/ Beach Visit

The beach becomes your landing strip. This six-hour trip from Side gives you a rare view of Alanya from 700 meters above the sea, followed by a gentle landing on Cleopatra Beach. I especially like the included hotel transfers from Side and the calm, professional instruction, with pilots such as Jan and Memeth praised for helping nervous first-timers relax. The main drawback is time spent waiting, particularly after the flight, and the photos and videos cost extra.

I also like the flight itself: around 20 minutes in the air, with broad views of Cleopatra Beach, Alanya, and the coast. Manager George has been singled out for explaining the process clearly, while pilots with years of experience handle the takeoff, flight, and landing. Just keep the separate 20 EUR takeoff entry fee in your budget, along with any photo package you may want.

The important details at a glance

• 700-meter launch point: You take off from Cleopatra’s Hill, high above Alanya and the sea.
• About 20 minutes in the air: Flight time depends on wind direction and weather.
• Cleopatra Beach landing: The flight ends on the sand rather than at another hilltop.
• Hotel pickup from Side: Transport is included both ways, but delays have affected some return journeys.
• Professional tandem pilots: English, Russian, Turkish, and German support is available.
• Extra costs matter: The 20 EUR takeoff entry fee, food, drinks, and photos or videos are not included.

From Side to Cleopatra’s Hill

The day begins with pickup at your hotel in Side. You should wait at the main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Drivers are instructed to wait only five minutes, so this is not the moment to linger over breakfast or search for a missing room key.

The ride takes you to the Alanya area and the paragliding office before the climb to Cleopatra’s Hill. The tour lasts six hours in total, but that does not mean six hours of continuous activity. The actual flight is about 20 minutes, with the rest used for transfers, registration, preparation, waiting, and the return trip.

That distinction matters. If you are booking this between beach time, dinner, or another excursion, leave plenty of room around the six-hour window. Some people have reported a late pickup, while others spent 30 minutes or much longer waiting for the return vehicle. The paragliding team and the transport company are separate, so the flying operation may be ready even when the ride home is not.

One transport complaint involved a driver using a phone frequently while driving. That is not a criticism of the pilots, but it is a fair safety concern to keep in mind. The transport side appears to be the less polished part of the day.

Meeting the team and getting ready

At the flight station, the pilot gives you an introduction to tandem paragliding. You are shown how the activity works, what the safety procedures are, and how to use the supplied equipment. This briefing is especially helpful if you feel tense about the height or have never tried an adventure activity like this.

The guides receive the strongest praise for their calm manner. George, the manager, has been noted for clearly explaining what would happen. Memeth helped one first-time flyer enjoy the experience and produced photos and videos along the way. Another pilot, Jan, was described as professional, and one instructor had 15 years of paragliding experience.

That human element is important. You are attached to the pilot’s harness and uniform, so you are not managing the paraglider alone. Your main job is to listen, follow instructions, and run for a few meters toward the edge of the hill when told.

Wear comfortable clothes. Cameras are not allowed, which is sensible during takeoff and flight, but it also means you cannot bring your own action camera or phone for aerial shots. The pilot may take photos and videos during the flight, which you can preview after landing and purchase if you like.

The short run that starts the flight

Takeoff begins with a brief run toward the end of the hill while connected to your instructor. The exact feeling will vary with the wind, but the idea is simple: keep moving as instructed, then allow the paraglider to carry you.

This is often the most nerve-racking moment because it is the point when the activity changes from standing on solid ground to being airborne. A reassuring pilot can make a large difference here. The comments from people who were initially stressed suggest that the instructors are used to calming first-time flyers without making the moment feel rushed.

The launch point sits about 700 meters above sea level. That height gives you the grand view, but it may also make the first few seconds feel intense if you dislike heights. You should not book this expecting a gentle sightseeing ride from the start. It is a real aerial activity with an adrenaline kick, even though the tandem setup keeps the practical work with the pilot.

Twenty minutes over Alanya and the coast

Once airborne, the flight lasts nearly 20 minutes under normal conditions. The exact duration depends on the weather and wind direction, so the advertised time is best treated as an estimate rather than a promise.

The view is the heart of the experience. From above, Cleopatra Beach appears as a long sweep of golden sand beside clear blue water, with Alanya and the coast spread out below. You get a perspective that is impossible from the promenade or a normal beach chair.

I like the balance of excitement and quiet here. The takeoff gives you the rush, but the flight itself can feel peaceful as you glide with the pilot. You have time to look around, take in the coastline, and let the height become familiar. The pilot may also take still photos, regular videos, or 3D footage. One particularly enthusiastic account praised all three types of recording.

Do not assume the flight will be filled with dramatic tricks. The description focuses on a scenic tandem glide, and weather controls what is possible. The pilot’s priority is a safe and enjoyable flight, not an aggressive stunt show. That makes this a better choice for someone who wants a strong memory and wide views than for an experienced flyer seeking technical instruction.

Touching down on Cleopatra Beach

The landing takes place on Cleopatra Beach, which is one of the best details of the trip. You do not return to the launch point or finish beside a road. Instead, the flight ends on the popular golden sand beside the water.

The pilot manages the landing and aims to make it smooth. After the height and motion of the flight, coming down onto a beach gives the experience a satisfying finish. You can gather yourself, take in the setting from ground level, and preview the images made during the flight.

This is also where the optional photo and video purchase becomes relevant. The material can be a valuable souvenir because you cannot bring your own camera. But it is not included, and one recent account described a single-person photo and video price as high. Another person said packages began at 50 EUR, while a larger purchase for two people received a discount.

I would decide before the flight how much these images are worth to you. If you are flying with a child, partner, or friend, ask about a combined price. If you mainly want the experience itself, you can simply preview the material and decline to buy.

What the $94 price really covers

At $94 per person, the package includes hotel transfer in both directions, entrance fees listed by the operator, training, equipment, and full insurance. That is a reasonable amount for a half-day activity that includes a specialist pilot and a cross-region transfer from Side to Alanya.

Still, the headline price is not the final possible cost. The 20 EUR takeoff entry fee is excluded, as are food and drinks. Photos and videos are also extra, with reported packages starting around 50 EUR. Bring enough money if you think you will want the recording, but do not feel obliged to purchase it after landing.

The value is strongest if you want the convenience of pickup and a guided first flight. Organizing transport from Side on your own would add planning and could create taxi problems, especially for an activity tied to wind and launch conditions. The value is weaker if you dislike waiting, want a tightly timed schedule, or are trying to keep the day inexpensive.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms help if your holiday plans are still moving around, though weather remains the practical factor that can affect the flying schedule.

The transport issue you should plan around

Transport is included, but you should treat the six-hour duration as flexible. Pickup has been late for some people, and return delays have been the more common irritation. One person waited about three hours at the office after the flight, while another described a 30-minute wait before leaving.

That kind of delay can be frustrating after an exciting flight, especially if you are hungry or have dinner plans in Side. Food and drinks are not included, so carry some water and a small snack if permitted during the transfer and waiting portions. The supplied information does not promise meals, and the tour is not built around a restaurant stop.

The transport team and the paragliding centre are separate businesses. That helps explain why excellent flying instruction can exist alongside a less reliable return transfer. I would not book this on a day when you need to catch a bus, attend a wedding, or reach the airport at a precise hour.

Who should book this flight?

This suits first-time flyers who want a guided experience rather than a course in paragliding. You do not need to control the wing, and the briefing covers the basic process before takeoff. The strong feedback about calm instructors makes it a sensible choice for a nervous beginner who is curious but unsure.

It also works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who meet the age rules. Children under six cannot take part. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are not considered suitable for this activity.

You should be comfortable with a short running start and the general demands of a tandem flight. Comfortable clothing is required, and your own camera is not allowed. If you want to spend the whole day at Cleopatra Beach, this trip gives you only a short beach visit after landing rather than a full beach day.

The experience is available with instructors speaking English, Russian, Turkish, or German. If language support matters to you, confirm the available instructor language when booking.

Should you book Alanya tandem paragliding from Side?

I would book this if you want a memorable first paragliding experience, value hotel pickup, and can accept an imprecise schedule. The aerial view over Cleopatra Beach is the main reward, and the pilots appear to be the strongest part of the operation. George, Memeth, Jan, and other instructors have earned praise for clear explanations, patience, and professional handling.

I would hesitate if you need a punctual return, dislike heights, or do not want to pay extra for the takeoff fee and recordings. The long waits reported after the flight are not minor if your holiday timetable is tight.

For most adventurous visitors staying in Side, this is a worthwhile half-day outing. Budget for the 20 EUR fee, decide in advance if photos are worth the extra cost, bring comfortable clothes and water, and keep the rest of your day open. That preparation lets you enjoy the part that matters most: gliding above Alanya and arriving on Cleopatra Beach.

FAQ

How long does the full experience last?

The activity lasts about six hours, including hotel transfers, preparation, waiting time, the flight, and the return to Side.

How long is the actual paragliding flight?

The flight lasts nearly 20 minutes, although weather and wind direction can change the duration.

Where does the paragliding flight begin?

The launch station is on Cleopatra’s Hill, about 700 meters above sea level.

Where does the flight land?

The pilot lands with you on Cleopatra Beach.

Is hotel pickup included from Side?

Yes. Pickup and return transfer from hotels in Side are included. You should wait at the main security gate 10 minutes before pickup.

How long will the driver wait?

Drivers are instructed to wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

What languages are available from the instructors?

Instruction is available in English, Russian, Turkish, and German.

Is the takeoff entry fee included?

No. The takeoff entry fee costs 20 EUR and is paid separately.

Are photos and videos included?

No. The pilot may take photos and videos during the flight, but you must pay extra if you want to purchase them.

Who cannot take part in this activity?

Children under six, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments should not take part.