Exploring the top Algarve coastal areas or watching the sunset from the sky can be for everyone
The Algarve’s year-round pleasant weather makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, including those that take you to the skies. Whilst skydiving and paragliding may cater to the thrill-seekers among us, not everyone is eager to leap from a plane or soar untethered through the air.
Enter Paratrike, an experience that combines the exhilaration of flight with the comfort and security of sitting down.

Propelled by a large fan, you lift off from the ground and glide through the air, taking in the breathtaking views of the Algarve from a completely new perspective.
As well as being a versatile and unique experience, suitable for everyone from young children to adults of any age, it is also very accessible to those with physical and mental limitations – from quadriplegics and paraplegics to pacemaker users and people with cerebral palsy – whilst always complying with safety regulations.

Valdemar Reis, a native of Loulé, discovered the sport two decades ago. His passion for aviation and the outdoors made Paratrike a natural fit, and he quickly immersed himself in the activity.
Initially, Valdemar flew with family and friends, honing his skills by consulting with colleagues and fellow thrill-seekers and then carefully studying weather conditions and taking every precaution to ensure safety.

His hobby soon grew into something more significant, and in 2005, he founded Fly Algarve, a company offering a variety of flight experiences and lessons (the course typically consists of 20 to 25 lessons).
Flying at around 250 metres, Paratrike flights are inherently dependent on the weather, and the Algarve’s microclimate, influenced by both the southern and western coasts, plays a significant role.

Flights are planned no more than two days in advance, with confirmation often required just the day before.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable flight, Paratrike trips are typically scheduled either early in the morning, from sunrise until around 10am, or late in the afternoon, from 5pm until sunset. This is to avoid any uncomfortable weather that may develop during the day, which can make the experience less pleasant.

The time of year also influences the nature of the flight. The winter months, for instance, make for a unique experience, as you can fly at lower altitudes, “with the wheels almost touching the sand since the beaches are practically empty and the few people who are there like to interact with flyers”, Valdemar explains.
Paratrike offers a unique way to explore the Algarve’s stunning coastline. Whilst there are two established routes at Fly Algarve, the flexibility of the experience allows for custom itineraries and longer flights, rather than the typical 15 to 20 minutes.
One popular route begins in Pêra and takes participants over Praia Grande, Sesmarias, and Praia dos Salgados, with the opportunity to spot the dolphins living in the Zoomarine waterpark.
Another route starts in Albufeira, crossing Vilamoura Marina and the beaches of Rocha Baixinha, Falésia, and Olhos de Água.
The views are nothing short of spectacular, with land and sea stretching out as far as the eye can see. For those seeking an even longer flight, options include routes over the iconic Benagil caves, the Arade River, Praia da Rocha, or Alvor.

For the truly adventurous, Valdemar can introduce some acrobatic manoeuvres, conditions permitting. As an experienced pilot, he is adept at gauging his passengers’ comfort levels:
“During the flight, I pick up on the person’s reactions, even if we’re not talking. I can understand if they’re comfortable and adjust the experience to suit them, with more or less intensity,” he explained. When conditions are ideal, you can even take control of the Paratrike under Valdemar’s supervision, experiencing the thrill of piloting the craft yourself.
One of the most memorable aspects of a Paratrike flight is the chance to witness a sunset from the sky.
In summer, the sun sets over the land, whilst in winter, it dips below the sea, creating a moment of reflection and peace. Each sunset flight is unique, eliciting a range of emotions from those on board – some smile, others close their eyes to savour the moment, and a few might even become emotional.
Ultimately, Paratrike offers a versatile and inclusive way to explore the Algarve from above, appealing to a broad range of participants. Whether it’s the thrill of flying, the stunning coastal views, or the serene beauty of a sunset, each flight is a unique and unforgettable adventure.

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