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

The beach landing is the grand finale. This six-hour trip gives you a thrilling 20-minute tandem flight above Alanya, followed by a landing on Cleopatra Beach, one of the area’s most famous stretches of sand. I like the hotel pickup from Side, which removes the need to arrange a taxi, and I like the calm, careful instruction from the pilots, especially for first-time flyers.

The views over Alanya’s coast are the real prize, with the sea below and the long golden beach coming into view as you descend. The main drawback is the transport schedule: some people have faced late pickups or long waits before the return trip, so the six-hour estimate may stretch.

• 700-meter launch point: You take off from Cleopatra’s Hill, high above the sea.
• A beach landing: The flight ends gently on Cleopatra Beach, rather than at a remote inland site.
• First-timer friendly: A safety briefing, equipment, and tandem pilot are included.
• Hotel transfers from Side: Pickup and return transport are included, but delays have occurred.
• Photos cost extra: Pilot-shot photos, videos, and 3D footage can be purchased after landing.
• Budget beyond the headline price: The tour costs $94 per person, plus a €20 take-off entry fee.

From Side to Cleopatra’s Hill

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Side. You need to wait at the main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the driver will wait no more than five minutes after that pickup time. This is worth taking seriously, since a busy resort hotel can have several entrances and a driver may not come looking for you inside the grounds.

The transfer is included in the price, both going and returning. That is useful in Side, where arranging a separate ride to Alanya can add cost and fuss. The transport service is separate from the paragliding operation, though, and that distinction matters. The flying staff receive strong praise, while transport has been the less reliable part of the day.

One recent complaint involved a driver using a phone frequently while driving. Other problems have been delays of around 30 minutes on pickup and a wait of more than 30 minutes at the transport office on the return. These issues do not change the flying itself, but they can turn a six-hour outing into a longer commitment. I would avoid scheduling another fixed activity immediately afterward.

The tour operates with instructors speaking English, Russian, Turkish, or German. That gives you a good chance of receiving the briefing in a language you understand. Still, if you have safety questions, ask them before you reach the launch point. Clear communication is part of feeling ready for the run and takeoff.

The 700-Meter Launch Point

The paragliding station sits on Cleopatra’s Hill at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. This height gives you a broad view of Alanya, the coast, and the beach below. You are not simply being lifted a short distance above the shoreline. The launch site provides the height needed for a long glide toward Cleopatra Beach.

Before you fly, the professional pilot gives you an introduction to the activity. You learn how tandem paragliding works, what safety steps to follow, and how to use the equipment. The gear is supplied, and full insurance is included.

For a first flight, this briefing is one of the most important parts of the experience. The takeoff may sound simple, but you still need to follow directions closely. Your equipment is attached to the instructor’s harness system, and the pilot controls the paraglider. You are not expected to operate the wing yourself.

The launch begins with a short run toward the edge of the hill. The instruction is to keep moving for a few meters with the pilot until the wing lifts you. That moment can feel intense, especially if you are nervous about heights. Several pilots have been praised for helping anxious first-timers settle down, including Memeth, Jan, and an instructor with 15 years of experience who helped one nervous participant enjoy the flight.

You should wear comfortable clothes. Avoid bringing a camera, since cameras are not allowed. The operator provides the safety equipment and takes the pictures and videos during the flight.

Twenty Minutes Above Alanya

The actual flight lasts nearly 20 minutes, although the precise time depends on the weather and wind direction. That is a fair amount of time for a tandem flight, but you should not treat it as a guaranteed fixed duration. Wind conditions control how long you stay in the air and how the pilot approaches the beach.

The view is the reason to book this particular location. From above, you can see Cleopatra Beach spread along the coast, with Alanya and the surrounding shoreline beyond it. The combination of hill, sea, and beach gives the flight a clear sense of place. This is not just an adrenaline activity with a generic view.

The experience can shift between excitement and quiet. The first moments after takeoff may bring the biggest rush. Once the wing is stable, the flight becomes calmer, giving you time to look around and take in the coast. I like that contrast. You get the thrill of running off a hill, followed by a peaceful glide.

The pilot remains attached to you throughout the tandem flight and manages the paraglider. The strongest praise has gone to the instructors, who are described as friendly, professional, reassuring, and good at reducing stress. That matters more than flashy talk. A steady pilot lets you focus on the view instead of worrying about every movement of the wing.

You may also have photos, regular videos, and 3D footage recorded during the flight. The exact package depends on what the pilot takes. You cannot bring your own camera, so these paid recordings are the only way to leave with aerial images from the experience.

The Cleopatra Beach Landing

The flight ends on Cleopatra Beach, where the pilot aims for a gentle landing on the sand. This is a smart finish. Instead of stepping onto a small platform or landing far from the coast, you arrive at one of Alanya’s best-known beaches.

The landing is designed to be smooth, but you still need to follow the pilot’s instructions as you come down. Once you are on the beach, the adventure feels more complete because you can look back toward the hill where you started. The change from high above the coast to standing on the sand happens quickly.

After landing, you can preview the photos and videos. You are not required to buy them. If you want a souvenir, the recorded material can add a substantial extra cost. One report put photo and video packages at about €50, while another person felt the price was high for one participant. Families or pairs may find the cost easier to justify, especially if the operator offers a reduced combined price.

I would decide in advance how much the memories are worth to you. If you are flying only once and want proof of the experience, the recordings may be worthwhile. If you are watching every euro, enjoy the flight and skip the add-on. The $94 tour price does not include photos or videos.

What the $94 Price Really Covers

At $94 per person, the cost includes more than the flight itself:

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from Side
• Professional training and safety instruction
• Tandem paragliding equipment
• Entrance fees listed as included
• Full insurance
• The beach landing at Cleopatra Beach

There is one important extra: the €20 take-off entry fee is not included. Food and drinks are also your responsibility. The headline price is therefore not the complete activity budget, even before you consider optional media.

I think the value is reasonable if you want a full-service first flight and do not want to arrange transport to Alanya. The included insurance, equipment, instruction, and transfers remove several separate costs. The flight is also long enough to feel like the main event rather than a quick hop.

The value becomes less attractive if you dislike waiting, want a tightly timed day, or plan to buy the photo package for several people. Transport delays and media costs are the two areas where the final price, in money or time, can creep upward.

Safety, Comfort, and Who Should Book

This is best for an adult or older child who can follow instructions and is comfortable with a short run at takeoff. Children under six cannot participate. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

You do not need previous paragliding experience. The instructor handles the flight, explains the procedure, and supplies the equipment. The most useful preparation is mental: expect a brief burst of nerves before takeoff, then listen carefully and keep moving when told.

Comfortable clothing is required, but no special gear is listed. Since food and drinks are not included, plan accordingly, especially if your transfer and waiting time take longer than expected. The information provided does not specify a meal stop, so I would not count on one.

This trip suits you if you want a dramatic coastal activity with a clear beginning and end. It also works well for couples, families with eligible children, and anyone staying in Side who wants Alanya scenery without arranging the transport alone.

It may not suit you if you need firm timing. The flight itself depends on wind, and the ground transport has sometimes involved delays. You should also think twice if you strongly dislike heights or do not want to pay extra for photos after being told you cannot use your own camera.

How to Make the Day Run Better

I would keep the day simple. Wear comfortable clothes, arrive early at the hotel security gate, and leave space in your schedule after the stated six hours. A phone number for the local operator or driver is useful if pickup is late, though the supplied details do not promise a specific contact arrangement.

Ask about the €20 take-off charge before departure so there are no surprises. Also ask about the price of photos and videos before you fly. It is easier to make a calm choice before landing than to decide while excited and surrounded by other participants.

If you are nervous, tell the pilot clearly. The instructors have a strong record of reassuring first-time flyers, and that support can change the whole experience. You are not expected to pretend you are fearless.

For couples or families, ask whether a group purchase reduces the media cost. A parent and child received a better deal when buying together, and the recordings may be easier to justify when shared.

Finally, keep the return journey in mind. If you have an evening reservation, airport transfer, or show, allow a generous buffer. The beach landing may be gentle, but the waiting afterward can be less predictable.

Should You Book This Alanya Flight?

I would book this tour if your priority is the flight itself, the Cleopatra Beach landing, and the ease of hotel pickup from Side. The pilots receive the highest praise, and the combination of a 700-meter launch, a nearly 20-minute glide, and a beach finish gives you a memorable coastal experience for a reasonable starting price.

I would not book it for a perfectly controlled timetable. The €20 take-off fee, optional media, and possible transport delays need to be part of your decision. If you accept those limits, this is a strong choice for a first tandem flight above Alanya.

FAQ

How long does the whole paragliding tour last?

The advertised duration is six hours, including transfers from Side and back to your accommodation. Delays in transport may make the day longer.

How long is the actual paragliding flight?

The flight lasts nearly 20 minutes. The exact duration depends on weather conditions and wind direction.

Where does the paragliding flight take off?

The flight starts from the paragliding station on Cleopatra’s Hill, about 700 meters above sea level.

Where does the flight land?

The pilot lands with you on the golden sands of Cleopatra Beach in Alanya.

Is hotel transfer included from Side?

Yes. Pickup and return transport from hotels throughout Side are included. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes before pickup.

Is the €20 take-off fee included?

No. The take-off entry fee of €20 is an additional cost. Food, drinks, photos, and videos are also not included.

Can I bring my own camera?

No. Cameras are not allowed during the activity. You can preview and purchase photos and videos taken by the pilot after landing.