What an XC paragliding tour across Portugal and Spain looks like
The Iberian XC Tour is guided cross-country paragliding for experienced pilots who want flying days built entirely around distance. No coastal days and no mix of activities — just cross-country flying, every day, wherever the best forecast points across Portugal and Spain. Site choice happens the evening before, from the RASP thermal model and synoptic charts, and all transport between sites is arranged for you.
The route is different every time. A tour might start in the Alentejo, follow the forecast north and fly straight over the border from northern Portugal into Spain — wherever conditions are best on either side. Behrooz, an active competition pilot with more than 20 years of flying, flies alongside the group every day — in the air with you, not directing from the ground — and full outlanding retrieval is included in both countries.
Every evening is a serious track-log debrief: each pilot loads their flight and the group works through it together — who climbed faster and why, where time was lost on a transition, how the terrain shapes the thermals. The group is limited to a maximum of 6 pilots, because retrieval across two countries and meaningful radio time in the air only work in a small group.
Why the Iberian Peninsula is perfect for XC paragliding
The Iberian Peninsula holds some of Europe’s finest cross-country paragliding terrain, from the agricultural plains of southern Portugal to the sierras of Spain. The same summer high pressure dominates both, delivering consistent thermals, cloudbases regularly above 2,500 metres and XC distances that often exceed 100 km. The best season runs from April to October.
Crossing from Portugal into Spain on one tour means two countries of terrain and far more flyable days: when one region is shut down by wind or overdevelopment, another is usually working. Flying it with a competition pilot who knows the regions, the conditions and the retrieval roads on both sides of the border means more time in the air and less time on logistics — a format very few paragliding operators in Europe can offer.
What's included
- Daily forecast analysis & multi-site selection
- Behrooz flies alongside the group daily
- Free radio for every pilot, every flight
- Live track monitoring during XC flights
- Full outlanding retrieval in both countries
- All transport between sites in Portugal & Spain
- Private transfer to every launch, daily
- Evening group track-log debrief
- XC route planning with RASP & synoptic models
- Video & photos of your flying days
Before you come
The Iberian XC Tour covers two countries and multiple sites — a bit of preparation makes the whole trip run better.
Licence & IPPI card
You'll be flying in both Portugal and Spain. Bring your national licence or IPPI card — Behrooz checks every pilot's qualification before the tour. A photo on your phone is fine.
XC experience level
Be honest about your hours when you message Behrooz. The tour is designed for pilots who are already comfortable in thermals — if you need a step up before joining, he'll tell you and suggest the right programme to build to it.
Your equipment
Bring your own glider, harness with reserve and helmet — there is no equipment rental on the Iberian tour. Have the glider checked and the reserve repacked before the tour: multi-day XC across varied terrain is not the time to discover a worn line set.
GPS & radio
Bring a GPS variometer — you’ll need it for the XC tasks. Radios are provided free for every pilot; if you have your own handheld already set up, bring it. Spare batteries for both.
Travel insurance
Standard travel insurance won't cover XC paragliding. Get a policy that explicitly includes it — most paragliding associations offer one. Cross-border coverage (Portugal and Spain) is essential for this tour.
Getting here
Fly into Lisbon (LIS) — the tour starts from the Sesimbra area and ends back in Portugal, so return flights from Lisbon work well. Ask Behrooz about airport transfers when you confirm your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What XC experience is required for the Iberian XC tour?
This is an advanced programme: solid XC experience (at least 20 cross-country flights), confident outlanding and comfort in strong thermals. Unsure if you're ready? Ask Behrooz for an honest answer.
How is accommodation handled during the tour across Portugal and Spain?
Accommodation isn't included, because where the group stays depends on where each day's flying ends. Behrooz advises on flexible options along the way.
Where does the Iberian XC Tour fly?
Across Portugal — the Alentejo, central and northern Portugal — and across the border in Spain. The route changes with every tour: Behrooz chooses each day’s region from the forecast.
When is the best season for the Iberian XC Tour?
From April to October, when high pressure over Iberia brings consistent thermals and high cloudbases on both sides of the border.
How long is the Iberian XC Tour?
The duration is flexible: join for a few days or a longer tour, and you pay only for the days you fly. Agree your dates with Behrooz when you book.
Is transport and outlanding retrieval included across both countries?
Yes — daily transfers and outlanding retrieval are included in both Portugal and Spain. No pilot is left in a field.
What instruments and gear should I bring for the Iberian tour?
Your own wing, harness with reserve and helmet, plus a GPS variometer and a live-tracking device — there is no equipment rental. Radios are provided free, and Behrooz sends the full kit list before the tour.
How does payment work?
Payment goes directly to Behrooz — no booking platforms, no agencies and no deposit. You usually pay once your programme is over, and only for the days you actually fly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation on all programmes. If you've already paid, you get a full refund — just send a WhatsApp message or email.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Behrooz always has a backup plan and moves to wherever is flyable. On a day nothing can be flown, you aren't charged the day rate — only reasonable administrative or transport costs may apply.