Cabo Espichel  ·  Setúbal Peninsula  ·  Tandem Paragliding

Cabo Espichel
Cliff Paragliding

Launch from the edge of 200-metre Atlantic cliffs and soar above one of Portugal's most remote and dramatic headlands — ancient sanctuary ruins below, the open ocean stretching to the horizon in every direction. No experience needed.

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In Partnership with Fly With Behrooz
About This Experience

Fly from the Edge of One of Europe's Most Dramatic Headlands

Cabo Espichel sits at the far southwestern tip of the Setúbal Peninsula — where the land simply ends in a wall of limestone, 200 metres above the Atlantic. There are no beaches below, no resorts nearby, no crowds. Just the cliff edge, the open ocean, the howl of the Atlantic wind, and, standing watch on the clifftop, the ruins of an 18th-century pilgrim sanctuary and a working lighthouse that has guided ships past this headland for over two centuries.

This tandem paragliding experience is a partnership between Portugal Tours Your Way and Fly With Behrooz — a specialist paragliding operation based in Sesimbra, just 15 minutes from the cape. Behrooz Jafarzadeh is a competition-grade pilot who has been flying Cabo Espichel for over 15 years. He knows every rotor, every thermal rising off the cliff face, and every wind shift that the cape produces through the seasons. That depth of site knowledge is your most important safety asset — and the reason that flights here are possible when most pilots would not attempt them.

No prior experience is needed. You will be attached in a private tandem harness directly in front of Behrooz — he manages the wing, the route, and every aspect of the flight. Your role is simply to look out at 200 metres of vertical cliff, the ancient ruins on the plateau, and the endless Atlantic below, and absorb a perspective on Portugal that almost nobody ever sees. Every flight is adapted to your comfort level and the conditions of the day — from a calm scenic glide above the headland to a more dynamic soaring session along the cliff face. Nothing is fixed. Everything is yours to shape.

2,500+ Flights Logged
15+ Years Flying
200m Atlantic Cliffs
Year‑round Season
Choose Your Experience

Three Ways to Experience the Cape from Above

Every flight is private and shaped entirely around you. Let us know your preference when you book — or simply tell Behrooz how you feel on the day. There is no wrong answer when you are standing at the edge of a 200-metre cliff with the Atlantic in front of you.

Lighthouse Glide

A smooth, unhurried glide above the headland — the working lighthouse sweeping past, the ancient sanctuary ruins laid out below, and the Atlantic horizon stretching unbroken in every direction. Peaceful, panoramic, and entirely absorbing. The perfect introduction for first-time flyers or anyone who wants to take in every detail of this extraordinary place from altitude.

~20–30 min airtime

Cape Soaring

The definitive Cabo Espichel experience. Behrooz works the Atlantic thermals rising off the 200-metre cliff face to extend airtime and gain altitude — wider views, a greater sense of freedom, and the full drama of soaring above one of the wildest headlands in southern Europe. This is what Cabo Espichel was made for: pure, uninterrupted flight above the edge of the continent.

~30–40 min airtime

Adrenaline Flight

For those who want the full performance envelope — wing-overs, tight spiral turns, and dynamic cliff-edge manoeuvres above 200 metres of vertical Atlantic face. With a pilot at national competition level, every move is deliberate and controlled. But the sensation is unlike anything you will have experienced. Requires good physical fitness and a genuine appetite for intensity. Available as an optional upgrade.

Optional upgrade +€25/pp
Step by Step

How Your Flight Day Works

From the moment you arrive at the sanctuary plateau to the moment Behrooz top-lands back on the clifftop, every detail is managed for you. Here is what to expect on the day.

1
Arrival

Meet at Cabo Espichel

Cabo Espichel sits at the far tip of the Setúbal Peninsula — about 45 minutes south of Lisbon, through Sesimbra and out to the cape. As you pull into the car park beside the sanctuary, the scale of the place becomes immediately apparent: the 18th-century pilgrim colonnades, the working lighthouse, and the cliff edge just beyond. Behrooz will be at the launch area. Take a moment to look over the edge before you fly — the perspective from altitude will be something else entirely. Full GPS coordinates and meeting instructions are provided when your booking is confirmed.

~45 min from Lisbon Free car park Sanctuary & lighthouse on site
2
Pre-Flight

Weather Assessment & Site Briefing

Behrooz reads the Atlantic wind conditions at the Cabo Espichel clifftop launch — direction, strength, any rotor activity behind the headland, and the thermal behaviour rising off the cliff face. He then provides a thorough site briefing: the launch point, the flight path around the cape, the landmarks you will see from the air (lighthouse, sanctuary, the Arrábida coast to the east), and the top-landing zone back on the plateau. Specific and clear — Cabo Espichel is a serious pilot's site and the briefing reflects that respect for the environment.

~15 min Conditions assessed before every flight
3
Equipment

Harness Fitting & Safety Check

Behrooz personally fits your tandem harness, fastens all carabiners, and runs the full mandatory pre-flight safety check — the same thorough procedure before every single flight without exception. You will learn what to do at take-off (a short forward run along the clifftop) and how to hold your legs for the top-landing on return. Both are simple and thoroughly briefed. You do not need to bring or know anything about paragliding equipment — everything is provided and checked by Behrooz.

All equipment provided Helmet included
4
Take-Off

The Launch from the Clifftop Edge

A short forward run from the cliff edge and the Atlantic wind lifts the wing cleanly into the air. Within seconds you are above 200 metres of vertical limestone, with nothing between you and the ocean below. The take-off at Cabo Espichel is one of the most dramatic launch sites Behrooz flies — the immediate altitude, the scale of the cliff face, and the sudden exposure to the Atlantic panorama are extraordinary from the first moment. The sensation is entirely one of rising, not falling.

Clifftop launch Immediate 200m altitude Atlantic headwind
5
The Flight

Soaring the Cabo Espichel Headland

25 to 40 minutes of flight above one of the most remote and dramatic headlands in southern Europe. The lighthouse and sanctuary ruins pass below as Behrooz works the cliff-face thermals to maintain altitude and extend the flight. The Setúbal Peninsula stretches east, the Arrábida coastline curves south, and the Atlantic fills every other horizon. GoPro footage captures the flight from take-off to landing — the scale and silence of Cabo Espichel from altitude is something you will want to watch again and again.

25–40 min airtime GoPro video included Radio contact throughout
6
Landing

Top-Landing on the Clifftop Plateau

Behrooz brings you back to a controlled top-landing on the designated landing zone on the clifftop plateau — a technique that requires precision and site knowledge, and one he has performed hundreds of times at this site. The landing is smooth, the transition gentle. After touchdown, Behrooz walks through every moment of the flight with you, shares the GoPro highlights, and answers every question you have. You will land with the Atlantic still ringing in your ears, looking back out over the cliff edge at the altitude you were just at — and the view from the ground will look entirely different.

Clifftop top-landing Post-flight debrief Video footage shared same day
Weather-first policy — your safety is non-negotiable

Flights operate only when conditions are assessed as safe at the Cabo Espichel launch. Behrooz contacts you 24–48 hours before your scheduled flight to confirm weather suitability. If conditions are not right, you will be offered a free reschedule to the next suitable day, or a full refund. On weather-affected days, the sanctuary ruins and lighthouse at Cabo Espichel are worth exploring on foot — and a visit to Sesimbra's old fishing quarter or the Arrábida Natural Park can easily be arranged as an alternative at no extra charge.

Safety & Standards

Your Safety is the First and Only Priority

Cabo Espichel is a demanding site that rewards the right pilot with exceptional flying conditions — and demands total respect from anyone who flies it. Behrooz has been flying this cape for over 15 years. His safety protocols are the same whether he is coaching competition pilots or flying a first-time passenger: uncompromising, methodical, and non-negotiable.

Mandatory Pre-Flight Equipment Check

Before every flight without exception, Behrooz performs a full inspection of the tandem harness, all carabiners, the speed system, and the reserve parachute. No flight proceeds until all equipment passes. This is procedure, not option — the same standard that applies at Cabo Espichel as at every other site he flies.

Radio Contact from Launch to Landing

Behrooz maintains continuous radio contact from take-off to top-landing at Cabo Espichel. This enables real-time communication with ground support and the ability to respond instantly to any shift in conditions. At a site with the exposure of Cabo Espichel, this is not a convenience — it is a core safety requirement.

Site & Weather Assessment Before Every Flight

Cabo Espichel is a technically demanding site. Before every session, Behrooz reads the wind at the clifftop launch — direction, strength, rotor risk behind the headland, and thermal activity off the cliff face. Flights proceed only when all parameters are safe. There is no ambiguity and no schedule pressure: conditions make the decision, always.

15+ Years of Cabo Espichel Site Knowledge

Cabo Espichel, the Arrábida cliffs, Praia das Bicas, and the Atlantic dunes of Costa Vicentina are Behrooz's home flying sites. He knows every rotor zone, every microclimate, and every seasonal wind pattern at this cape. At a technically demanding site like Cabo Espichel, local expertise is not supplementary — it is your primary safety asset.

Participant Guidelines
Arrive at the meeting point on time — weather windows at Cabo Espichel require punctuality
Wear comfortable, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes with a good grip sole
Follow all instructions during the safety briefing and take-off run without exception
Inform Behrooz of any health conditions, injuries, or concerns before the flight
Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or sedating medication
Personal cameras are welcome — Behrooz provides GoPro footage for all passengers
Children aged 8 and over may fly with written parental consent on the day
Maximum passenger weight approximately 110 kg / 242 lbs

Fly With Behrooz — Booking & Cancellation Terms

  • No advance deposit required to secure your booking date
  • Booking confirmed within hours via WhatsApp or email
  • Behrooz contacts you 24–48 hrs before to confirm weather suitability
  • Full reschedule at no charge if weather prevents the flight
  • Full refund available if a suitable reschedule date cannot be found
  • Free cancellation — cancel more than 48 hours before and you pay nothing
  • Cancel within 48 hours: 95% refunded — only a small 5% admin fee deducted
  • No-show with no prior notice: no refund applies
  • Flight activity insurance is included in the partnership arrangement
Meet Your Pilot

Behrooz Jafarzadeh — Fly With Behrooz

Behrooz Jafarzadeh — paragliding pilot, Sesimbra
Behrooz Jafarzadeh
Competition Paragliding Pilot · Cabo Espichel & Coastal Soaring Specialist · Sesimbra, Portugal

Behrooz has been flying the Atlantic coast of Portugal for over 15 years — Cabo Espichel, the Arrábida cliffs, Praia das Bicas, and the dune sites of Costa Vicentina are his home territory. He is a competition-level pilot who specialises in coastal soaring, groundhandling, and cross-country flying across Portugal and southern Spain, based at Lagoa de Albufeira in Sesimbra — fifteen minutes from the Cabo Espichel launch.

What distinguishes Behrooz at Cabo Espichel is not just flight hours — it is 15 years of site-specific knowledge at one of the most technically demanding clifftop launch sites on the Portuguese coast. He knows the rotor zones behind the headland, the thermal patterns off the 200-metre cliff face, and every wind shift the cape produces through the seasons. For tandem passengers, that translates directly into safety, confidence, and a flight that is smoother, longer, and more extraordinary than any standard tandem experience on the Lisbon coast.

2,500+ Flights Logged
15+ Years Flying
10+ Sites in Portugal
Year‑round Active Season
Coastal Soaring Cabo Espichel Groundhandling Cross-Country Flying Arrábida & Bicas Costa Vicentina Equipment Consulting
Learn more about Behrooz and his flying programmes: flywithbehrooz.com
Pricing

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees

Group Size Price Per Person Notes
Solo (1 person) €120/pp Private flight — full pilot attention
Pair (2 people) €110/pp Flights are sequential, same day
Small Group (3–4) €100/pp Great for families & friend groups
Group (5–6) Best Value €90/pp Half-day experience for the group

Adrenaline Flight Upgrade

Wing-overs, steep spiral turns, and dynamic cliff-edge manoeuvres above 200 metres of vertical Atlantic face — with a pilot at national competition level. Still tandem, still safe, but significantly more intense. The scale of Cabo Espichel gives the adrenaline option an added dimension: the cliff face, the open ocean below, and the performance of a modern paraglider at its limits. Requires good physical fitness and a genuine appetite for high sensation. Available to add at any time up to the day before your flight.

+€25 per person

What's Included

  • Private tandem paragliding flight with Behrooz (25–40 min airtime)
  • Full tandem harness, helmet and safety equipment
  • Pre-flight weather assessment and site briefing
  • Mandatory harness and equipment safety check
  • Radio guidance and communication throughout the flight
  • GoPro aerial video footage & photo highlights
  • Post-flight debrief and Q&A
  • Full reschedule if weather prevents the flight

Not Included

  • Transport to Cabo Espichel (~45 min from Lisbon — self-drive or taxi)
  • Travel or personal accident insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Meals, drinks, or refreshments
  • Adrenaline Flight Upgrade (+€25/pp, optional)

Important Information Before You Book

Minimum age: 8 years old (written parental consent required for under 18)
Maximum passenger weight: approximately 110 kg / 242 lbs
Wear comfortable, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes on the day
Certain cardiac, respiratory, or vertigo conditions may be contraindicated — contact us to discuss before booking
Behrooz will contact you 24–48 hrs before to confirm weather and final logistics
No prior paragliding experience, training, or fitness qualification required
Flights operate year-round; the coastal season runs September through June at its peak
Pregnancy: tandem paragliding is not recommended during pregnancy
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you fly above Cabo Espichel. If your question isn't answered here, reach us on WhatsApp — we typically respond within a few hours.

Do I need any prior experience to fly tandem at Cabo Espichel?
No prior experience, training, or fitness qualification is required. In a tandem paragliding flight you are attached directly in front of Behrooz — he controls the wing entirely from launch to landing. Your only role is to enjoy the view. The pre-flight briefing covers the short forward take-off run and your body position for the top-landing — approximately 15 minutes, clear and straightforward. That is genuinely all you need to know before you fly.
What makes Cabo Espichel different from the Arrábida paragliding experience?
Both are private tandem flights with Behrooz at sites on the Setúbal Peninsula, but the character is entirely different. Arrábida is defined by turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and a soft beach landing — sunlit, beautiful, and picturesque. Cabo Espichel is wilder and more dramatic: 200-metre vertical cliffs, the open Atlantic in every direction, an 18th-century pilgrim sanctuary and lighthouse on the clifftop, and a top-landing on the plateau rather than a beach touchdown. If Arrábida is the beautiful cape, Cabo Espichel is the edge of Europe. Many passengers choose to fly both on consecutive days — each is extraordinary in its own way.
The cliffs look terrifying from the car park — how exactly does the landing work?
Behrooz top-lands on the designated landing zone on the clifftop plateau — he flies back onto the grass above the cliffs rather than descending to the sea or rocks below. Top-landing is a standard technique for experienced coastal pilots and Behrooz has performed it hundreds of times at Cabo Espichel specifically. He never attempts a top-landing unless conditions are clearly suitable; if wind prevents it, a safe alternative landing area a short walk from the sanctuary is used. The landing itself is smooth and gentle — most passengers describe it as the softest part of the whole experience. There is nothing to worry about in terms of the cliff edge and the landing zone.
How long is the actual flight in the air?
Typical airtime is 25–40 minutes depending on conditions and the option you choose. The Lighthouse Glide runs approximately 20–30 minutes; the Cape Soaring option, where Behrooz works the cliff-face thermals for extended airtime, can reach 30–40 minutes or more on good soaring days. The Adrenaline Flight upgrade is typically 20–30 minutes of more dynamic flying. From arrival at Cabo Espichel to departure, the full experience takes approximately 3–4 hours, including the briefing, harness fitting, the flight, and the post-flight debrief.
What should I wear and bring on the day?
Wear comfortable, layered clothing — it can be noticeably cooler at altitude and the cape itself is exposed to the Atlantic wind. Closed-toe shoes with a good grip sole are essential for the take-off run. Leave bulky bags in the car if possible, as you will be in a harness. Sunglasses and a light windproof layer are recommended. Behrooz provides all safety equipment: tandem harness, helmet, and carabiners. You do not need to bring any specialist equipment whatsoever.
Can children take part in a tandem flight at Cabo Espichel?
Children aged 8 and over may participate with written parental consent provided on the day. Behrooz assesses each child individually and will not fly any passenger — child or adult — if he has any safety concern. The Adrenaline Flight upgrade is not available for children. The clifftop setting at Cabo Espichel can be more exposed than Arrábida, so children should be comfortable with open, wind-exposed spaces. Behrooz is very experienced with younger passengers and will ensure the experience is appropriate and positive.
I'm nervous about heights — will 200-metre cliffs be too overwhelming?
This is one of the most common questions we receive about Cabo Espichel, and the honest answer is: the cliffs look far more daunting from the ground than they feel from the air. In a paraglider harness you are moving smoothly through space — there is no sudden drop, no glass edge to look over, no platform. The sensation at take-off is one of rising, not falling. Several of Behrooz's most memorable passenger flights at this site have been with people who were convinced beforehand that they could not do it. If you have serious concerns, contact us before booking — we are very happy to discuss what the experience actually feels like before you commit.
Is the GoPro video footage included in the price?
Yes — GoPro aerial video footage and photo highlights are included in the flight price at no extra charge. Behrooz mounts the camera before your flight and shares the footage with you digitally the same day. Given the scale and drama of Cabo Espichel from the air, the footage tends to be especially striking — the cliff face, the lighthouse, the sanctuary ruins, the open Atlantic. You receive the full footage, not an edited clip. If you wish to capture additional angles, you are welcome to bring your own small camera or action camera.
What is the cancellation policy?
We operate a fair, flexible cancellation policy. Cancel more than 48 hours before your flight and you pay nothing — full refund guaranteed. Cancel within 48 hours and we refund 95% of your payment; a small 5% administrative fee is the only deduction. In the case of a no-show with no prior notice, we are unable to issue a refund. Weather cancellations are always fully refundable or reschedulable at no cost — your safety comes first. If your plans change, please message us on WhatsApp as early as possible and we will do everything we can to help.
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Cabo Espichel Cliff Paragliding — Fly With Behrooz

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Further Reading Want to explore more before you visit? Read our guide: Arrábida Natural Park Guide (2026)