Tandem paragliding from the Apennine peaks above Reggio Emilia with panoramic views of the Po Valley and, on clear days, the Alps in the north and the Adriatic in the east.
Tandem paragliding from Monte Cusna and the surrounding Apennine peaks in the Reggio Emilia province lets visitors fly without prior experience, strapped to a qualified pilot who handles take-off, flight, and landing. Launch sites cluster around Ligonchio and the high meadows below Monte Cusna, at 2,121 metres the second-highest summit of the northern Apennines, with flights drifting out over the Secchia and Dolo valleys and, on clear days, distant views north to the Alps and east toward the Adriatic. Tandem passengers need no certification or special fitness, though operators generally set a minimum age for unaccompanied children and apply weight limits typically in the 25-110 kg range; participants must be able to walk a short distance to the launch and jog a few steps on take-off and landing. The pilot provides the wing, tandem harness, reserve parachute, and helmet, while the passenger brings sturdy closed shoes, long trousers, sunglasses, and warm layers, since the air is markedly cooler aloft. Pilots flying the Apennine sites hold the Italian FIVL/Aero Club d'Italia tandem licence and assess wind, thermals, and cloud before committing to a flight; a short safety briefing covers the running take-off, body position, and the landing approach. Because launches depend on suitable wind and weather, flights are frequently rescheduled, and reputable operators offer a free rebooking or refund when conditions are unsafe rather than flying in marginal air. The best season runs May to September, with calm, stable mornings generally offering the smoothest air and afternoons bringing stronger thermals that suit longer, more dynamic flights. Strong winds, low cloud on the peaks, and unstable spring and autumn fronts are the conditions to avoid. A standard scenic tandem lasts roughly 15-30 minutes depending on thermals; GoPro footage and photos are commonly offered as a paid add-on. The combination of high Apennine launch sites and sweeping valley panoramas makes this one of Emilia-Romagna's most memorable adventure experiences.
Activity facts
- Where
- Ligonchio and Monte Cusna, Reggio Emilia province
Highlights
- Tandem flights from high Apennine launch sites near Ligonchio and Monte Cusna (2,121 m)
- Sweeping views over the Secchia and Dolo valleys, with the Alps and Adriatic visible on clear days
- No experience required, with a licensed pilot handling take-off, flight, and landing
- Calm-morning scenic flights or thermic afternoon flights for a longer airborne experience
- Optional GoPro photo and video packages capturing the flight
Tips for visiting
- Book a flexible date, as flights are weather-dependent and often rescheduled at short notice
- Confirm the operator's rain or wind rebooking and refund policy before paying
- Wear closed sturdy shoes, long trousers, and warm layers, as the air is colder aloft
- Choose a morning slot for the smoothest air or an afternoon slot for stronger thermals
- Ask in advance about GoPro mount availability if onboard footage is wanted
When to visit
May to September offers the most reliable conditions. Calm mornings give the smoothest air, while afternoons bring stronger thermals for longer flights.
Accessibility
Take-off and landing require walking to the launch site and jogging a few steps, so the activity is generally not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations. Travellers with specific needs should discuss them with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to do a tandem paraglider flight?
No. A licensed tandem pilot manages the wing throughout, so passengers need no prior experience. A short briefing covers the running take-off and landing.
What happens if the weather is bad on my booking day?
Paragliding depends on suitable wind and cloud conditions, so flights are often rescheduled. Reputable operators rebook for free or refund rather than fly in unsafe air.
Are there weight or age limits?
Operators usually apply a passenger weight range of roughly 25-110 kg and set a minimum age for children. It is best to confirm specific limits when booking.