REVIEW · ALANYA
Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Payless Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Cleopatra Beach looks different from above. This Alanya tandem paragliding flight takes you over turquoise water and sandy shorelines, then lands you right back on the golden sands. I really like the tandem format (no experience needed) and the professional safety brief that helps first-timers feel in the right hands.
One thing to plan for: there’s a €20 take-off point entry fee, and photos or videos cost extra since cameras aren’t allowed and the pilot captures the shots for you.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Morning Begins at the Cliff Above Cleopatra Bay
- Your First Step: Safety Brief, Gear, and Pilot Confidence
- The Flight Itself: Run-Off, Lift, and 15–25 Minutes Over Alanya
- Landing on Cleopatra Beach: The Part Everyone Remembers
- Price and Value: $77 Plus the Two Things to Budget For
- What the Timing Feels Like (and Why Morning Helps)
- Pickup Reality: Smooth When Selected, Simple If Not
- What to Bring (So You Don’t Feel Clumsy at the Edge)
- Who This Paragliding Flight Suits Best
- Should you book Payless Turizm’s Alanya tandem paragliding?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Alanya tandem paragliding flight?
- Is prior paragliding experience required?
- Where does the flight take off and land?
- Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What language are the instructors/pilots?
- Are photos and videos included?
- Is there an extra take-off point fee?
- Are cameras allowed during the flight?
- Are there weight or age limits?
- Should you book this Alanya tandem paragliding flight?
Key highlights to know before you go
- Tandem only, no experience required for this first-time-friendly flight
- 500m above sea level take-off point over Cleopatra Bay
- About 15–25 minutes in the air depending on weather
- Landing on Cleopatra Beach for an easy finish and great photos
- Hotel pickup and drop-off available across Alanya (if you select it)
- Full insurance included plus certified, experienced pilots running the show
Morning Begins at the Cliff Above Cleopatra Bay
Your day starts in the morning, and the organizer will share an approximate transfer time after you book. If you chose hotel pickup, you’ll meet at your hotel entrance about 10 minutes early. Drivers wait a short window after the scheduled time, so build in a little buffer.
The drive takes you toward a cliff above Cleopatra Bay. The big detail here is height: the take-off point is around 500 meters above sea level. That matters because it sets up the view you came for. You’ll get that open-coast perspective almost immediately, with the sea and beaches spread out below you instead of feeling like you’re flying over trees or rooftops.
If you didn’t select pickup, you’ll go on your own to the operator’s office. The meeting point is signposted as Payless Turizm (look for the Payless Paragliding sign), and vehicles you see outside may be marked with pirate paragliding logos.
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Your First Step: Safety Brief, Gear, and Pilot Confidence
Once you arrive at the take-off area, you’ll get a detailed introductory session with your pilot. You do not need prior paragliding experience, and you shouldn’t show up trying to learn anything complicated. The goal is to get you comfortable with what happens next: where to stand, how to hold your harness, and how to follow instructions in the air.
This is also where the “real value” of this activity shows up. The setup includes safety equipment, full insurance, and certified pilots who explain the flight clearly. Multiple pilots are repeatedly praised for calm communication. Names you might hear include George (often mentioned in a coaching or director role), plus pilots like Hikmet, Mecit, Utku, and Burak—people are specifically noting how reassuring their explanations feel.
A practical heads-up: cameras aren’t allowed. That’s not just a rule; it’s how the whole photo plan works. The pilot uses a camera during the flight so you can later preview and purchase photos and videos (extra cost).
The Flight Itself: Run-Off, Lift, and 15–25 Minutes Over Alanya
After the briefing, the moment comes fast. You’ll be guided to the edge and you’ll run with your pilot to start the flight. This is tandem paragliding, so you’re not doing the flying part. You’re doing the brave part: stepping into the airflow while your pilot handles the flight path.
Expect adrenaline early. The first moments can feel intense, even if you’re excited. The best approach is simple: focus on the pilot’s instructions and keep your eyes open for the view. The coastline around Alanya is the headline here—turquoise water, long sandy stretches, and the curve of Cleopatra Bay below you.
How long you’re in the air varies with weather. The experience is described as roughly 15 minutes of flight time depending on conditions, with the overall vibe often landing around 25 minutes of flying mentioned in the activity overview. Translation for you: don’t plan a strict schedule for the rest of the day after you book. Build a little slack, and treat the flight time as a weather-dependent bonus.
If you’re the type who wants more thrill, you may be able to request a more adrenaline-leaning flight. People mention an option called extreme. The pilot ultimately decides what’s safe and comfortable for your body and the conditions, so think of it as “more fun, within limits,” not a stunt you control.
Landing on Cleopatra Beach: The Part Everyone Remembers
Landing happens back at Cleopatra Bay on Cleopatra Beach. This is a smart choice for a tourism-friendly experience because you don’t end up in a far-off pickup zone. You land on a known, popular beach, and staff are there to make the landing process smooth.
When you land, you’ll be able to preview the pilot’s photos. If you buy, you’re getting flight shots taken from the air—usually the angle people struggle to get on land. Since cameras aren’t allowed, this is your best way to come home with a record of the experience.
The landing itself is also where nerves usually flip into satisfaction. Once you touch down, it’s easier to appreciate what you just did: flying over the coastline, then returning to the beach like it was always part of the plan.
Price and Value: $77 Plus the Two Things to Budget For
The headline price is listed as $77 per person, and on value alone, it’s hard to beat. You’re paying for a tandem flight with a pilot, safety equipment, full insurance, training, and hotel pickup/drop-off when selected. That’s more than just a thrill ride—it’s a guided aviation experience with professional responsibility baked in.
But you should budget for two add-ons that can change the final total:
- €20 take-off point entry fee: this is not included, and it can catch people off guard.
- Photos and videos: not included, and the company captures the images for you. One person notes they were asked for around 100€ for pictures and videos, so it can get pricey fast if you buy everything.
My advice: treat photos as optional, not automatic. If you want a keepsake, great—plan a separate budget. If you’re trying to keep costs down, you can preview first and decide after you see what was captured.
Also note: coffee and tea are included. It’s a small detail, but it makes the waiting period feel less like a chore.
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What the Timing Feels Like (and Why Morning Helps)
The overall duration is listed as 40 minutes to 2 hours, and most of that spread comes from timing, weather, and how quickly the group gets set at the cliff. Morning matters because coastal winds and conditions can be more stable than later in the day. Still, weather controls everything for flight activities.
The flight time in the air is the star, but your day includes pre-flight training, movement to the take-off point, and the landing wrap-up. If you’re scheduling a second activity after, I’d keep it loose. Your “real clock” is the weather and when the operator confirms you’re good to launch.
Pickup Reality: Smooth When Selected, Simple If Not
The promise is no taxi hassles if you select pickup: you’re driven from Alanya hotels to the take-off site and back. Many people also praise punctual pickups when they opted in.
Still, be smart and double-check two things before your morning:
- Whether pickup is actually included for your hotel (especially if you book close to the date).
- Where you should meet if something changes.
One person specifically noted some pickup confusion and ended up meeting at an office instead. That doesn’t mean it always happens, but it’s enough for me to say: confirm your pickup instructions and keep the meeting point details handy. The driver wait is short, so if your hotel needs extra time to find the right entrance, plan for it.
What to Bring (So You Don’t Feel Clumsy at the Edge)
You don’t need special gear, but you do need to show up ready for movement and wind.
Bring:
- Comfortable shoes (trainers or boots)
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Comfortable clothes
Not allowed:
- Cameras (the pilot handles photo capture)
If you’re worried about cold wind at height, dress for breezy conditions. Even if the coast is warm, it can feel cooler once you’re up near the cliff air. Also, wear something you can move in during that run to take-off.
Who This Paragliding Flight Suits Best
This tandem paragliding experience is built for first-timers. You don’t need experience, and the pilots provide instruction so you’re not guessing at the edge.
It’s not suitable for:
- Children under 7
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- People over 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Hearing-impaired people
If you fall into the suitable group and you want a big view with a controlled, guided feel, this is a great match. It also works well for couples and solo travelers who want a shared adrenaline moment without complicated planning.
One more “fit” tip: if you have a fear of heights, you’ll still feel it at the cliff. That said, several people mention feeling calmer once they had a pilot who talked them through each step. If your biggest issue is panic, ask questions early and let the pilot know what scares you most.
Should you book Payless Turizm’s Alanya tandem paragliding?
If you want a classic Alanya highlight—tandem paragliding with a strong safety setup and a landing on Cleopatra Beach—I’d say yes, book it. The value makes sense at $77, especially because insurance, training, and (when selected) hotel pickup are included.
Just go in with the right expectations:
- Plan for €20 take-off entry.
- Decide in advance if you want to spend extra on photos/videos.
- Confirm pickup details so morning doesn’t turn into a scavenger hunt.
- Wear proper shoes and keep your schedule flexible for weather.
If you want a thrilling way to see Alanya that feels both scenic and well-managed, this is one of the better ways to do it.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Alanya tandem paragliding flight?
The activity is listed as 40 minutes to 2 hours total, with flight time depending on weather.
Is prior paragliding experience required?
No. You need no prior experience, and you’ll receive an introductory session before flying.
Where does the flight take off and land?
Take-off is from a cliff above Cleopatra Bay, and you land on Cleopatra Beach.
Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the hotel pickup option. If not selected, you’ll meet at the operator office sign.
Where is the meeting point?
Look for the Payless Paragliding sign at the activity provider’s office.
What language are the instructors/pilots?
English, Russian, and German.
Are photos and videos included?
No. Videos and photos are not included, and you preview and purchase them after landing.
Is there an extra take-off point fee?
Yes. There is a take-off point entry fee of €20, listed as not included.
Are cameras allowed during the flight?
No. Cameras are not allowed, but the pilot takes photos.
Are there weight or age limits?
Yes. Not suitable for children under 7 and for people over 264 lbs (120 kg).
Should you book this Alanya tandem paragliding flight?
Book it if you want a big, scenic thrill with tandem pilots, hotel pickup (if you selected it), and a landing right on Cleopatra Beach. Skip it or reconsider if you’re outside the listed age/weight limits or if camera-free photos don’t work for your budget—because the main extras are the €20 entry and the optional photo/video package.
