Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure.

The pilot sits in a harness or lies supine in a cocoon-like 'pod' suspended below a fabric wing.

The paraglider is steered either by shifting weight or by pulling the steering lines.

This allows the pilot to take advantage of thermal currents and stay in the air for up to an hour or more while enjoying the view.

Some of the most popular paragliding destinations with places to stay

Five destinations for paragliders, or those who want to write about them, with suggested accommodation are :

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century historicist palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany.

The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honour of Richard Wagner.

The paragliding world championships have been held here.

Paragliding launch sites are a five-minute drive from Hotel Das Rübezahl.

www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace

www.hotelruebezahl.de/en

The East Tyrol

Tyrol is a western Austrian state in the Alps that's known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions.

The capital city, Innsbruck, surrounded by mountains, is home to Habsburg Empire landmarks like baroque-style Hofburg Palace and Gothic Hofkirche Church.

The mountain regions in East Tyrol provide excellent paragliding conditions.

The Naturhotel Outside in Matrei Is a short drive to the launch sites.

www.hotel-outside.com/en

Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands offers stable air currents and fine views.

It also offers conditions suited to beginners, advanced pilots and professionals, with many flying schools offering tandem flights, taster courses and flying lessons.

The OCÉANO Health Spa is located near to the capital Santa Cruz.

www.webtenerife.co.uk

www.oceano.de/en

The Val di Fiemme

The Fiemme Valley, a valley in the Trentino province in northern Italy, located in the Dolomites mountain region.

This mountain range is popular with paragliders.

The Eco Park Hotel Azalea is surrounded by mountains.

www.ecoparkhotelazalea.it/en

The accommodation listed are members of Green Pearls, a leading source for green hotels around the world.

Useful links

​ www.greenpearls.com