Extreme Activities in Madeira: Paragliding over Madalena do Mar

There are experiences that take your breath away. And then there are those that, as well as taking your breath away, make you feel small in the presence of the immensity of nature. I had gone paragliding before, but honestly, I had forgotten how incredible it feels.

When I was planning my trip, I knew that I wanted to do various extreme activities in Madeira, and paragliding is one of those experiences that, as well as putting you to the test, allows you to contemplate scenery that you wouldn't otherwise be able to. You can go paragliding in Madeira from at least three places, and I believe they all have their charms, but I understand why Madalena do Mar, in Madeira, was recommended to me.

This fishing village is a delight, nestled so beautifully between the steep cliffs that characterise the island and the sea. This is where one of the largest plantations of Madeira's famous bananas is located, painting the landscape in a unique way. The icing on the cake is the beautiful waterfront with the pebble beach and a magical view of the sunset.

It's common knowledge that the weather in Madeira is somewhat unpredictable. And to do an activity like paragliding, even more so: there cannot be too little wind, otherwise the wing will not lift, nor too much wind, otherwise... I think it goes without saying why! Of course, the guys at 'I Can Fly In Madeira' are highly experienced and know perfectly well when it's possible to take off. After two cancelled sessions because of the wind, I was beginning to think it wasn't meant to be. But as with so many good things in life, it's worth the wait.

The third time was the charm and I finally realised that I was actually going to go paragliding in Madeira. The sky was clear and the wind was calm that morning. I spoke to Gabriel - our pilot - and realised I was going to be able to fly! Said and done. But I have to confess that we were unbelievably lucky! The timing couldn't have been better because right after my flight the wind picked up a bit and no one else flew that day. It made everything even more special!

The meeting point for the paragliding experience is down in the village, right by the beach, and there's a van that takes you to the take-off point, high up between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar: Arco da Calheta. I admit that as I went further up, my nerves also heightened. The landscape was incredible, but we were well above sea level and the view was impressive. When I go on these adventures, I always have the feeling that I'm much less brave than I think I am, and fear always ends up reminding me of that.

Meeting my tandem pilot, Gabriel, made me feel calmer. He's a very serene guy, very confident, with many years of experience and a calmness that ends up being contagious: 'he knows what he's doing', I thought. This is essential, mainly because you have to run into the void in order to take off. Yes, after putting on the harness, placing the helmet on your head, checking everything, and getting the wing in the air, you have to run a few metres forward to take off. The problem is that ahead lies a 300-metre cliff down to the sea. It's hard to explain the adrenaline rush you feel when you hear: 'When I say go, run. Don't think. Trust me and run.' And that's what I did. I ran. I felt the wing pulling, my body lifting from the ground, and suddenly... silence. We're in the air!

Paragliding is a strange and magical mix of sensations. On the one hand, it's incredibly relaxing. The landscape slides slowly beneath us, and the sound of the wind becomes almost meditative. On the other hand, there are moments of pure ecstasy, mixed with fear. It's not constant, nor did it overwhelm me, but every now and then you realise the reality of what you're doing: 'Wait... we're really floating dozens of metres above the sea.' And perhaps that's why paragliding is so challenging and so spectacular. We are vulnerable, left to the elements, but at the same time we have total freedom. One of those experiences that I know I won't forget.

All these emotions boil inside me, but I don't forget what my eyes are seeing while I'm paragliding in Madeira: Madalena do Mar reveals itself from a completely new and imposing perspective. The banana plantations are organised like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, with the little houses interrupting these perfect patterns.

The wind, although it had picked up, was manageable - and the pilot never lost his composure. His tranquillity kept me centred. I just remember smiling a lot, with that silly smile that appears when your body feels a joy that's difficult to describe.

The flight was still long and the wind picked up a bit, you could feel it. But the good news, according to Gabriel, was that it would even help with the landing. And that's what happened, the approach to the pebble beach was smooth and we touched the ground with such lightness and mastery that it simply seemed as if I had stood up from the ground. What a feeling of peace! Still full of adrenaline, but with that strange feeling of having just experienced something unforgettable that comforted me and left me with a smile on my face.

Gabriel asked: 'So, were you scared or not?'. 'I was scared!' I said. 'But I also felt enthusiasm, peace and admiration.' That's what flying is all about, isn't it? I guess so. A mixture of feelings that lifts us up... literally!

If you're in Madeira, especially in the area between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar, go on this flight. It will possibly be the longest 30 minutes of your life. But in a good way! You'll be scared, yes, but you'll also experience one of the greatest freedoms the island can offer. And maybe, like me, you'll realise that there are moments that are worth every second of waiting.