At the northern tip of Lanzarote the land ends in high cliffs above the strait of El Río, with the island of La Graciosa just across the water. On top of the cliff is the Mirador del Río, a viewpoint built into the rock by the artist César Manrique between 1971 and 1973 (Wikipedia). Paragliders fly the same cliffs, from the Mirador round towards Órzola, the fishing village at the end of the island.
What you will see
The pilots take off from the top of the cliff and soar along it, with the sea, La Graciosa and the smaller islets of the Chinijo archipelago below them. From Órzola the flights follow the coast towards Punta Fariones, the northern point of the island.
When it flies
These cliffs face the north-easterly trade wind, the wind that blows across Lanzarote on most days of the year, and most of all in summer. The Mirador takes it at moderate strength. Órzola needs a stronger wind and is left to experienced pilots.
Órzola is closed to flying from 15 February until July, while birds nest on the cliffs. From August it is open again.
Where to watch from
- The Mirador del Río itself. It is open to visitors and looks straight down the cliff and across to La Graciosa.
- Órzola, at the foot of the cliffs, where the ferries to La Graciosa leave from.
Flying here yourself
You do not need to be a pilot to fly over the north of the island. Tandem flights fly the northern cliffs when the wind suits them, with a professional pilot flying the wing and you sitting in front. Look for the button below.
