All activities / Paragliding / Harissa
Paragliding in Harissa
A hilltop above Jounieh Bay north of Beirut, known for the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine and its cable car, and the main launch ridge for tandem paragliding flights out over the bay and coast.
Why here
Harissa is where you fly the Lebanese coast. The ridge above Jounieh Bay, best known for the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine and the funicular that climbs to it, sits at around 650 metres straight above the sea, which makes it a natural launch for tandem paragliding. A flight lifts off the hillside near Harissa or neighbouring Ghosta, tracks out over the curve of Jounieh Bay with the marinas and the coast road below, and drops slowly back toward the water, often passing close to the great statue on the ridge. No experience is needed, since you fly strapped to a professional pilot, and the flights are short and gentle rather than extreme, which makes this an easy first taste of free flight for most people. Half an hour north of Beirut, it is the most accessible airborne view of the mountains-meet-sea landscape that defines this stretch of coast.
Best months
Flying is best from spring to autumn, roughly April to October, when the coastal air is stable and mornings and late afternoons give the smoothest conditions. Winter fronts and strong wind ground flights, so trips are weather-dependent and usually confirmed on the day. Tandem flights suit most ages and fitness levels, with a passenger weight limit around 120 kilograms, and last from about ten minutes up to half an hour depending on conditions and the operator.
Getting there & around
Harissa and Jounieh are about 30 to 45 minutes north of Beirut by car or taxi along the coast road, and the launch sites sit in the hills just above the bay at Harissa and Ghosta. Operators arrange the meeting point and usually include transfer up to launch and back from the landing near the bay. Book ahead and keep the plan flexible, since flights are confirmed on the day according to wind, and wear closed shoes and a light layer for the ridge.
Skill levels: beginner
Schools & guides (2)
Paragliding LB
ClubParagliding LB runs tandem paragliding flights above Jounieh Bay, launching from the Harissa ridge at around 650 metres and flying past the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine before landing near the bay below. Flights need no experience and are flown with a professional pilot, last roughly ten to twenty minutes, and come with 4K video of the flight. It is one of the established tandem operations on the Harissa and Jounieh coast north of Beirut.
Paragliding Lebanon
ClubParagliding Lebanon offers tandem paragliding and powered paramotor flights on the coast north of Beirut, launching from Ghosta and the Harissa hills to fly over Jounieh Bay and out toward Jbeil. Beginners fly strapped to a professional instructor with no prior experience, and the operator also flies low coastal paramotor runs and event work such as banner and flower drops. Booking is direct by phone and through its active Instagram and Facebook pages.