Kobala

It is a popular paragliding and hang gliding take off. Kobala is well known for its competition site and also for a great starting point for the long flights over the country around southern crest of the Julian Alps. The best conditions for long flights are with generally weak winds blowing from the north or east. However, the west wind, suitable especially for local flying, is more common.

Take off is a nicely maintained meadow on the pointed top of the forested Kobala hill at an altitude of 1080 metres above sea level. Two take off directions are possible depending on the direction of the wind. Suitable wind directions are: east, south-east, west and south-west.
GPS coordinates: N 46 10.86, E 13 46.76

Lijak

Lijak is one of the most popular flying sites in Slovenia. From Autumn to Spring it provides enough thermal activity for good flying. Unlike other take offs it is exposed to less sunlight related to the most favourable flying conditions with a weak general south-west wind.

This take off is a well maintained clearing in a forest located on the sharp edge of the Trnovo plateau at an altitude of 585 metres above sea level. The suitable wind directions are: south, south-east, south-west.
GPS coordinates: N 45 57.81, E 13 43.41

Stol

Being set in the high Julian Alps peaks, Stol is a paradise for a paragliding pilot. Its over 20km long panoramic ridge tops provide extraordinary opportunities for long cross country flights and large scale competitions.

Ideal flying conditions are with a very weak general north or north-east wind for cross-country flying and a weak south-west wind for local moderate flying. Stol is the highest take off in Soca Valley. It is often found as the only take off above the inversion layer ideal for thermal flying.

This take off is a meadow in the middle of a vast, grassy mountain slope at he AMSL altitude of 1405m.
GPS coordinates: N 46 16.36, E 13 28.39

All these three sites are hugely popular among the pilots from all over the Europe. Slovenia offers you unlimited paragliding possibilities for whatever you may be looking for from perfect holiday to the long cross country flights. Lots of paragliding schools head to Slovenia to enjoy their paragliding courses. In addition, top Czech manufacturer tests their famous glides there Axis paragliders.

Are you considering becoming a pilot yourself? Slovenia could be the right place for you. Check this offer! You will start your paragliding course by learning all necessary skills on the small hill. After 5 days of training you will move to Lijak, where you finish your course off by passing the final exam and flying in the Alps. In just eight days of intensive course, you may receive your pilot license that allows you to fly in most countries around the world.

View The best paragliding sites in Slovenia in a larger map

The post The best paragliding sites in Slovenia appeared first on Europe Explored.

Famagusta was founded in 300 BC and its original name was Ammochostos – “burned down in the sand.” Large expansion of the city occurred in the late 13th century, when the first refugees settled here from the Holy Land. In this period, the first churches and mosques were built here in Famagusta.

Another boom came with Genoese and Venetians, and with their commercial potential. In 1571, Cyprus was controlled by the Ottomans. Today, the area of Famagusta is full of history and ancient architecture, but it also offers tourist services, beautiful beaches and romance. For sport lovers it is important to remind that Famagusta has quite a strong football team.

The city and surrounding worth a visit. Famagusta offers sights like the city walls with the most beautiful place of the Citadel, which offers a stunning view of the city.

You can also visit a mosque, Lala Mustafa Pasa Cami – former Cathedral of St. Nicholas from the late 13th century. As the whole Cyprus, also Famagusta boasts archaeological site – site of Salamis, where you can access gymnasium, baths, theaters, porticoes and the Basilica from 4th century.

Very interesting is also the district Varosha with Greek Cypriots that live here. During the occupation in 1974 lots of people leaved, and many people are still unhappy to see the abandoned houses.

To the north of Famagusta you can visit the church of the Apostle Varnavas. The church serves as the Museum of icons and the Archaeological Museum. Close to the church there is a small fishing village Bogazi located about 24 km north of Famagusta.

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two British military bases on the island of Cyprus. Great Britain kept those two areas after the declaration of independence of Cyprus in 1960. Akrotiri is located on the southern island of Cyprus, near Limassol, Dhekelia is in the southeast of the island between the towns of Larnaca and Famagusta. Akrotiri has an area of ​​123 km². Dhekelia has an area of ​​130 km². In both areas there live more than fifteen thousand people.

View Famagusta – one of the richest and most famous cities in the world Cyprus in a larger map

The post Famagusta – one of the richest and most famous cities in the world | Cyprus appeared first on Europe Explored.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy by Snowdog

The 1963 film The Pink Panther was filmed in the area as was the 1981 James Bond sequel, For Your Eyes Only. Several scenes from the film cliffhanger were also filmed in the slopes surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The town itself is situated atop the Valle del Boite with the valleys of Puster, Val d’ Ansiei and Agordo on all sides. To the west of Cortina d’Ampezzo is where you will find the famous Tofane Mountains. The Pomagagnon Mountains are to the north, Sorapis and Faloria Mountains to the East and the Becco di Mezzodì mountains to the south.

Back in 1420, Cortina d’Ampezzo was part of the Republic of Venice and by 1508 it would fall under Austrian control. The city remained in control by Habsburg until 1920. As a result, most of the males in Cortina d’Ampezzo were enlisted into the Austrian military during the First World War. After the end of the First World War, the city would become part of Italy. It was not until after the war that the city received the name Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Many of the world’s finest winter sporting events have been held in the slopes surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo over the years. The Nordic as well as the Alpine World Skiing Championships have been held in the city throughout the 1940s. While the city has made bids for both the 1988 and 1992 winter Olympics, they unfortunately lost the bids to Calgary and Albertville.

The post Cortina d’Ampezzo – paradise for sport lovers in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.