FROM THE ALPS TO ALBANIA : TEMPLEPILOTS DISCOVERS A NEW FLYING PARADISE
Discovering the Albanian Riviera – A New Flying Paradise for Templepilots Club Pilots
One of my greatest passions over the years has been exploring new flying destinations around the world for our Templepilots Club Pilots.
For more than a decade and a half, every time the monsoon season arrives in the Indian subcontinent, I find myself wandering through the mountains and skies of Europe in search of extraordinary flying sites. These explorations have taken us to some of the world’s most celebrated paragliding destinations — Annecy, St. Hilaire and St. André in France, Bassano in Italy, Interlaken and Grindelwald in Switzerland, Greifenburg and Tyrol in Austria, Ager in Spain, and dozens of lesser-known gems scattered across the European Alps.
Last year, many of our club pilots joined us on the spectacular “Tour de France,” where we explored Annecy, St. Hilaire and several other legendary sites in the French Alps.
Throughout these years, I have always searched for flying destinations that tick a very specific set of boxes –
1. Natural beauty has always been at the top of the list.
2. Safety and ease of flying are equally important.
3. The economics of a tour should work for the majority of our pilots.
4. Weather reliability matters because nobody wants to travel halfway around the world only to spend days waiting for flyable conditions.
5. Food is a serious consideration because, as Indians, we are admittedly spoiled by great cuisine.
6. The warmth and friendliness of local people make a tremendous difference to the overall experience.
7. And finally, a site must offer something for everyone — from low-airtime pilots taking their first steps into mountain flying, right through to experienced XC, SIV and Acro pilots looking for progression and challenge.
Many places in Europe satisfy some of these criteria.
Very few satisfy all of them.
And then came Albania.
The Revelation Called Vlorë
After exploring flying sites across Europe for more than fifteen years, I can honestly say that discovering Vlorë on the Albanian Riviera has been one of the most pleasant surprises of my flying life.
The Albanian Riviera is simply breathtaking.
Towering mountains rise dramatically from turquoise waters. Ancient coastal villages cling to rugged hillsides. Hidden coves, sea caves and pristine beaches stretch endlessly along one of Europe’s most underrated coastlines. The scenery is raw, authentic and remarkably untouched.
Most importantly for us as pilots, the flying is absolutely fantastic.
Vlorë offers an exceptionally friendly launch sitting at approximately 700 metres AMSL, while nearby Llogara Pass rises to nearly 1,000 metres AMSL and is widely regarded as one of the finest coastal paragliding sites in Europe. The combination of sea breeze, mountain terrain and reliable weather patterns creates outstanding flying opportunities throughout the spring and early summer season.
The launch comfortably accepts a wide range of wind directions from South-West through North-West, giving tremendous flexibility and consistency.
Standing on launch, looking out over the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, it is impossible not to be moved by the sheer beauty of the place.
Some flying sites impress.
Others inspire.
Vlorë does both.
A Flying Site for Everyone
One of the biggest attractions of Vlorë is its versatility.
This is not a destination reserved for elite pilots.
It genuinely offers something for every level of progression.
Who Can Join?
• APPI 02 Validated Pilots eager to explore a safe and beautiful international flying destination.
• APPI 03 In-Progress Pilots looking to complete their APPI 03 validation while enjoying an incredible flying holiday.
• APPI 03 Validated Pilots wishing to combine site exploration with a Basic SIV & Piloting Course.
• APPI 03 Validated Pilots seeking an Advanced SIV experience.
• APPI 04 and Above pilots looking for advanced piloting, SIV, Acro progression and exploration flights.
Whether your goal is airtime, confidence building, skill development, thermalling, advanced manoeuvres or simply enjoying unforgettable coastal soaring, Albania delivers.
A Dream Destination for SIV & Piloting Courses
Perhaps the most exciting discovery has been Vlorë’s enormous potential as a world-class SIV and Piloting destination.
Unlike some of the more commercialised and crowded SIV centres around the world, Albania still retains a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
Land by the beach.
Pack your wing.
Jump into the sea for a swim.
Grab a coffee with friends.
Head back up for another flight.
Repeat.
The rhythm is addictive.
The environment is ideal for focused learning while maintaining a holiday-like atmosphere.
The SIV, Acro and Piloting Courses conducted here in May 2026 have been an incredible blend of learning, progression, excitement, adventure and fun.
Modern SIV training is no longer just about understanding glider behaviour.
It is increasingly about understanding ourselves.
How does the brain respond under stress?
What happens when cortisol and adrenaline flood the system?
Why do trained responses succeed when conscious thinking fails?
In paragliding, when situations become extreme, pilots rarely rise to their expectations.
They fall to the level of their training.
Developing correct reactions, reducing panic, building muscle memory and learning to stay conscious under pressure are becoming increasingly important aspects of safe flying.
This is precisely why I strongly encourage active pilots to refresh their skills through SIV and Piloting Courses at least once every flying season.
Beyond Flying – The Albanian Adventure
What makes Albania truly special is everything that happens between the flights.
The region around Vlorë is packed with adventure.
Boat trips explore the famous Haxhi Ali Sea Cave, hidden Blue Caves, Grama Bay and the stunning Karaburun Peninsula, where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into crystal-clear water.
For those who enjoy life below the surface, the Albanian Riviera offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving, freediving and snorkelling in remarkably clear Mediterranean waters.
The region is also perfect for hiking, mountain exploration, photography, cultural excursions and simply enjoying long evenings by the sea.
And then there is the food.
Fresh seafood.
Mediterranean flavours.
Warm hospitality.
Affordable prices.
What more could a travelling pilot ask for?
Templepilots Around the World
One of the things I love most about our Templepilots community is that we never stop exploring.
Flying has given us wings, but it has also given us curiosity.
Every year we continue searching for extraordinary places where our club pilots can spread their wings, learn, grow and create unforgettable memories together.
From Bali to the Alps.
From the Himalayas to the Albanian Riviera.
The journey continues.
And Vlorë is now firmly on the Templepilots map.
In fact, Templepilots Club Pilots can start fantasising right now about visiting and flying this blockbuster destination in the very near future.
A Huge Success for Templepilots
This trip has been an outstanding success.
I thoroughly enjoyed conducting our SIV & Piloting Courses here during May 2026 while simultaneously exploring the region for future Templepilots Club Tours.
A huge thank you to Roland Dorozhani and the Aeroclub of Albania for their wonderful collaboration, friendship and support.
We look forward to creating many unforgettable memories here with our club pilots in the years ahead.
What’s Next?
The adventure continues.
Our hugely popular
- Bali Bliss Tour, Indonesia – 09th to 25th August 2026
It promises to be another unforgettable flying rampage packed with airtime, laughter, friendship, learning, adventure and pure Templepilots magic.
Following closely behind are our annual Himalayan Pilgrim Tours:
- SIV – Bilaspur, HP — 03rd to 11th October 2026
- Discover Himalayas – Bir, HP — 09th to 15th October 2026
- Thermalling & XC – Bir, HP — 13th to 22nd October 2026
And then comes one of our favourite moments of the year.
We are proud to announce the opening of the 2026 flying season at our home base in Kamshet on the 15th October 2026.
The Sky Ahead
As I look ahead at the coming season, I cannot help but feel excited.
New skies.
New adventures.
New friendships.
New discoveries.
More learning.
More growth.
More freedom.
More flying.
Whether we are soaring above the turquoise waters of Albania, thermalling above the breathtaking Himalayas, surfing the stunning coastline in Bali or sharing flying stories in the 37 Lounge in Lake Paradise at Kamshet, we continue to evolve together as pilots and as a loving community.
That, perhaps, is what Templepilots has always been about.
A flying family.
A shared dream.
A lifelong journey of exploration.
And the best part?
The next adventure is already waiting just beyond the horizon..
The Albanian Riviera has truly been a revelation. It’s indeed a great honour, privilege & a huge blessing to come upon a flying site that satisfies you in innumerable ways. I am personally bowled over by Vlorë on the Albanian coast and after exploring the Alps for over a decade, this could easily become one of my most favoured sites.
An amazingly easy & friendly launch that comfortably takes winds from South West to North West a huge range that offers great possibilities in varied conditions. Vlorë launch sits at around 700m AMSL, while nearby Llogara Pass rises to nearly 1000m AMSL. The views of the Adriatic & Ionian Seas are simply spectacular & breathtaking to say the least.
Perfect for APPI Level 03 Pilots & above, and exceptionally good for SIV Training. Land by the beach, jump straight into the sea for a refreshing swim after the flight, and head back up again for another unforgettable run.
A big shout out to the Aeroclub of Albania for this wonderful collaboration. Looking forward to creating some amazing memories here with our club pilots in the times ahead.
