Linhares a Voar 2026 – Municipal Holiday Paragliding Festival
The 'Linhares a Voar' event returns to Linhares da Beira from May 23-26, as part of the Celorico da Beira Municipal Holiday celebrations. Organized by the Municipality and Clube Vertical, the festival offers leisure flights, tandem flights for beginners, and competitions for experienced pilots.
The Linhares a Voar event returns to the Historic Village of Linhares da Beira, known as the Cathedral of Paragliding, from May 23 to 26, 2026. Integrated into the Celorico da Beira Municipal Holiday celebrations — which honor aviator Sacadura Cabral, born in this municipality and the mastermind behind the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic — this festival celebrates the deep connection between the region and aviation.
Organized by the Celorico da Beira Municipality, the Clube de Voo Livre Vertical (Vertical Free Flying Club), and with support from the Linhares da Beira Parish Council, the program includes activities for all experience levels. Competition A is aimed at experienced pilots competing for the prestigious Sacadura Cabral Trophy, while Competition B is reserved for beginner pilots competing for the Linhares da Beira Trophy. There is also a Leisure category, designed for pilots who simply wish to fly and enjoy the singular beauty of this mountainous landscape.
For those who have never tried paragliding, the festival offers introductory tandem flights, providing a unique experience of soaring over the slopes of Serra da Estrela accompanied by a professional pilot. It's an unmissable opportunity to feel the thrill of free flight at one of Europe's best paragliding locations.
Linhares da Beira, with its imposing medieval castle and granite streets, provides a spectacular backdrop both for those flying and those watching. Spectators can observe the colorful paragliders filling the sky from various panoramic viewpoints around the village, making this event a fascinating experience even for those who stay on the ground.
It is important to note that all flying activities are weather permitting, so the program may be adjusted accordingly. It is recommended to follow the social media channels of Clube Vertical and the Municipality for updates. Registration can be made through Clube Vertical.
The event is free for spectators and offers an excellent reason to visit this historic village in the heart of Portugal, combining sport, nature, and heritage.
