Cirium (Kourion)

There are actually two launch sites at Kourion that are regularly used for paragliding. A brief discussion of them follows.
Armpit: This is probably the easiest launch and is the most often used. It is also the easiest to get to. But this launch should not be used when the wind is westerly because of turbulence, which can get very strong.
Lower Sand Pit: This is used when the wind becomes strong, or when a new pilot needs a less vigorous launch breeze.

Kourion (Curium) has been the main soaring site since the dawn of flying here. It is a short ridge located at the end of a long line of coastal cliffs that extend from Avdimou village eastward. This site is of archeological interest and is thus sensitive. The Greek ruins located both at the top and bottom of the ridge are tourist attractions, as is the beach itself, and so flying gets a high profile here.
Kourion is flyable in generally southwesterly sea breezes. When winds are southwesterly the entire ridge is soar able and the air is very smooth, though a few thermals coming up from the bowl may cause mild turbulence.
As the wind moves more westerly it tends to increase in strength. (Usually the wind shifts as the sun, from east to west). Then turbulence will increase towards the Episkopi road but you may encounter wave toward the end of the ridge due the aerodynamics of the cliffs to the west. This wave typically extends out over the water perpendicular from the last third of the ridge and makes for an interesting change (hanggliders). You will usually be able to detect definite changes in air masses between the wave (warm, dry and smooth) and the turbulent air (cool and moist) below. When this happens it can still be safe to launch if your skills are good and you use the launches at the middle of the ridge. But landing in the bowl when it gets very westerly can be difficult.

All paragliding and hang gliding pilots are welcome but we should be grateful if you observe a few basic site rules:
Flyers must hold current and relevant licenses from their controlling national body.
The rules applies to all flyers at all times as military helicopters, regularly use this area. (See the telephone list below).
The Curium antiquities site is an area of National importance and a unique treasure.
In an effort to avoid accidents which may damage the site and the pilots, flyers asked actively to avoid flying near any part of the antiquities site.

Takeoff altitude: 72m