At sunrise and two hours before sundown. During the summer in Portugal only sunrise flights are possible. Winds should be below 10 kts on the surface within stable weather conditions. Every flight over the Portuguese Valleys are unique – and each season has its own charms. So the best time of the year to fly is whenever you want to fly.

As long as you are tall enough to see over the top of the basket (roughly age 7 and over) and healthy enough to stand for an hour, you can enjoy a balloon flight. Unfortunately if you are pregnant we are unable to fly you at this stage. Should you have physical disabilities and unable to stand then we have a wheelchair basket available in Portugal that can cater for your needs.

Most passengers are anxious about heights but after take off, from our own experience, passengers soon relax and enjoy the flight. For those who suffer from vertigo, it has been scientifically proofed that vertigo only exists whilst there is some contact between you and the earth. If you would like to have a go then our pilot will endeavour to take off gently and cruise at low level until you feel comfortable. If you feel extremely uncomfortable then the pilot will land and you can join the ground crew in chasing the balloon as it continues on its journey.

The wind direction of the day will determine our landing spot. Landings can be exciting and great fun and the start of another adventure. Most of the time we will land on private properties, grass fields, set asides or minor roads. After permission has been sought from the landowner, our crew and all terrain vehicles will retrieve us.

Balloon loading works on the ambient temperature and atmospheric altitude. This will determine the maximum weight the balloon can take on that day. Each balloon is certified to take a certain number of people and a has a maximum weight limitation. So don´t be shy to reveal your true weight as we really need this for your flight safety.

Sturdy flat shoes ideal for country walks are essential. If you are comfortably warm standing on the ground you should only require a light additional layer of clothing. It is recommended that you wear natural or cotton fabrics avoiding nylon. High heels, jewellery or earrings are not suitable. A hat is a good idea to protect you from the radiant heat from the balloon burners and for the subsequent solar heat after landing. If you have long hair then bring a hair band to avoid getting it caught on landing. Try and bring the least possible although essentials can be safely stored in compartment pockets within the basket or you may wish to bring a personal small backpacker.

Of course! The balloon provides and excellent platform for superb photographic opportunities. Just remember to bring a padded bag to protect your camera on landing and plenty of film. Our crew will be happy to take some photos from the ground for you. We also have an in flight camera which will capture the moment in flight.

Friends and family are invited to follow the retrieve vehicle by road (briefed by us) and their help with the inflation and packing is always welcome. Also it is a great opportunity to take some photos from the ground of the flight. Younger children, when supervised, learn so much from the preparation and the launch, it’s an experience that they should not miss! Pets do get frightened by the noise of the burner and may scatter away, so please avoid bringing them onto the launch site

If you don’t wish to go back with friends and family who may have been following, we provide complimentary transport in our fleet of all terrain vehicles back to the site. The journey back can just add to the fun, and all you do is relax and enjoy yourself.