I've been flying for over 20 years. I've trained pilots in the deserts of the UAE, on the beaches of Brazil, in the mountains of Asia, and across some of the most remote regions on earth. I've seen just about every type of flying condition you can imagine.
So when it came time to choose a permanent base for FlyParatrike — a place where I could offer the very best training experience — I chose Murtosa, Portugal. And after reading this, I think you'll understand why.
Portugal's central coast enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. In May — our main training season — you can expect warm temperatures (20–25°C), long daylight hours, and minimal rain. Compare that to the UK, northern Europe, or even parts of Spain, and Portugal consistently comes out on top for reliable flying weather.
For training, this matters enormously. Weather delays mean lost flying time. In Murtosa, we rarely lose a day to weather — and when conditions aren't ideal for flying, we use the time productively for ground school and theory.
Murtosa sits on the edge of the Ria de Aveiro — a stunning coastal lagoon that provides exactly the kind of terrain you want for learning to fly. The landscape is flat, open, and free from the obstacles that make training more difficult in mountainous or urban areas.
For a beginner, this is everything. Flat terrain means safer take-offs and landings. Open spaces mean room to practice ground handling without stress. And the lagoon itself provides a beautiful, calm backdrop that makes training a genuine pleasure.
The Ria de Aveiro creates a natural wind corridor that produces consistent, predictable airflow — ideal for paratrike training. You don't get the gusty, unpredictable conditions you might find at inland sites or exposed coastal cliffs.
Consistent wind means more flying time, safer conditions, and faster progress for students. It's one of those things that doesn't sound glamorous, but it makes an enormous difference to the quality of your training.
Murtosa is just one hour from Porto airport (OPO) — one of the best-connected airports in southern Europe with direct flights from London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and dozens of other cities. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet fly there regularly, often for remarkably low fares.
Once you land, it's a straightforward drive south along the motorway. No complicated transfers, no domestic flights, no overnight stays in transit. You can be at our training base within an hour of landing.
Let's be honest — if you're going to spend 6 or 12 days somewhere learning to fly, you want to enjoy the place. Portugal delivers. The food is extraordinary (and cheap by UK standards). The people are warm and welcoming. The coastline is stunning. And Murtosa itself is a charming, authentic Portuguese town with none of the tourist-trap feel you get in the Algarve.
Many of our students extend their stay by a few days to explore the region — and I don't blame them. Aveiro (the "Venice of Portugal") is 30 minutes away. Porto is an hour north. The beaches of Costa Nova are right on our doorstep.
Accommodation in Murtosa is a fraction of what you'd pay in the UK or most of western Europe. A comfortable guesthouse or Airbnb will set you back €30–50 a night. Meals are €8–15 at local restaurants. Flights from the UK start at under £50 return if you book ahead.
When you factor in the quality of instruction, the flying conditions, and the overall experience, training in Portugal represents extraordinary value.
Our next training blocks are in May 2026 — only 4 spots per block. Don't miss out.