Newsletters
Ucmakdere, a leading paragliding destination in Tekirdag located close to Istanbul, hosted nearly 35,000 paragliding flights in 2025, reinforcing its position as a major center for extreme sports tourism.
Situated along the Marmara Sea and backed by the forested slopes of the Ganos Mountains, Ucmakdere attracted both domestic and international visitors throughout the year.
Tekirdag Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Omer Faruk Karakucuk said the region’s unique geography and reliable wind conditions make it particularly suitable for paragliding. He noted that visitors are able to view the meeting point of the sea and forest from the air, offering a distinctive and memorable experience.
Karakucuk added that the area’s wind conditions allow for safe and controlled flights during most of the year, supporting continuous tourism activity and growing interest in the destination.
Paragliding instructor Kadir Aksoy said 2025 was a productive year for the sector, with strong demand from Istanbul and neighboring provinces, as well as an increase in foreign visitors. He emphasized that Ucmakdere’s proximity to Istanbul enables visitors to reach the area within a short travel time.
Aksoy also noted that paragliding flights can be carried out even during winter months when winds turn favorable, allowing year-round operations.
Ucmakdere is located in Tekirdag’s Sarkoy district, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Istanbul.
Visitors traveling from Istanbul can reach Tekirdag via the TEM or E-5 highways and continue toward Sarkoy. The final stretch includes a coastal road offering scenic views of the Marmara Sea. Public transportation options, including intercity buses to Tekirdag and Sarkoy, are also available.
Set as preferred source
2 min read
