Miguel Samper Elvira, from Lanzarote, left the Michelin-starred kitchen of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, where he had 18 people in his charge and a lot of stress, to return to the island and set up the paragliding company Abubila, which currently organizes flights from eight emblematic points on the island.
In an interview with Ekonomus, Samper explains what it is like to paraglide while enjoying the beautiful views of Lanzarote, in silence and rocked by the wind.
- How did the idea of creating a paragliding company come about?
I am from Lanzarote and I always saw paragliders flying every time I went to Famara. A partner I had gave me a tandem flight and I loved the feeling of freedom.
The instructor I did it with is now my partner, even though that flight was very bad because it was very windy that day (laughs).

- What did you do before?
I worked in the hospitality industry. Before founding Abubila, I was in the Guggenheim restaurant in Bilbao, with 18 people in my charge and a Michelin-starred kitchen... A lot of stress. I decided to return home and start with paragliding.
- When you explain that Abubila is the only company in Lanzarote with all the required permits and training, what exactly do you mean?
We have all the required permits and licenses from both the Cabildo and the Environment Agency, as half of the island's territory is protected.
In addition, I have the title of sports technician in paragliding level 1, which is the highest qualification that exists in Spain. Today I am the only one on the island who has it.
"People think that paragliding is super adrenaline-pumping and in reality it is like being in your living room, but with a 360-degree screen"
- Why did you call the company Abubila?
I have always liked the hoopoe bird very much, but in order for it to be pronounced well in other languages, we removed an 'l' and called the company Abubila.
When we fly, there are days when we can see kestrels, Egyptian vultures or crows. The hoopoe flies a little lower.
- What services does Abubila offer?
We have different types of paragliding flights, always tandem with an instructor, and we are also the only company that offers acrobatics for those looking for adrenaline.
People think that paragliding is super adrenaline-pumping and in reality it is like being in your living room, but with a 360-degree screen.
- Isn't it dangerous?
With the experience and required qualifications, the regulations are followed and there is no reason why there should be any problem.
In addition, we always have new materials and we have introduced the so-called cobra takeoff, which allows the paraglider to inflate little by little, facilitating takeoff.
"We have had clients with only one leg or with multiple sclerosis and they have paraglided"
- From which corners of Lanzarote do the flights begin?
We have eight flight points depending on the wind direction: Órzola, Mala, Teguise, Las Nieves, El Cuchillo, Tenesar, Playa Quemada and La Asomada.

- Is it true that there are no restrictions due to health issues or reduced mobility to paraglide?
That's right. It is true that there are takeoff points in Lanzarote that are more or less easy to access, but if a person is able to reach the takeoff point, even with a little help, they will be able to paraglide.
We have experience. We have had clients with only one leg or with multiple sclerosis and they have paraglided without problems.
- What is the most beautiful thing a client has told you after paragliding?
People get excited. Just yesterday I took a boy who kept thanking me for the wonderful views he was seeing.
It is a unique sensation, you are floating in the air, without noise, moved by the wind.
"The leading island right now in paragliding is El Hierro"
- Abubila also offers a guide service for qualified people from outside who come to paraglide in Lanzarote...
Yes, we offer a guide service for qualified people, especially Germans, who come to paraglide in winter. We guide them through the different areas of Lanzarote so that they do not have problems with takeoffs.
When there is news of a paragliding accident, it is usually groups of tourists with an instructor from there who knows the technique, but does not know the conditions of Lanzarote.
- When you say that Lanzarote is not an island enabled by the administration for paragliding, what exactly do you mean? On which island has it been done well?
The leading island right now in paragliding is El Hierro. You don't need much, just enable 20 square meters to take off and define a place to land.
El Hierro is the mecca of acrobatic paragliding in Spain. Once a year they organize a worldwide event, people come from all over the world.
- And what are the advantages of flying in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote has incredible views. You won't see anything like it when you're in the air. Imagine flying over the sea near Tenesar, a hidden village of white houses... and seeing the lava coming from Timanfaya, the village, the cliff and the sea.
When you are there flying, without noise, you feel freedom, tranquility, you disconnect. You have to experience it, I find it hard to describe it with words.