Located in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal, the Serra do Larouco is a highly frequented paragliding site known for its excellent cross-country (XC) potential. The main takeoff point is situated at an altitude of 1499 meters with a height difference of 498 meters. Top landing is possible, making it a versatile spot for both beginners and advanced pilots. The site has a notable flight record of 141.3 km, showcasing its capability for long-distance flights. The area is accessible via Porto, Vila Real, and Montalegre, or alternatively through Porto, Braga, and several dams including Caniçada and Alto Rabagão. Upon reaching Montalegre, local meeting points for paragliders include Loja 4 and Confeitaria Campos. The Serra do Larouco offers flights in all wind directions, with alternatives available nearby in case of strong winds. The site is particularly known for its reliable summer thermals, which have supported numerous competitions, including a Paragliding World Cup event in 2000. For those interested in local culture, the Piano Bar do Castelo in Montalegre is a popular spot for evening gatherings. Additionally, the local butcher shop offers high-quality meat from free-range cattle in the region. The southern takeoff is accessible via the same route as the western takeoff, continuing towards the geodetic marker. There are two clean and spacious takeoff points facing south and slightly southeast, located about 30 meters apart. The official landing zone is in the Gralhas valley, directly in front of the takeoff. It is a comfortable and spacious pasture area with alternative fields available. Retrieval from the official landing zone can be lengthy due to the lack of a direct road connecting Gralhas to the mountain, necessitating a detour through Montalegre's industrial area. However, flying to the western landing zone can save considerable retrieval time. For more information, you can visit the local paragliding school at [Wind Larouco's Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/windlarouco/). Wind conditions can be checked on [Windguru](https://www.windguru.cz/13912) and [Windfinder](https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/larouco). Watch some flights from the area on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPtMvsUTQBs) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsSR_OKlT3g).