Best Conditions
Description
At an altitude of 1025 meters with a height difference of 620 meters, this launch site is frequently used and highly recommended for paragliding. It features a large takeoff area, making it suitable for beginners. The site offers very good and reliable thermal soaring conditions, and cross-country (XC) flights are possible. In fact, it is considered the best launch for XC at Sierra de Lijar.
Please note that the area is currently endangered by airspace and nature protection rules, particularly bird protection zones from December 1 to July 31, which must be observed.
Located in Andalusia, Spain, the site record is 123.0 km. The southeast orientation means that the first thermals start early, typically between 12 and 1 PM. Due to the long drive up, it is generally advisable to wait a bit longer before starting to avoid sinking out and missing the better thermals.
To the right of the takeoff, above a rocky ravine, is the house thermal. This ravine should not be approached too deeply due to impulsive thermal releases. Another good thermal can be found to the left of the takeoff, in the middle of the slope above a rock step in the lower slope area.
Typical cross-country flights head northwest towards Montellano or Morón de la Frontera. With weak ground winds, the wind direction changes with the sun, making flights towards Olvera or Ronda possible. The Levante wind is suitable for top landing, aiming for a clear area between the tower and the takeoff point.
To get there, take the A-382 towards Jerez, pass the gas station outside Algodonales, and after about 400 meters, turn right at the sign for PISTAS and follow the signs.
Algodonales is a small town in Andalusia surrounded by excellent flying sites for all wind directions. Flying here is particularly interesting in the winter months from mid-September to mid-April, although it can be windy in spring. While thermals are largely inactive in the rest of Europe, they are still active here. All takeoff slopes are also great for soaring, and the sunny winter climate is a bonus.
Algodonales is halfway between Málaga and Jerez de la Frontera, both of which are accessible from Germany via airlines like Tuifly, AirBerlin, and Germanwings. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car to reach Algodonales. Within an hour's drive, there are eight takeoff sites to choose from. The main flying area is Mogote, the home mountain directly north of Algodonales, also known as Sierra de Lijar. It, along with Montellano, is the best starting point for cross-country flights in the region. Other flying areas include El Bosque, Ronda la Vieja, Cañete la Real, and Teba.
The region is generally influenced by the Azores High, with typical winds from the north to southeast. However, the proximity to the coast means that sea breezes can influence the area, often turning the wind to the west or northwest in the afternoon. This changing wind situation can be surprising for those unfamiliar with the area, as the wind can shift significantly while thermalling. Experienced pilots can make great cross-country flights along convergence lines or close triangles with tailwinds, but this requires a lot of local knowledge.
For weather forecasts, regional sea breeze influences are not captured in usual wind forecasts. It's more important to monitor upper-level winds, and a GFS windgram for Algodonales can be helpful. The Spanish weather service INM provides simple weather forecasts for the area. There is also a webcam overlooking the Levante takeoff.
Algodonales is much further west than Germany, so thermals start 1-2 hours later and reach their peak in the late afternoon. Flying too early increases the risk of sinking out.
For guides and accommodation, you can contact Gerhard (Gerardo) at Ganterfly or Lijar Sur. If traveling independently, a visit to JJ's Sports Bar is recommended. Johan, the Dutch owner, speaks good German and the bar is a popular meeting point for pilots.
Although Algodonales is known as an ideal winter flying site, it is also good for flying year-round. In summer, it gets very hot, but the dry heat is less taxing on the body. The ground heats up significantly during the day, creating gentle, widespread thermals in the evening, known as colchón. This phenomenon allows for a unique experience of circling with large, peaceful vultures at sunset.
For more information, you can visit:
- [Ganterfly](http://www.ganterfly.de)
- [Lijar Sur](http://www.lijarsur.com)
- [Windfinder Forecasts](http://www.windfinder.com/forecasts/wind_iberia_akt.htm)
- [NOAA Windgram](http://www.ready.noaa.gov/ready-bin/main.pl?Lat=36.88&Lon=-5.44)
- [Spanish Weather Service INM](http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/localidades?l=11050&p=11)
- [Webcam](http://www.ganterfly.de/c/webcam.htm)
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