Best Conditions
Description
El Bosque, Spain
This site offers a medium-level paragliding experience with a height difference of 380 meters. It is regularly used for both soaring and thermal soaring flights. The takeoff is short and located directly at the road, making it suitable for hang gliders (HG) and, with sufficient wind, for paragliders (PG) as well. However, paragliders are advised to use the top launch, especially in strong winds.
The launch site is lower than Algo Poniente and is backed by the high Sierra de Grazalema, which often results in less strong and more flyable winds compared to Algo Poniente. The hill directly left in front of the launch must be overflown, and lingering too long before takeoff can lead to trouble.
Cross-country (XC) flying is somewhat limited here. Typically, pilots first head north along the ridge and attempt to cross the plains towards Algodonales. Heading east over the Sierra de Grazalema should only be attempted with very good thermals, sufficient height, and some experience in the area, as there are no good landing possibilities for at least 15 km.
The El Bosque landing zone is located southwest of the takeoff and can be reached by gliding down, provided you do not delay flying over the prominent rocks and the main road. In strong winds, avoid flying over the ridge and ensure you can use your speed system effectively.
Getting here: From Arcos de la Frontera, take the C 344 to El Bosque, then continue for another 5 km towards Benamahoma. From there, head 2 km up the hill, noting the hang glider logo, open/close the steel gate, and drive up slowly.
For more information, contact:
- Club Icaro, Tel.: +34 (0) 956403353 (Jose Luis Espada)
- Club Vuelo Libre Cadiz, Tel.: +34 (0) 956701704 (Juan De Dios Carreras)
Algodonales, Andalusia
Algodonales is a small town in Andalusia, surrounded by excellent flying sites for all wind directions. The best flying season is from mid-September to mid-April, although it can be windy in spring. While thermal activity pauses in much of Europe during this time, it often remains active here. All launch sites are also great for soaring, and the sunny winter climate is a bonus.
Algodonales is located 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 1.5-2 hours by car to reach Algodonales from these cities.
Within an hour's drive, there are eight launch sites to choose from. The main flying area is Mogote, the local mountain directly north of Algodonales, also known as Sierra de Lijar. It, along with Montellano, serves as 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 influenced by the Atlantic climate, especially near the Grazalema National Park, resulting in frequent west wind conditions (Poniente). The area is generally affected by the Azores High, with typical winds from the north to southeast. However, coastal influences can cause the wind to shift to the west or northwest in the afternoon.
For weather forecasts, visit:
- [Windfinder](http://www.windfinder.com/forecasts/wind_iberia_akt.htm)
- [NOAA GFS 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)
A webcam for the Levante launch site is available at [Ganterfly](http://www.ganterfly.de/c/webcam.htm).
For accommodation and guides, contact:
- Gerhard (Gerardo) at [Ganterfly](http://www.ganterfly.de)
- Lijar Sur at [Lijar Sur](http://www.lijarsur.com)
For those traveling independently, JJ's Sports Bar is a recommended stop. Johan, the Dutch owner, speaks good German and the bar is a popular meeting point for pilots to check weather forecasts and form carpools to launch sites.
Algodonales is known for its excellent winter flying conditions, but it is also good year-round. In summer, the heat is dry and less taxing on the body. The evenings offer gentle, widespread thermals, known locally as "colchón," providing a unique flying experience.
For more information, visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).
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