Avdellaro

Avdellaro is a soaring and flatland thermal site on a hill north of Larnaca, with access via a signed exit off the A3. There are technically two launch points: a nicer one that has fallen into disrepair, with an overgrown track now needing a 4x4 to reach, and the one actually in regular use, referred to locally by its old UN control-point number. The approach drive is straightforward if a little fiddly — past a small roadside cafe, under a bridge, and along a track with a few potholes and a steep final stretch — but manageable in an ordinary car. Landing is a clean field with few obstacles, which makes this an easy site to fly relative to the drive in. The one rule that matters here is directional: fly to the south of the hill, since the UN buffer zone runs along the ridge just to the north, and pilots are firmly advised to stay well clear of it.

Launch & conditions

There are two launch points on the hill: a nicer one that's fallen into disrepair, with an overgrown track needing a 4x4, and the one in regular use, referred to locally by its old UN control-point number.

Getting there & local rules

Take the 'Avdellaro' exit off the A3 north of Larnaca and head toward the village; a small cafe about 3 miles south of the hill is a good meeting point. Continue past it, ignore further village signs, and once the hill comes into view, go under the bridge ahead and take the next track on the right, following it around to the final loop — expect a few potholes and a steep final stretch, but most ordinary cars manage it. With two vehicles, it's worth leaving one at the compound near the road at the bottom. Landing is a clean field with few obstacles.

Local rules & hazards

Fly to the south of the hill only — the UN buffer zone runs along the ridge immediately to the north, and pilots should stay well clear of it.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Avdellaro, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Avdellaro with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.