Albergue

Albergue is a small, narrow thermal site above the coast in Málaga province — and by most accounts, the less forgiving option compared to the well-known launch at nearby Cómpeta, which local pilots often recommend instead. The takeoff itself is workable but genuinely technical, and low power lines sit just behind it, so strong wind needs real respect here. To find it, head from Cómpeta towards Torrox: at the first col, about 500 m out, turn onto a small side road, then turn right again 500 m further on, and continue up to a large green water tank near the top — the launch is right there. Landing is where this site asks the most of a pilot: there are two options, one marked as the more secure choice and a trickier top-landing possibility directly in front of takeoff, but power lines ring the area and thermal activity is present throughout, so working it out with local pilots before you fly is genuinely worth doing rather than optional. Wind here comes from east through south. This is a site for pilots with real technical flying experience, not a first mountain launch.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is narrow and technical, with low power lines just behind it — treat strong wind here with real caution.

Getting there & local rules

From Cómpeta towards Torrox: at the first col about 500 m out, turn onto a side road, turn right again 500 m further, and continue to a large green water tank near the top, where launch sits.

Local rules & hazards

The landing area is genuinely technical — power lines ring it and thermal activity is present throughout, so it's worth walking through the options with local pilots before your first flight here rather than figuring it out alone.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Albergue, 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 Albergue with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.