Alcaudete

Alcaudete, in the Jaén province of southern Spain, offers something rare: launch sites in every wind orientation within a three-mile radius, so unless it is raining or blowing hard, there is usually a flyable option. The reference launch is Sierra Ahillos, a 1,373 m peak reached after a twenty-minute walk with a 720 m vertical drop toward both north and south faces. Southerly flow above 25 km/h can push you all the way to the landing zone with the wind on your face. The north face flies softly most days. Cortijo Portillo is a gentler alternative near the road to launch, with a school-friendly landing suited to less experienced pilots. Alcaudete town itself has an enormous 400 × 200 m landing next to the football field, uncluttered for pilots of any level. No airport restrictions — a rare simplicity for a Spanish site.

Launch & conditions

Sierra Ahillos has a 720 m vertical drop with north- and south-facing take-offs. Southerly winds over about 25 km/h push firmly toward the landing zone. Cortijo Portillo is the school-friendly option along the road up to launch. Las Casillas' landing sits by a soccer field at 531 m — a lower alternative on some wind days. The wide window of launch orientations lets pilots pick a face that matches the day rather than force a marginal one.

Getting there & local rules

From Granada, follow signs toward Córdoba, pass through Alcalá la Real, and continue on to Alcaudete. Sierra Ahillos launch is a twenty-minute walk from the parking. The main landing in Alcaudete town is on the park side just before the football field — 400 m long and 200 m wide, on the edge of the village. Alternative landings at Cortijo Portillo and Las Casillas are marked with GPS coordinates in the local guide.

Check conditions before you fly

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