Alcaudete – Caracolera

Alcaudete – Caracolera launches from 1,257 m in Spain, working wind from the north through northeast and northwest, with thermic and soaring conditions typical of a compact mountain-point launch. The takeoff itself is a small spot surrounded by rocks on all sides, which calls for solid canopy control on launch — there isn't much room for a messy inflation here. Getting up is done by car: from Alcaudete, follow the JA-3307 climbing route, turn left, continue about 200 meters, turn left again and keep climbing, all the way to the top of the mountain. Once airborne, there are no particular flight restrictions to worry about, and the wind causes no issues as long as it's coming from the right direction for the day. Landing is the easy part — there are plenty of suitable spots beside the lake below, open enough that even newer pilots find a comfortable place to come down.

Launch & conditions

A small takeoff point surrounded by rocks — good canopy control on launch matters here.

Getting there & local rules

From Alcaudete, follow the JA-3307 climbing route, turn left, continue about 200 meters, turn left again, and keep climbing to the mountaintop.

Check conditions before you fly

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