Casarabuonela (Sierra Prieta)

Casarabuonela (Sierra Prieta) is a thermal and cross-country launch at 935 m in Málaga province, Spain, with wind working from southeast and south, and views locals specifically call out as very nice. The takeoff is small — a short cleared field below the road with room for a single glider — reached from the town of Casarabuonela via the MA-5401 toward El Burgo; where that road crosses the gap on the north side, an unpaved track branches left up to launch. As of a 2014 report the access road was in good shape, though it's worth confirming current condition before relying on it. The one fact that overrides everything else here: this site sits inside Málaga's controlled airspace (CTR), and flying without prior air traffic control clearance is not allowed. Pilots are asked to cooperate with the regional aviation-sports federation's airspace guidance rather than fly it informally.

Launch & conditions

Launch is small — a short cleared field with room for a single glider — working southeast and south wind.

Getting there & local rules

From Casarabuonela, follow the MA-5401 toward El Burgo; where the road crosses the gap on the north side, take the unpaved track to the left up to takeoff. As of a 2014 report the road was in good shape.

Local rules & hazards

This site sits inside Málaga's controlled airspace (CTR) — flying without prior air traffic control clearance is not allowed. Pilots are asked to respect this restriction through the regional aviation-sports federation.

Check conditions before you fly

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