Cenes de la Vega (Granada)

Cenes de la Vega is a well-known XC launchpad near Granada, with a takeoff that's genuinely large and easy for pilots of any level, oriented from southwest through northwest, and top-landing is an option too. The season runs March through November, with strong thermals typically firing from midday until around 5pm — and on rare days, pilots have climbed past 4,000m as late as 7 in the evening. Landing is equally forgiving: long, wide, and comfortable even for beginners. The one wind to avoid is northerly, which turns genuinely turbulent here, and pilots are expected to study the information board at the landing zone, which marks areas that must either be avoided entirely or overflown with at least 150m of ground clearance. Reaching launch means a drive toward Sierra Nevada and a turn for El Purche, with the final stretch either requiring a permit for the rural track or a walk up the ridge without one; the meeting point at the landing field runs later in summer (around 4–5pm) than in winter (around 1–3pm).

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is large and easy for pilots of any level, oriented from southwest through northwest, with top-landing possible too.

Getting there & local rules

For takeoff, follow the road toward Sierra Nevada, then turn right for El Purche; continue past the El Purche restaurant to the first track on the right — driving the rural track ('Via Pecuaria') needs a permit, otherwise park on the side and walk up the ridge. For landing, follow the same road toward Sierra Nevada, turn right at the end of the tunnel (not left toward Cenes de la Vega), take the first exit signed Cenes de la Vega again, and pass under the highway bridge — the field is unmistakable from there.

Local rules & hazards

Don't fly in a north wind here — it turns very turbulent. Check the information board at the landing zone before flying: it marks areas that must be avoided or overflown with at least 150m of ground clearance, and don't fly low over the road. It's also worth checking regional airspace around the Almuñécar/Granada area before you go.

Check conditions before you fly

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