Cerro de Itrabo

Cerro de Itrabo sits inside the R111 restricted airspace zone near Almuñécar and Granada, at around 667 m, so checking the day's airspace restrictions before flying is essential here. The takeoff itself is reasonable by local standards — not spectacular, but workable compared with some of the area's other launches. Getting there is by paved road toward Loma del Gato, continuing on to Cerro de Itrabo; only the final 50 m of that approach gets tricky, though it's doable in a normal 2WD car. There's also a longer alternative route around the north side, paved until a dirt turn-off that's still manageable in 2WD. If you're driving a rental, make sure it has fully comprehensive insurance before attempting either route. Wind here comes from the southeast through south and southwest. Landing has real restrictions to know: the beach is now off-limits for landing, so pilots use the area near the Playacálida hotel instead, and flying or soaring over houses, apartments and residential developments below 300 m is not allowed anywhere near the site.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is reasonable by local standards, not among the area's best but workable.

Getting there & local rules

Paved road toward Loma del Gato, continuing to Cerro de Itrabo — only the final 50 m gets tricky, doable in 2WD. A longer alternative goes around the north side, paved until a dirt turn-off, also 2WD-manageable. Get full insurance if driving a rental.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits inside the R111 restricted airspace zone, so check the day's restrictions before flying. Landing on the beach is no longer allowed — use the area near the Playacálida hotel instead. Flying or soaring below 300 m over houses, apartments or residential developments nearby is not permitted.

Check conditions before you fly

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