Gran Canaria – los Giles

Gran Canaria – los Giles is a coastal site on the island's north coast, Spain, launching from just 193 m in north, northeast or east wind for thermic, soaring and cross-country flying. The takeoff, known simply as Los Giles, is reached from Las Palmas by following the road out to the area, watching for a small airstrip along the way, and then following the airstrip's access road until the windsocks come into view. Conditions here run windy more often than not, which is exactly the ingredient this site needs to work well. There's one firm rule pilots need to know before flying: landing at the beach near the auditorium is no longer allowed, so the standard approach today is to top-land back at the launch instead of heading down to the water. It's also worth planning around daylight when leaving a car at the site, since the area has a reputation for being less secure after dark.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff, known as Los Giles, is found by following the airstrip's access road until the windsocks come into view.

Getting there & local rules

From Las Palmas, follow the road out toward Los Giles, watch for a small airstrip, then follow its access road to the windsocks.

Local rules & hazards

Leaving a car here can be risky after dark — plan around daylight if possible. Landing at the beach (the auditorium) is no longer permitted; the standard landing is now a top-landing back at launch.

Check conditions before you fly

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