Monte Ventoso

Monte Ventoso is a grass takeoff on the Galician coast in northern Spain, reached along a paved road as far as a parking area roughly 100 metres below launch — from there, the final stretch up to the summit needs a high-clearance vehicle, though not necessarily a 4x4. The site flies with light to moderate north winds, but a northeasterly component can turn the air turbulent, with rotor coming off the mountain opposite. Most pilots avoid top-landing here: the upper takeoff area, though spacious, sits close to the ruins of an old weather observatory and is ringed by tall gorse scrub, so top-landing is for experienced pilots only. The far easier option is landing below on the dune or beach, which is straightforward and uncomplicated, reached via a paved road to the beach access followed by a dirt track suitable for any vehicle — a power line and lamp posts nearby are not an obstruction. Hang glider pilots can also land comfortably on the beach or dunes with no added difficulty.

Launch & conditions

Grass takeoff, spacious but surrounded by tall gorse scrub near the ruins of an old weather observatory; the climb to the top launch needs a high-clearance vehicle.

Getting there & local rules

Paved road to a parking area about 100 metres below launch; a paved road also reaches the beach/dune landing, with the final stretch to the beach itself on a dirt track suitable for any vehicle.

Local rules & hazards

Fly with light to moderate north winds — a northeasterly component can bring turbulent rotor off the mountain opposite. Top-landing is for experienced pilots only, given the confined, scrub-lined upper area; the beach and dune landing below is easy and the recommended option for most pilots.

Check conditions before you fly

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