Montellano

Montellano launches from 505 m in Andalusia, near Algodonales, and works on a single reliable wind direction: northeast. It's a private site, kept open to visiting pilots through an informal arrangement with the paragliding schools and operators based in Algodonales — flying here means getting in touch with them first and paying a small daily usage fee, which is what keeps access open for everyone. The upper takeoff is straightforward, and in stronger conditions pilots can walk a little further down the slope to find an easier launch spot; hang glider pilots use it too, and top-landing back at the takeoff is possible. One thing worth asking locals about before you fly: where the rotor line sits, since that's local knowledge rather than something marked on the ground. Getting to launch involves a fairly specific sequence of turns through Montellano — up the main road, through several junctions, onto a sand track, through a metal gate (close it behind you) — ending in a short three-minute walk from the parking area to takeoff.

Launch & conditions

The upper takeoff is straightforward; in stronger conditions, walking a little further down the slope gives an easier launch. Top-landing back at takeoff is possible, and hang gliders use the site too. Ask locals where the rotor line sits before you fly.

Getting there & local rules

Drive through Montellano following the main road to its end, then a sequence of turns onto a sand track leading up to a metal gate — close it behind you. From the parking area beyond, it's about a three-minute walk to takeoff. Since this is private land, contact the paragliding schools in Algodonales first and pay the small daily usage fee that keeps the site open.

Check conditions before you fly

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