Padul North

Padul North launches from 1,153 m in Andalusia, Spain, working purely north wind for soaring and cross-country flying, with the option of crossing east toward the Sierra Nevada on a good day. Pilots who climb roughly 150 m above launch height can attempt the crossing over the gully where the landing zone sits, opening up a cross-country line toward the Sierra Nevada rather than staying local. The takeoff is a bit stony underfoot, so it's worth watching your footing while setting up. Finding the site takes a little care: the approach turns onto a dirt road where a 'Parking LZ' sign marks the way, and the route actually passes the landing zone before reaching launch, which can be a little disorienting on a first visit. Landing itself is large and easy, though it's worth checking whether a wind streamer is in place before committing — and putting one up yourself if there isn't one. Because this area sits close to regulated airspace around Almuñécar and Granada, it's worth checking current airspace restrictions before planning any cross-country line beyond the immediate site.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff is a bit stony underfoot — worth watching your footing while setting up.

Getting there & local rules

The approach turns onto a dirt road marked 'Parking LZ'; you'll pass the landing zone itself before reaching launch.

Local rules & hazards

This area sits close to regulated airspace around Almuñécar and Granada — check current restrictions before planning any cross-country line beyond the immediate site.

Check conditions before you fly

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