Tenerife – Izana (Izaña) – North – West

Izaña North-West, at around 2,178 m in Tenerife's Teide National Park, is one of only two takeoff sites legally permitted to fly from inside the park — a real distinction on an island where most of the high country is protected. Flying here normally means launching very early in the morning: later in the day, cloud cover can close in completely, and an easterly wind can shut down the takeoff option entirely. One safety point matters more than any other at this site: if the wind is coming from the east — the land side, from Puerto de la Cruz's perspective — never plan your approach out over the water. Pilots have drowned here after misjudging that exact situation and finding they couldn't make it back to land. Wind at launch is northwesterly. Landing is in a parking lot down in Puerto de la Cruz.

Launch & conditions

One of only two takeoff sites legally permitted inside Teide National Park; fly very early — later in the day, cloud cover can close in and an easterly wind can shut down the launch.

Local rules & hazards

If the wind is coming from the east (the land side, from Puerto de la Cruz), never set up your approach out over the water — always stay over land. Pilots have drowned here after getting caught unable to make it back to shore.

Check conditions before you fly

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