Miranda

Miranda launches from around 1,200 m in Molise, reached by following the road from Isernia through Castel di Sangro to the village of Miranda itself, then continuing on the road toward the Santa Lucia sanctuary — takeoff sits just past it. The site works with south-west winds and supports a good range of flying: thermalling and ridge soaring on shorter days, cross-country lines for pilots looking to travel, and hike-and-fly outings for those who want to combine the walk with the flight. It's a relatively under-the-radar site in a part of Italy that doesn't see the pilot traffic of the bigger Alpine or coastal spots, which for many is part of the appeal — quieter airspace and a takeoff you're unlikely to be sharing with a crowd. As with any site defined by a single reliable wind direction, the flying window narrows outside south-west days, so checking the forecast for that specific direction before making the drive out to Molise is worth the extra minute.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff sits just past the Santa Lucia sanctuary, at around 1,200 m.

Getting there & local rules

From Isernia, follow the road through Castel di Sangro to Miranda; from the village, continue on the road toward the Santa Lucia sanctuary — takeoff is just beyond it.

Local rules & hazards

Southwest is the wind direction this site works with — outside that, treat it as closed for the day.

Check conditions before you fly

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