Azinha

Azinha is the reference site of the Serra da Estrela, and the one most flying in the range is built around. The south-facing takeoff stands high above the valley with a view across to Torre — the highest point of the range and of mainland Portugal — and down over the Zêzere. Its southern exposure is also what makes it work: the sun on the slope, combined with the shape of the terrain, means it will fly in almost any wind direction as long as the meteorological wind stays light, and with thermal activity on top of that it typically works all day. It suits thermals and cross-country, with a long drive up from the landing field. The one thing to research properly before you go is airspace, because most of the flying area sits under reserved blocks that are in regular military use.

Launch & conditions

A south-facing takeoff high above the valley. Thanks to the southerly exposure and the shape of the terrain, it can be flown in almost any wind direction provided the meteorological wind stays below about 15 km/h — or 20 km/h if that wind is itself southerly. An easterly works until early evening, northerlies and westerlies until mid-afternoon, and the ideal forecast is a light south or west wind.

Getting there & local rules

From the landing field it is 11 km of tarmac followed by about 3 km of dirt road, roughly twenty minutes of driving.

Local rules & hazards

Most of the flying area lies inside temporary reserved airspace used mainly by the military, where the normal ceiling is 3,200 m, though events in the area frequently raise it by notice to around 3,800 m — check before you fly. The landing is a large field in the valley by the river and can be approached from virtually any direction, but tall trees line the river and electric cables cross the valley.

Check conditions before you fly

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