Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide is a hill site in inland Portugal's Alentejo region, with a gentle gravel takeoff big enough for several gliders to lay out and prepare at once. The wind that makes this site work is west to southwest — when it blows from there in summer, cross-country potential is genuinely good, though summer days here more often bring wind from the northeast instead, so the ideal setup isn't guaranteed. Winter can offer solid soaring on the same slope. The takeoff sits just off a short gravel road connecting to the paved panoramic road above — no 4x4 needed — and if you land out, it's about a 30-minute walk back up. Below launch there are several large grass landing fields, though none is confirmed as an officially designated landing site; the largest is fenced with barbed wire, while a smaller field to the left has a gate you can use without climbing anything. Whichever field you choose, check first for livestock before committing to land there.

Launch & conditions

A gentle gravel slope with room for several gliders to prepare at once; no windsock on site, so read the wind from the trees or ask other pilots on launch.

Getting there & local rules

A short gravel road connects the takeoff to the paved panoramic road above, no 4x4 required, with a roadsign marking the turn; landing out means about a 30-minute walk back up.

Local rules & hazards

None of the landing fields below launch is confirmed as an official landing zone — the largest is fenced with barbed wire, while a smaller field to the left has a clear exit without a fence to cross. Check for livestock in any field before landing.

Check conditions before you fly

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