|
Granada and the surrounding
area is one of the best places in Spain to fly. It has played
host to numerous national and international competicions.
The other great thing about flying in Granada
is that, after flying, you are not necessarily destined to
a quiet night in. The city is beautiful, the nightlife legendary
and cheap, and the atmosphere is second to none!!
Granada is situated at an altitude of 700m
above sea level, and about 70km from the coast. Between the
coast and granada is the chain of mountains known as Sierra
Nevada. They include the highest peak in the iberian peninsular,
'Mulhacen', which rises up to a height of 3479m. In summer,
when the cloud base is highest, it is possible to fly to the
coast and land on the beach (see the 'cross-country' section
for more details).
|
In summer, Sierra Nevada is known for
it's wide, strong thermals and incredibly high cloud-bases.
Ceilings of 5000m are not unheard of, and 3000-4000m is commonplace.
Not bad from a take-off at 1200m!!!!!
You can find all types of flying around
Granada: High mountain cross-country, flatlands and ridge
soaring. There are also great places to practice acro!!
The flying is good all year round, but you
should time your visit to coincide with the type of flying
you want. |
 |
| |
|
| Time of year |
Flying Conditions |
| |
|
| November-March |
These are the winter months and, although
it will probably be sunny, it will be cold in the mountains.
There will certainly be snow in the high peaks, but lower
down, and nearer the coast, it should be quite warm. There
are the gentlest months, where the height-gains are more
moderate (usually 300m-1000m). At this time of year, the
best flying is often found nearer the coast where the
take-offs are lower, and therefore the height gains maximised.
For thermic flying, if the wind is right, Otivar is usually
the best site. March is really the changeover month, and
you can often get some nice days with good height gains
and cumulus streets to help you on your way. |
| |
|
| April-September |
Summer condicions. This is the time
of year when you will find the best conditions. Strong
thermals in the middle of the day. Awsome cloud-bases.
Good conditions for cross-country and acro. Long flying
hours. Floaty evening flights. In summer it is normal
to find 'blue' conditions with small cumulus only over
the highest peaks. |
| |
|
| October |
Autumn. October can be great, or not
so great. Usually, it's good. You can sometimes find full-on
summer conditions with great cloud bases, other times
it can rain. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
 |
