Paragliding / Parapente - Sites, Schools, Tandems & Information for Granada, Sierra Nevada, Spain

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Otivar paragliding take-off Information page

Site Name	Otivar
Site Coordinates	36.4°N 3.3°W
Type of flying	Thermic
Orientation	South
Good when?	Nil wind; light E wind; light south wind
Bad when?	Moderate/Strong S wind; Strong E wind; Moderate/Strong W wind; N wind
Take-off altitude	750m
Landing altitude	400m
Height difference	350m
Pilot Level	Intermediate to Expert
Observations	This site is very scenic as you can see the Mediteranean and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. Often you can fly to the beach. In the winter months it is a good bet, as the lower take-off altitude allows better height gains before hitting the inversion. The landing field is too small and committed for beginner pilots.


General Information This really is a spectacular site, and a popular one, especially in winter. This site has a really Andalucian feel to it, and the surrounding countryside is preserved pretty much as you would have found it centuries ago. The scenary is incredible, making the winding drive to the site a pleasure. From take-off you can see the Mediterranean about 15km away, and all around are impressive gorges with rivers in the bottom, spikey peaks, and pine trees (and of course a pretty good landing field!!). You won't be disappointed!!!
The site generally works best in light winds. South is good, as is a light east. Usually it doesn't work very well with west wind, and is in rotor with north (except if it is exeedingly light). As mentioned above, the lower take-off altitude means greater height gains during winter. In summer, you are usually better moving inland to 'Cenes de la Vega' or one of the other sites if big distance is your goal. The take-off is situated besides some communications antennas. Top-landing is very tricky. You'll find the landing further towards the sea (visible from take-off), beside a bend in the road. There are some pine trees lining one side of the field. It is good, but don't even think of overshooting it (should be suitable for all but beginners). There are some quite spectacular (if not the longest) cross-country opportunies in this area. One of the most luring involves landing on the beach for a swim. Another option would be to follow these mountains towards the west into the province of Malaga.

Getting There The site is not difficult to find (following a marked asphalt road), but it is slightly out of the way. From the outskirts of Granada, count on about a 45 minute drive. From Granada, take the motorway in the 'Motril' direction. After perhaps 15km, you will see a BP garage on the right. In another couple of kilometres you will see an exit marked 'Otivar'. Follow the signs towards 'Otivar'. Follow the winding road until you rise up and see the Mediteranean. Keep going, and you will eventually see an antenna on the left. The take off is just in front. Just follow the same road, and you will come to the landing field on the right of the road (on a bend). You can park under the trees there. This road eventually leads right down to the coast.