Come and paraglide with Baz Rhodes and Sam Smeaton in Algodonales, Southern Spain. Our Paragliding holidays can cater for all levels of pilots and tailored to suit individual needs, whether you require thermal tuition, cross country guidance, or just want to improve your general flying.

Algodonales, a traditional "pueblo blanco", one of the famed Andalucian white villages, is situated on the northern hillsides of the Sierra de Lijar and dates from around the sixteenth century. The village is surrounded by orchards and olive groves which make a picturesque contrast to the brilliant white houses. The centre of the village is dominated by the magnificent church of Iglesia de Santa Ana and a lovely central square surrounded by orange trees.

Near by is the Grazalema National Park which is an important mountain wilderness, unique to Andalucia. The limestone mass of the Sierra was formed in the Jurassic and Triassic periods and the close proximity to the sea has produced a micro-climate where many botanical species dating from before the Ice Age have survived, including the rare Pinsapo – the Spanish Fir. The Sierra also supports a feast of birdlife, such as Bonelli's, Booted and Golden Eagles, Griffon and Egyptian vultures and various owls, woodpeckers and swifts. For non-paragliding guests it's well worth contacting Donana Bird Tours which are hosted by John Butler, a fully licensed and professional bird guide and author of the book 'Bird watching on Spain's Southern Coast'. There are also wolves, lynx and many other small mammals making their home in the surroundings.

Although it is a national park, various outdoor activities are welcomed such as horse-riding, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, caving, walking, and of course, paragliding and hang-gliding.

Our Paragliding holidays are located close to many fine flying sites, the main ones in use being Lijar and Ronda. The largest, Lijar is roughly 1000 metres and it takes around 15 mins to fly top to bottom! It is a great thermal site and has good cross country potential. The take offs, one on the southern face and one on the westerly, are large, smooth and gentle having been reasonably enlarged to cope with the 2001 World Air Games which were held there.

Anyone who is CP and above should have no difficulty with either the launches or the landing fields, which are huge! Whatever your paragliding level of proficiency, you will enjoy the flying in Andalucia. Come and fly Spain with Andalucian Experience – we look forward to welcoming you out here for a fabulous paragliding holiday!