If you want to go paragliding in Madrid's mountains, the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home to Mount Abantos, a favorite launch site among paragliding enthusiasts. It's renowned in the paragliding community as one of the premier flying locations near Madrid.
Check out these paragliding deals in El Escorial.
Check out these paragliding deals in El Escorial.
Paragliding from Mount Abantos, El Escorial
Mount Abantos is a peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama located near the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It's considered one of Madrid's finest flying areas.
This protected zone falls under the Picturesque Landscape of Abantos Pine Forest and La Herrería Area conservation status by the Community of Madrid.
The mountainside hosts the magnificent Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. During your flight, you'll soar above both San Lorenzo de El Escorial and El Escorial.
Takeoff
To launch, you'll need to ascend Mount Abantos, overlooking the town of El Escorial.
The climb follows the southern slope starting from Malagón Pass, on the road connecting San Lorenzo de El Escorial with Peguerinos.
Alternative routes exist from San Lorenzo de El Escorial, though these present more challenging ascents.
You'll enjoy views of the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery. The launch sits at 1,700 meters altitude with 770 meters of vertical drop.
This flight isn't recommended for beginners due to the rocky takeoff area that requires technical handling.
Flight
During flight, you'll witness spectacular views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, La Machota, and the Valley of the Fallen Memorial. Be mindful of griffon vultures sharing the airspace.
Below you'll see San Lorenzo de El Escorial with its iconic monastery.
You can also spot Valmayor Reservoir in the distance.
Landing
A large open field serves as the landing zone, easily accessible from launch despite appearing distant.
This expansive area lies left of the road to El Escorial, commonly used by paragliders.
Other Flying Sites in Northern Sierra and Surroundings
Beyond Abantos, discover other exceptional paragliding spots near Madrid. Here are 3 top flying areas in the Northern Sierra region:
- La Muela de Alarilla: Located 80km from Madrid in Humanes, Guadalajara. Famous for tandem flights, offering views of Alarilla Plain and the Henares River basin.
- Arcones: A Segovia province village 100km from Madrid. Considered one of Segovia's best sites for paragliding and hang gliding, featuring breathtaking Madrid Northern Range vistas.
- Cebreros: A municipality in Ávila province, 80km west of Madrid. Flights reveal Cebreros and El Tiemblo villages, plus San Juan Reservoir, Burguillo Reservoir, and Charco del Cura lagoon.
For more adventures beyond Madrid, explore these 12 Best Paragliding Sites in Spain. See you in the skies!
