Fonte da Telha
Parakite and paragliding site

Flying conditions

The main directions used for flying Parakite and paragliders at Fonte da Telha are South-West (SW), West (W) and North-West (NW).

However, the direction given in a weather forecast is not enough to determine whether conditions are good for flying.

Strength, gusts, cross component, the quality of the flow and the way the wind interacts with the cliff all have to be assessed together.

How much wind is needed?

We do not give a minimum or maximum wind figure, because there is no figure that can be safely applied to every pilot and every piece of equipment.

The strength required depends on several factors, including:

• discipline — Parakite or paragliding
• the model and characteristics of the wing
• wing size
• all-up weight
• the pilot’s experience
• wind direction
• gusts and the quality of the flow
• the conditions present on site

Two people at the same site with the same wind speed may need different equipment.

The differences between Parakite and paragliding, and between models, sizes and wing loadings, can significantly change what conditions are appropriate for each pilot.

Take-off

Take-off is from the top of the cliff, looking out over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

Access is relatively straightforward: the take-off area is about 5 minutes on foot from the car park.

Flying Parakite and paragliders at Fonte da Telha

Fonte da Telha makes it possible to use the dynamic lift created when the wind meets the coastal cliff.

When conditions are suitable, coastal soaring is possible, moving along different parts of this stretch of coast.

The length of the cliff also allows the flight to be extended north or south.

Flying north towards Costa da Caparica

In suitable conditions it is possible to fly north from Fonte da Telha towards Costa da Caparica, following the coastline.

Whether that route can be flown, or extended, depends on the conditions at the time and on the capability of the pilot and the equipment being used.

Flying south towards Lagoa de Albufeira

It is also possible to extend the flight south, from Fonte da Telha to the northern end of Lagoa de Albufeira, when conditions along the way are suitable.

That route joins two different flying environments: the cliff at Fonte da Telha and the coastal dune area at Lagoa de Albufeira.

Landing

Whenever possible, landing is back at the take-off, on top of the cliff.

When returning to the take-off is not possible, the beach can be used as an alternative.

Using the beach has to take into account the space available, the tide and the presence of people or other activities.

The beach and the fossil cliff

One of the things that defines Fonte da Telha is its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica.

The landscape combines a long stretch of sand, a dune system and the cliff that runs along this part of the coast.

Fonte da Telha also keeps a strong link to fishing and to Arte Xávega, the traditional beach-seine fishery, as well as being sought out for beach activities and wave sports.

A shared space

Fonte da Telha is a busy beach, particularly during the bathing season.

Parakite and paragliding pilots share the space with swimmers, fishermen, surfers, walkers and others.

The presence of people and other activities must be given particular attention during the flight, and whenever the beach has to be used for landing.

Respect for the site

Fonte da Telha lies in an area of high natural and scenic value, tied to the Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica.

Parakite and paragliding should be practised so as to minimise the impact on the site, to respect the existing accesses, and to avoid damaging the dunes, the vegetation and the rest of the coastal environment.

Respecting the site helps keep it open to everyone.