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Physical effort: Medium Control

The Iberian Sunset: reverse cowgirl on an armchair

The Iberian Sunset is a reverse cowgirl on an armchair: he reclines on the seat with his pelvis at the front edge, and she sits on top facing away from him, steadying herself on the armrest. She sets the pace, and penetration can be deep.

Also known as: Spanish Sunset · Reverse cowgirl on an armchair

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Illustration of The Iberian Sunset: He reclines on his back across an armchair with his feet on the floor; she sits astride his pelvis facing away from him, one hand on the armrest, one foot on th
Anatomy and biomechanics

He lies back across the seat of an armchair, his upper body and head deep in the seat, his pelvis at the front edge, knees bent and both feet flat on the floor. She sits astride his pelvis facing away from his head, torso upright and leaning slightly to one side, with one hand gripping the armrest. One of her legs reaches down so that her foot touches the floor; the other is bent and rests on his thigh. He holds her hips. She controls the rhythm and depth by moving her pelvis up and down or rocking it, using the foot on the floor and the armrest for support. Penetration can be deep. His hands, or hers, can reach her clitoris.

Why this position works

Many women enjoy positions where they are on top because they can control the pace, depth and angle. Facing away, the angle of penetration is different from the usual cowgirl, and some women find it presses pleasantly towards the front wall of the vagina. The armchair gives her something to hold and keeps his effort low. You don't see each other's faces, and contact is mainly at the hips and thighs. How it feels varies from person to person.

Variations of this position

Variation 1: both of her feet on the floor

Same position on the armchair, but she places both feet on the floor on either side of his legs instead of resting one leg on his thigh.

With both feet on the floor she has a wider, more stable base and can push up and down with her legs, controlling depth more precisely. Her thighs work more and she needs the armrest less.

  1. He reclines on the armchair with his pelvis at the edge and feet on the floor.
  2. She sits on him facing away and places both feet on the floor, outside his legs.
  3. She rests her hands on his knees or on the armrests.
  4. She moves up and down using her legs, without lifting too high.

Variation 2: she leans forward with her hands on his knees

Same position, but she leans her torso forward and rests her hands on his knees, changing the angle of penetration.

Leaning forward tilts her pelvis and changes the angle at which the penis enters; some couples find it presses more towards the back wall of the vagina. Movements should be smaller, because in this angle the penis bends more easily if it slips out.

  1. Start in the basic position on the armchair.
  2. She leans her torso forward and places her hands on his knees.
  3. She rocks her pelvis in short movements rather than lifting high.
  4. He keeps his hands on her hips to guide her.

Variation 3: she leans back against his chest

Same position, but she leans back until her back rests against his chest, and he wraps his arms around her.

Leaning back brings more of their bodies into contact and leaves his hands free to caress her breasts or reach her clitoris. Her movement becomes a gentle rocking rather than lifting, so penetration is shallower and slower.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. She leans back slowly until her back rests on his chest.
  3. She keeps her feet on the floor or on his thighs for support.
  4. He wraps his arms around her and can caress her clitoris while she rocks gently.

Variation 4: classic reverse cowgirl on the bed

The same reverse cowgirl without the armchair: he lies flat on his back on the bed and she kneels astride him, facing his feet.

Without the armchair, he lies flat and she kneels on the mattress on either side of his hips instead of having a foot on the floor. She loses the armrest as a handhold but can rest her hands on his thighs. The bed is more stable, though her knees take more weight.

  1. He lies on his back on the bed, legs straight or slightly bent.
  2. She kneels astride his hips, facing his feet.
  3. She rests her hands on his thighs or knees for balance.
  4. She moves with control, without lifting so high that the penis slips out.

Variation 5: adding clitoral stimulation by hand

Same position on the armchair, with her free hand or one of his hands caressing her clitoris while she moves.

The posture does not change. She holds the armrest with one hand and uses the other on her clitoris, or he slides a hand round her hip to do it. Her movements usually become slower and more rocking so the hand can keep contact.

  1. Take up the basic position on the armchair.
  2. She keeps one hand on the armrest for balance.
  3. With her free hand, or his, she or he caresses the clitoris gently.
  4. She switches to a slower, rocking movement and tells him what she prefers.

✓ Tips

  • Use a sturdy armchair that does not slide or tip, with a stable armrest to hold.
  • She should move with control and not lift so high that the penis slips out: landing on it at an angle can bend it painfully.
  • If he feels pain or hears a crack, stop immediately and seek medical help.
  • Start slowly, since penetration can be deep; she adjusts the depth with the foot on the floor.
  • Use lubricant, and a condom if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship with tested partners.
  • Either of you can add clitoral stimulation by hand.
  • Stop if there is pain.

Key facts

Interaction type
Vaginal penetration with her on top, facing away, on an armchair
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina (and clitoris by hand)
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal penetration with her on top, facing away
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Who controls the movement?

Mainly she does: she sets the pace and depth, using the armrest and the foot on the floor for support. He can guide her hips with his hands.

Is it risky for the penis?

Positions with the woman on top, facing away, are among those most associated with penile fracture. Moving slowly, not letting the penis slip out and stopping at any pain reduce the risk.

Can it be done without an armchair?

Yes. On a bed it becomes a classic reverse cowgirl; the armchair simply gives her a handhold and lets him keep his feet on the floor.

Does it stimulate the G-spot?

Some women find the angle presses towards the front wall of the vagina, but this is not guaranteed and depends on each body.

Safety and evidence 2 topics · 3 clinical and academic references

Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.

G-spot: what the evidence says

“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.

Sources
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005. PubMed ↗
Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021. PubMed ↗

A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence

The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.

Sources
Chua Chee Ann. A proposal for a radical new sex therapy technique… the AFE Zone Stimulation Technique. Sexual and Marital Therapy. 1997. Original article ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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