Loading map...
ALC → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Alicante International Airport (Alicante) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama of the Alicante coastline and the Castle of Santa Barbara during departure, followed by the dramatic terrain of the Serranía de Cuenca and a clearer perspective of the Madrid urban sprawl during the approach.
Search flights from ALC to MAD
Castle of Santa Barbara
A stunning aerial view of the historic fortress perched atop Mount Benacantil overlooking the city of Alicante.
Sierra de Aitana
The highest peaks in the Alicante province, offering rugged limestone ridges and deep mountain valleys.
Sea of Castile
The massive Entrepeñas and Buendía reservoirs, which appear like giant blue inland seas among the hills.
Madrid Skyline
Clear views of the Four Towers Business Area and the dense urban grid of the capital during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for capturing the Alicante coastline during the initial climb. For the best lighting, morning flights are preferred as the sun illuminates the mountains and reservoirs. During winter, look for snow caps on the distant Sierra de Guadarrama mountains to the north as you approach Madrid Barajas.
Book Hotels in Madrid
Santa Pola Salt Flats
Visible immediately after takeoff if the plane loops south, showing bright pink and white evaporation ponds.
La Mancha Plateau
The vast, geometric agricultural patterns of the Spanish high plateau, characterized by ochre and red earth tones.
Alarcón Reservoir
A large, winding body of water on the Júcar River, providing a sharp blue contrast to the arid surroundings.
Sit on the left if you want to see the Salinas de Santa Pola during departure. This side is also better for catching the sunset if flying late in the afternoon, as the sun sets to the west of the northbound path. Avoid seats over the wing to ensure a clear view of the deep river canyons in the Cuenca province.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 355 km (221 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 36 min
Departure: ALC (38.28219985961914, -0.5581560134887695)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.