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ALC → SCQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Alicante International Airport (Alicante) to Santiago de Compostela Airport (Santiago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the arid Mediterranean landscape to the lush, water-carved Atlantic estuaries (Rías) of the Galician coast during the descent.
Costa Blanca
Initial views of the Mediterranean coastline and the salt flats near Alicante during the climb.
Meseta Central
The vast, golden expanse of the Spanish high plateau stretching toward the horizon.
Sierra de Gredos
South-facing slopes of the Central System mountains, often snow-capped in winter months.
Portuguese Frontier
Glimpses of the rugged, mountainous border regions between Spain and Northern Portugal.
Rías Baixas
The spectacular sight of the Atlantic ocean meeting the land in deep, fjord-like estuaries during the final approach.
For afternoon flights, sit on the left to keep the sun behind the aircraft, ensuring the best lighting for photography of the Galician coast. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, stay alert for the Ría de Arousa and Ría de Pontevedra, which are clearly visible from this side.
Alicante City
A birds-eye view of Santa Bárbara Castle and the urban layout of Alicante immediately after takeoff.
Madrid Skyline
On clear days, the 'Four Towers' business area of the Spanish capital may be visible in the distance.
Ribera del Duero
The fertile valleys of one of Spain's most famous wine-producing regions.
Ribeira Sacra
The deep, winding canyons carved by the Sil and Miño rivers as the plane enters Galician airspace.
Galician Interior
A sea of deep green rolling hills and eucalyptus forests characteristic of the northwest.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. Keep an eye out for the Sil Canyon (Cañón del Sil) as you cross from Castile and León into Galicia; its deep gorges are best viewed from this side when the flight path takes a northern trajectory.
Distance: 838 km (521 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: ALC (38.28219985961914, -0.5581560134887695)
Arrival: SCQ (42.89630126953125, -8.415140151977539)
Route Type: Domestic
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