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LPA destination photo

BRSLPA

Which side of the plane to sit from Bristol Airport (Bristol) to Gran Canaria Airport (Gran Canaria)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most diverse scenery, including the rugged coastline of Brittany, the winding rivers of Portugal, and a spectacular aerial approach over the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura before landing.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Bristol Channel

Immediately after takeoff, enjoy views of the Somerset coast, the Steep Holm island, and the Quantock Hills.

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Brittany Coast

As the plane crosses toward the Bay of Biscay, the jagged peninsulas of northwest France are often visible.

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Tagus River

Deep views into the Portuguese interior, including the sprawling estuary near Lisbon and the surrounding plains.

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Algarve Shoreline

The transition from the mainland to the Atlantic Ocean offers a final glimpse of the golden southern Portuguese beaches.

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Lanzarote & Fuerteventura

A highlight of the flight, offering clear views of Timanfaya National Park's craters and the Corralejo sand dunes.

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Las Palmas

During the final descent, the left side typically faces the capital city and the iconic Las Canteras beach.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun on the opposite side, providing better lighting for photography of the Canary Island chain. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes before landing when the aircraft begins its descent over the eastern islands of the archipelago.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Cornish Peninsula

Distant but beautiful views of the southwestern tip of England and the Celtic Sea.

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Bay of Biscay

Vast maritime views where you can often spot large cargo vessels and dramatic Atlantic cloud formations.

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Cabo da Roca

The westernmost point of continental Europe is often visible as the flight tracks along the Portuguese coast.

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Atlantic Sunset

On late afternoon flights, this side offers an uninterrupted view of the sun setting over the ocean horizon.

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Mount Teide

On clear days during the approach to Gran Canaria, the massive peak of Teide on neighboring Tenerife is visible to the west.

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Gran Canaria Mountains

Views of the island's central volcanic peaks and deep ravines as the plane turns for its final approach.

The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening departures, offering stunning golden hour views and sunsets over the Atlantic. During the final approach into Gran Canaria, look out for the silhouette of Tenerife; Mount Teide is often visible even above the 'sea of clouds' typical of the region.

Top Activities in Gran Canaria
Route Information

Distance: 2,815 km (1,749 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 45 min

Departure: BRS (51.382702, -2.71909)

Arrival: LPA (27.931900024414062, -15.38659954071045)

Route Type: International

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