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CWL → ALC
Which side of the plane to sit from Cardiff International Airport (Cardiff) to Alicante International Airport (Alicante)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the French Atlantic coastline, the high peaks of the central Pyrenees, and the turquoise waters of the Spanish Mediterranean coast during the descent.
Bristol Channel
Aerial views of the Somerset coast and Exmoor National Park shortly after takeoff from Cardiff.
French Atlantic Coast
Stunning vistas of the Vendée region, including the islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron near La Rochelle.
Central Pyrenees
A dramatic crossing of the snow-capped high peaks separating France and Spain, often including views of Aneto.
Valencia Coastline
Panoramic views of the Gulf of Valencia and the sprawling Albufera natural park as you head south.
Costa Blanca Shoreline
Excellent views of Benidorm's famous skyscrapers and the Peñón de Ifach rock formation during the approach.
Sit on the left for the best morning light during southbound flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the Pyrenees roughly 60-70 minutes into the flight. On the final approach to ALC, the left side typically sees the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.
Welsh Coastline
A clear view back toward the Vale of Glamorgan and the rugged cliffs of South Wales during initial climb.
Bordeaux Region
Aerial view of the Gironde estuary and the world-famous vineyards surrounding the city of Bordeaux.
Landes Forest
Looking down on one of the largest maritime pine forests in Europe stretching toward the Pyrenees.
Spanish Interior
The arid, rugged landscapes of Aragon and the Sistema Ibérico mountains as you cross central Spain.
Santa Pola Salt Flats
If the aircraft circles for a southerly landing, you will see the bright pink salt lakes just south of the airport.
The right side is ideal for catching sunset views if flying in the late afternoon. It provides a better perspective of the Spanish 'Hinterland' and the western Pyrenees foothills. Be aware that midday flights on the right may suffer from intense sun heat and glare.
Distance: 1,474 km (916 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: CWL (51.39670181274414, -3.343329906463623)
Arrival: ALC (38.28219985961914, -0.5581560134887695)
Route Type: International
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