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EMA destination photo
FNC destination photo

EMAFNC

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is superior primarily for the approach into Madeira. As the aircraft typically loops around the eastern tip of the island to line up with Runway 05, passengers on the left enjoy a panoramic view of the rugged coastline, the city of Funchal, and the famous runway built on 180 concrete pillars.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌳

English Midlands

Aerial views of the rolling green landscapes of Derbyshire and Leicestershire immediately after takeoff from EMA.

🌊

French Atlantic Coast

Clear views of the Brittany peninsula and the scenic islands of the Bay of Biscay as you cross towards the Iberian Peninsula.

🇵🇹

Portuguese Coast

Distant views of the Portuguese mainland, including the cliffs of Sintra and the Tagus River estuary near Lisbon.

🏖️

Porto Santo

The first glimpse of the archipelago, featuring the distinct golden sand beaches of Madeira's sister island.

⛰️

Ponta de São Lourenço

The dramatic, arid eastern peninsula of Madeira with its jagged red volcanic rock formations.

🛫

FNC Runway Pillars

An incredible close-up view of the engineering marvel supporting the runway as the plane makes its final touchdown.

Sit on the left for the iconic 'Funchal turn.' Try to book a flight arriving in the late morning to avoid the sun reflecting off the Atlantic. On the descent, keep your camera ready as the plane passes very close to the hillside houses and the Machico valley before the sharp final turn.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🚢

Bay of Biscay

Expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic and busy shipping lanes connecting Northern Europe to the south.

🌅

Oceanic Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the sunset if traveling on a late-afternoon flight heading southwest.

🏝️

Desertas Islands

Small, uninhabited volcanic islands visible to the south during the final descent phase.

🏙️

Funchal Bay

A wide-angle view of the capital city and its amphitheater-like geography as the aircraft positions for landing.

🏗️

Cabo Girão

On clear days, one of the world's highest sea cliffs can be seen in the distance during the approach pattern.

The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. While you miss the immediate proximity of the runway pillars, you get a much better sense of the island's mountainous interior and the scale of Funchal's harbor. Look out for cruise ships docked in the bay.

Top Activities in Funchal
Route Information

Distance: 2,557 km (1,589 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 min

Departure: EMA (52.8311004639, -1.32806003094)

Arrival: FNC (32.697899, -16.7745)

Route Type: International

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