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FAO destination photo
LIS destination photo

FAOLIS

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lisbon's historic monuments, the iconic red suspension bridge, and the rugged Atlantic coastline during the final approach.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
⛰️

Serra da Arrábida

Lush green limestone mountains meeting the turquoise Atlantic waters near Setúbal.

🌊

Costa da Caparica

A sprawling 26km stretch of golden sandy beaches and fossil cliffs south of the Tagus.

🌉

25 de Abril Bridge

The iconic red suspension bridge that mirrors San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

⛪

Cristo Rei

The massive statue of Christ the King overlooking the Tagus River from the southern bank.

🏰

Lisbon Historic Center

Clear views of the Alfama district, São Jorge Castle, and the downtown Baixa grid.

Choose the left side for the most iconic arrival experience into Lisbon. During the final 10 minutes, keep your camera ready for the Cristo Rei statue and the suspension bridge. For morning flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun, providing better visibility of the coastline and Arrábida Natural Park.

Right Side Highlights
8.0
🛶

Ria Formosa

A stunning labyrinth of lagoons, marshes, and sand islands visible immediately after takeoff from Faro.

🚜

Alentejo Plains

The vast, rolling 'breadbasket' of Portugal, dotted with cork oak trees and white-washed farms.

⚓

Sado Estuary

A wide river mouth near Setúbal, home to a unique resident population of bottlenose dolphins.

🌉

Vasco da Gama Bridge

A massive 12km long bridge, one of the longest in Europe, crossing the wide Mar da Palha.

🏟️

Parque das Nações

The modern waterfront district built for Expo '98, featuring striking contemporary architecture.

The right side is superior for the initial climb out of Faro to see the intricate patterns of the Ria Formosa. On arrival, it provides a unique perspective of the newer, eastern side of Lisbon and the massive Vasco da Gama bridge. If landing from the north (Runway 21), you'll get a great view of the airport's proximity to the city center.

Top Activities in Lisbon
Route Information

Distance: 222 km (138 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 22 min

Departure: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Arrival: LIS (38.7813, -9.13592)

Route Type: Domestic

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