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GRQ destination photo
FAO destination photo

GRQFAO

Which side of the plane to sit from Eelde Airport (Groningen) to Faro Airport (Faro)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is superior for this route as it offers breathtaking views of the French Atlantic coastline and the stunning Ria Formosa lagoons during the descent into the Algarve.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏖️

Bay of Biscay

Panoramic views of the French Atlantic coast, including the Gironde estuary and the sandy beaches of Les Landes.

🏔️

Picos de Europa

Glimpse the jagged limestone peaks of Northern Spain as the flight crosses from the coast into the interior.

🌊

Atlantic Horizon

Enjoy the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of Western Portugal as you approach the south.

🦩

Ria Formosa Natural Park

The highlight of the trip: a spectacular aerial view of the barrier islands, marshes, and lagoons surrounding Faro.

The right side is essential for the iconic approach into Faro Airport. Depending on wind direction, you often fly directly over the turquoise waters and sandbars of the Ria Formosa. For evening flights, this side also provides front-row seats to the sunset over the Atlantic.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌳

Veluwe National Park

Shortly after takeoff from Eelde, look for the vast forested areas and sand drifts of the central Netherlands.

🗼

Parisian Horizon

As the flight heads south, the eastern side offers a distant view of the expansive Paris metropolitan area.

🏜️

Spanish Meseta

Witness the dramatic, arid landscapes of the high-altitude Spanish plateau and the Sierra de Guadarrama.

🌊

Guadiana River

During the descent, spot the natural border between Spain and Portugal winding through the dry southern landscape.

Opt for the left side on morning flights to keep the sun behind you for clearer photography of the Spanish interior. This side is particularly good for spotting the transition from the rolling plains of Alentejo to the rugged hills of the northern Algarve.

Top Activities in Faro
Route Information

Distance: 2,115 km (1,314 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min

Departure: GRQ (53.1197013855, 6.579440116880001)

Arrival: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Route Type: International

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