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HAM destination photo
LPA destination photo

HAMLPA

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior sequence of views, including the Hamburg city center upon takeoff, a clear look at the Spanish Meseta, and the highlight: a spectacular aerial tour of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura during the final descent into Gran Canaria.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Hamburg & Elbe River

Aerial views of the Port of Hamburg, the Alster lakes, and the winding Elbe river shortly after departure.

🏰

The Spanish Meseta

The vast, golden-red high plateau of central Spain, offering views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

🏙️

Madrid Skyline

On many flight paths, the dense urban layout and skyscrapers of the Spanish capital are visible to the east.

🌋

Lanzarote & Fuerteventura

Stunning views of the volcanic craters, salt pans, and turquoise lagoons of the easternmost Canary Islands during descent.

✈️

LPA Final Approach

A close-up view of the Gando Peninsula and the eastern coastline of Gran Canaria as the plane aligns with the runway.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. This side is essential if you want to see the other Canary Islands (Lanzarote/Fuerteventura) before landing at LPA. Keep your window shade open starting 45 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Bay of Biscay

Dramatic views of the deep blue Atlantic where it meets the rugged coastline of Western France and Northern Spain.

🏔️

Picos de Europa

The jagged, limestone peaks of Northern Spain's most famous mountain range visible during the transition into Spanish airspace.

🇵🇹

Portuguese Atlantic Coast

Distant views of the long sandy stretches and cliffs along the coast of Portugal.

🌋

Mount Teide

Spain's highest peak on the neighboring island of Tenerife often emerges above the clouds to the west during the final approach.

🏖️

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Views of the island's capital city and the famous Las Canteras beach just before touchdown.

The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. If the flight path takes you west of the island, this side offers the most iconic view of Mount Teide on Tenerife. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the ocean haze.

Top Activities in Gran Canaria
Route Information

Distance: 3,528 km (2,192 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 9 min

Departure: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Arrival: LPA (27.931900024414062, -15.38659954071045)

Route Type: International

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