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LEI destination photo
MAD destination photo

LEIMAD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more diverse visual experience, featuring the coastal beauty of the Alborán Sea at takeoff, the western ridges of the Sierra Nevada, and the iconic skyline of Madrid during the approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Gulf of Almería

Dramatic views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Port of Almería immediately following departure.

⛰️

Sierra Nevada Peaks

Distant but clear views of the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, often snow-capped in winter.

🌳

Jaén Olive Groves

The 'Sea of Olives,' featuring millions of trees planted in perfect geometric patterns across the rolling hills.

💧

Tagus River Basin

As the plane enters the Meseta, the winding path of the Tagus River becomes visible near the approach path.

🏙️

Madrid Skyline

Excellent views of the Four Towers Business Area and the dense urban landscape of the capital during descent.

For the best experience, choose a window seat ahead of the wing to clearly see the Alcazaba of Almería during takeoff. On morning flights, the lighting over the Jaén olive groves creates a mesmerizing pattern of shadows. During the landing phase, the left side frequently offers a panoramic view of the city center if the aircraft is using the northern approach runways.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🏜️

Tabernas Desert

Europe's only true desert, famous for its lunar-like badlands and its history as a filming location for Westerns.

🏔️

Sierra de los Filabres

Rugged, arid mountain ranges that showcase the stark geological beauty of the Almería interior.

🏞️

Sierra de Cazorla

Views of the dense forests and limestone cliffs of Spain's largest protected natural area.

🌾

La Mancha Plains

The vast, high-altitude plateau of central Spain, characterized by red earth and windmills in the distance.

✈️

Barajas Terminal 4

A top-down view of the award-winning architectural roof of Terminal 4 during the final taxi or approach phase.

Keep your camera ready within the first 10 minutes for the Tabernas Desert. This side is particularly scenic during the winter months when the high peaks of the Filabres and Cazorla ranges are dusted with snow. If landing from the south, this side provides a great view of the airport's sprawling infrastructure and terminal designs.

Top Activities in Madrid
Route Information

Distance: 416 km (258 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 42 min

Departure: LEI (36.84389877319336, -2.3701000213623047)

Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)

Route Type: Domestic

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