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LGW → FAO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Faro Airport (Faro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, the rugged cliffs of Brittany, and the dramatic Picos de Europa mountain range in Northern Spain, alongside a stunning sunset perspective for evening flights.
Search flights from LGW to FAO
Isle of Wight
Visible shortly after leaving LGW, the island's diamond shape is prominent on the right.
Brittany Coastline
The jagged, rocky shores of Western France provide a dramatic contrast to the blue Atlantic.
Picos de Europa
The jagged limestone peaks of Northern Spain are often visible rising above the cloud layer.
Bay of Biscay
A vast expanse of deep blue ocean, often with large merchant ships visible from high altitude.
Algarve Western Capes
If the flight path swings west, you will see Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of Europe.
The right side is unbeatable for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the ocean. Watch for the Picos de Europa mountains roughly 60-70 minutes into the flight. If the wind is from the west, you may get a panoramic view of the entire Algarve coastline during the circling maneuver for landing.
Book Hotels in FaroEnglish Channel
Look down shortly after takeoff to see the dense shipping lanes between the UK and France.
Loire Valley
View the intricate patchwork of French vineyards and the winding Loire river as you cross Western France.
Spanish Meseta
Observe the high, arid plateaus of central Spain, characterized by golden fields and ancient villages.
Guadiana River
Identify the natural serpentine border separating Spain and Portugal just before your final descent.
Ria Formosa
On final approach to Runway 28, enjoy the stunning lagoons, salt pans, and sand islands of the Algarve coast.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the Ria Formosa wetlands, which are a maze of blue and green channels. This side is also better for spotting the Guadiana International Bridge as you cross the border into Portugal.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for PortugalDistance: 1,688 km (1,049 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 15 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)
Route Type: International
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