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RAK destination photo

LGWRAK

Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Menara Airport (Marrakech)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar and the most dramatic views of the High Atlas Mountains during the final descent into Marrakesh.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

English Channel & White Cliffs

Immediately after departing Gatwick, catch views of the Sussex coastline and the busy shipping lanes of the Channel.

🏰

Loire Valley Chateaus

As you cruise over Western France, the meandering Loire River and its historic valley are visible to the east.

🏔️

Pyrenees Mountains

On clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees border between France and Spain appear on the horizon.

🚢

Strait of Gibraltar

A major highlight where you can see the Rock of Gibraltar and the tip of Europe meeting the African continent.

🏜️

Rif Mountains

The first Moroccan terrain you encounter, featuring rugged, arid ridges and deep valleys.

❄️

High Atlas Range

The most spectacular view of the trip; as the plane turns for Marrakesh, the towering peaks of the Atlas dominate the window.

Book an 'A' seat for the best experience. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft, providing perfectly lit landscapes for photography. Pay close attention during the last 20 minutes of the flight; the approach often involves a banking turn that provides a panoramic view of the 4,000m peaks of the High Atlas.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🏖️

Normandy & Brittany Coast

The rugged western coastline of France, featuring sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

🌊

Bay of Biscay

A vast expanse of deep blue ocean often featuring dramatic cloud formations and large maritime vessels.

⛰️

Picos de Europa

Views of the limestone peaks of Northern Spain as the flight path skirts the Iberian peninsula.

🌅

Atlantic Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the ocean, especially beautiful during sunset flights from London.

🕌

Casablanca Coastline

As you descend, look for the sprawling white metropolis of Casablanca and the towering minaret of the Hassan II Mosque.

Choose an 'F' or 'K' seat if you are flying in the late afternoon; you will be treated to a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. While this side sees less of the mountain ranges, it offers a great perspective of the Moroccan coastline. Keep an eye out for the Portuguese coast during the mid-flight cruise phase.

Top Activities in Marrakech
Route Information

Distance: 2,266 km (1,408 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 1 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: RAK (31.6068992615, -8.036299705510002)

Route Type: International

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