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LIS → REC
Which side of the plane to sit from Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) (Lisbon) to Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (Recife)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled departure view of Lisbon's Tagus river and the bridge, followed by the possibility of seeing the eastern Canary Islands and a stunning coastal approach into Recife's famous urban beaches.
Tagus River & 25 de Abril Bridge
Dramatic views of Lisbon's riverfront, the Christ the King statue, and the iconic suspension bridge immediately after takeoff.
Algarve Coastline
If the flight path tracks slightly inland or follows the coast, you will see the golden cliffs and turquoise waters of southern Portugal.
Lanzarote & Fuerteventura
The easternmost Canary Islands often appear as volcanic, martian landscapes amidst the deep blue of the Atlantic.
The South Atlantic
Expansive views of the open ocean where the water color shifts as you cross the mid-Atlantic ridges.
Boa Viagem Beach
Upon descent into Recife, the left side typically offers a sweeping view of the high-rise skyline and the reef-protected shoreline.
Recife Coral Reefs
Clear views of the natural rock and coral formations that give the city its name (Recife means Reef in Portuguese).
For the morning departures common on this route, the left side will be south-facing and receive direct sunlight for much of the journey; keep your window shade down during the mid-flight to avoid glare. For the best landing experience, the left side provides the most iconic view of the 'Brazilian Miami' skyline during the final approach into Runway 18.
Sintra & Cascais
View the westernmost tip of Europe, including the Pena Palace and the rugged cliffs of Cabo da Roca.
Madeira Island
Often visible in the distance, the lush, mountainous island of Madeira rises sharply out of the North Atlantic.
Mount Teide
The towering peak of Tenerife is frequently visible above the cloud layer as you pass the Canary Islands archipelago.
The ITCZ Clouds
Observe the massive, towering cumulus clouds of the Intertropical Convergence Zone as you cross the equator.
Historic Olinda
During the final approach, look for the colorful colonial churches and greenery of the UNESCO World Heritage site north of Recife.
The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer shade during the daytime flight south. It offers the best chance to see the western Canary Islands like Tenerife and La Palma. During landing, if the plane approaches from the north, you'll get a better look at the historical hills of Olinda rather than the modern beachfront.
Distance: 5,857 km (3,639 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 53 min
Departure: LIS (38.7813, -9.13592)
Arrival: REC (-8.126489639282228, -34.923599243164055)
Route Type: International
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