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LIS → SMA
Which side of the plane to sit from Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) (Lisbon) to Santa Maria Airport (Santa Maria (island))?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of Lisbon's historic monuments, the Sintra mountains, and the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca before crossing the Atlantic toward the Azores.
Search flights from LIS to SMA
Lisbon Landmarks
Views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King statue, and the historic Alfama district.
Belém District
A perfect top-down view of the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, marking the transition from land to the vast Atlantic.
Vila do Porto
The oldest town in the Azores comes into view during the final approach to SMA airport.
Anjos Coastline
Rugged basaltic cliffs where Christopher Columbus famously stopped on his return from the Americas.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, providing a golden hour view over the ocean. During takeoff from Lisbon, the plane usually turns West, placing the city's iconic palaces and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park directly in your line of sight.
Book Hotels in Santa Maria (island)Setúbal Peninsula
Aerial views of the Costa da Caparica beaches and the mouth of the Tagus river.
Arrábida Natural Park
Stunning turquoise waters meeting the white limestone cliffs of the Serra da Arrábida.
Azores Marine Waters
Deep blue Atlantic views where whale and dolphin activity is common near the archipelago.
Praia Formosa
Visual of Santa Maria's famous white sand beach, a rarity in the volcanic Azores.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. As you approach Santa Maria, look for the distinct landscape of the 'Yellow Island', characterized by its flatter, more arid eastern section compared to other Azorean islands.
Get eSIMs for Portugal
Get eSIMs for PortugalDistance: 1,420 km (882 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: LIS (38.7813, -9.13592)
Arrival: SMA (36.97140121459961, -25.17060089111328)
Route Type: Domestic
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