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MAD → EAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to San Sebastian Airport (San Sebastian)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama shortly after takeoff and provides the most iconic views of the Spanish coastline and San Sebastian's urban landscape during the approach.
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Sierra de Guadarrama
Aerial views of the granite peaks and the Peñalara summit shortly after departing Madrid.
Segovia Province
View the transition from the high plateau to the historic rolling hills of the Castilian heartland.
The Meseta Norte
Expansive views of the high altitude plains with their distinctive geometric agricultural patterns.
Cantabrian Coastline
Dramatic cliffs and emerald green waters as the aircraft maneuvers over the Bay of Biscay.
San Sebastian Cityscape
A glimpse of the famous La Concha beach and the dense, beautiful urban layout of the city during descent.
Sit toward the front or well behind the wing for the best mountain photography. Early morning flights are best for the left side to avoid direct southern glare while capturing the soft light hitting the Basque mountains. During the final approach over the sea, the left side usually gets a sweeping view of the Spanish shoreline.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for Spain
Burgos Region
The flight path often passes near Burgos, offering views of the vast Arlanzón river valley.
La Rioja Borders
Distant views of the famous vineyards as the plane tracks north toward the Basque Country.
Western Pyrenees
The rising peaks of the Basque mountains and the start of the Pyrenees range to the east.
Bidasoa River
A perfect view of the river that forms the natural border between Spain and France.
Hendaye, France
Clear views of the French town and its long sandy beach across the bay from the airport runway.
The right side is ideal for spotting the international border. As you land at EAS, you are looking directly into France. For late afternoon flights, the right side is preferred as the sun sets in the west (left), illuminating the Pyrenees and the French coast in warm golden tones.
Book Hotels in San SebastianDistance: 353 km (219 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 35 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: EAS (43.35649871826172, -1.7906099557876587)
Route Type: Domestic
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