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MAD → SCQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Santiago de Compostela Airport (Santiago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Sierra de Guadarrama peaks immediately after takeoff, better lighting conditions for morning flights, and the highest probability of spotting the Santiago Cathedral during the final approach.
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Sierra de Guadarrama
Close-up views of the Peñalara peak and the granite ridges that divide the two Castilian plateaus.
Historic Segovia
Possible sightings of the Roman Aqueduct and the Alcázar fortress shortly after crossing the mountains.
Sierra de los Ancares
The rugged, remote mountain range marking the border between the province of León and Galicia.
Santiago Cathedral
On the standard approach to Runway 35, the historic UNESCO center and the Cathedral towers are often visible to the right.
Choose the right side for morning departures to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Sierra de Guadarrama perfectly for photography. During the final descent, keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive towers of the Cathedral de Santiago, which usually appear on this side depending on the wind direction and landing pattern.
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Madrid Skyline
Dramatic views of the Cuatro Torres Business Area and the sprawling urban layout of the Spanish capital.
Castilian Meseta
The golden and ochre geometric patterns of the vast cereal plains in the Castile and León region.
Ribeira Sacra
The deep, winding canyons of the Sil River, characterized by steep terraced vineyards and rugged terrain.
Galician Interior
A transition to lush, deep green landscapes and small stone hamlets as you enter the Atlantic climate zone.
Sit on the left for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic horizon as you approach the Galician coast. This side is also better for observing the dramatic scale of the Sil River canyons if the flight path stays slightly south.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 485 km (301 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: SCQ (42.89630126953125, -8.415140151977539)
Route Type: Domestic
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