Loading map...
MAD → SDQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer vast ocean vistas, the Right Side (Starboard) is superior for this westbound route as it avoids the harsh southern sun glare and provides a breathtaking approach over the Samaná Peninsula and the lush northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Search flights from MAD to SDQ
Sierra de Gredos
Dramatic granite peaks and glacial lagoons located west of Madrid.
Galician Coast
The rugged 'Rías' or fjords of Northwest Spain if the flight takes a more northerly transatlantic tracks.
Atlantic Sunset
Due to the westbound direction, the right side enjoys a prolonged 'golden hour' and sunset over the ocean.
Samaná Peninsula
Stunning views of the lush, coconut-palm-covered mountains and secluded bays of the DR's northeast coast.
Los Haitises National Park
Visuals of the unique mogotes (limestone hills) and mangrove forests as the plane turns toward SDQ.
The right side is the 'cool side'—literally—as you are facing away from the direct sun for the majority of the 8-9 hour flight. This makes for much better photography. The highlight is the last 30 minutes of the flight; keep your eyes peeled for the Samaná Peninsula, which is one of the most beautiful geographic features in the Caribbean.
Book Hotels in Santo Domingo
Madrid Outskirts
Aerial views of the sprawling Spanish capital and the Cuatro Torres Business Area shortly after takeoff.
The Meseta Central
The arid, golden-hued high plateau of central Spain, featuring the winding Tagus River.
Gulf of Cádiz
The transition from the Iberian Peninsula to the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean near the Portugal border.
Caribbean Horizon
The first glimpse of the turquoise Caribbean waters as you descend toward Hispaniola.
Boca Chica Coastline
Views of the shallow coral reefs and beaches just east of Santo Domingo during the final approach.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Spanish Meseta, but be prepared for intense sunlight throughout the flight as you head west. Use the window shade during the mid-flight Atlantic crossing to avoid glare on screens. On arrival, you may see the southern coastline, but it is often less dramatic than the northern approach.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for Dominican RepublicDistance: 6,690 km (4,157 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 52 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: SDQ (18.42970085144, -69.668899536133)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.