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OPO → PDL
Which side of the plane to sit from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto) to João Paulo II Airport (Ponta Delgada)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is highly recommended for the spectacular approach into São Miguel, offering the most iconic views of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater and the dramatic northern coastline before landing.
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Port of Leixões
A birds-eye view of Porto's main seaport and the curved coastline of Matosinhos immediately after takeoff.
Sete Cidades Crater
The most famous landmark of the Azores, featuring the twin Green and Blue lakes nestled within a massive volcanic caldera.
Mosteiros Coastline
Rugged basalt rock formations and sea stacks rising from the Atlantic at the western tip of São Miguel.
Ponta Delgada Waterfront
The cityscape of the Azorean capital with its distinct black and white architecture during the final descent into PDL airport.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Aim for a seat behind the wing for unobstructed views of Sete Cidades. Most approaches into PDL circle around the northern or western side of the island, placing the most dramatic volcanic scenery on the right. For the best photography, choose a flight arriving in the early afternoon when the sun illuminates the depths of the craters.
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Douro River Estuary
Watch the Douro River flow into the Atlantic Ocean as the aircraft climbs away from the Porto coastline.
Costa Nova
Catch a glimpse of the southern coastline and the long sandy stretches of Aveiro's famous beaches.
Santa Maria Island
If taking a southern approach path, the oldest island in the Azores may appear as a small emerald speck to the south.
Choose the left side for better views of Porto's southern suburbs and the Aveiro lagoon during the initial 15 minutes of flight. This side is also preferred during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun as you head west-southwest towards the Azores.
Get eSIMs for Portugal
Get eSIMs for PortugalDistance: 1,509 km (938 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: OPO (41.2481002808, -8.68138980865)
Arrival: PDL (37.7411994934, -25.6979007721)
Route Type: Domestic
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