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PIK destination photo
FAO destination photo

PIK → FAO

Which side of the plane to sit from Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Prestwick) to Faro Airport (Faro)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior sequence of diverse landscapes, including the Welsh mountains, the rugged coastline of Brittany, the Picos de Europa in Spain, and the final scenic approach over the Ria Formosa wetlands.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Ayrshire Coastline

Aerial views of the Scottish lowlands and the rolling hills of South Ayrshire immediately after takeoff.

🏔️

Eryri (Snowdonia)

On clear days, the jagged peaks of North Wales are visible as the flight crosses the Irish Sea toward the Celtic Sea.

🇫🇷

Brittany Peninsula

The westernmost tip of France, featuring dramatic cliffs and the jagged islands of the Iroise Sea.

⛰️

Picos de Europa

Spectacular views of the limestone massifs of Northern Spain while crossing the Bay of Biscay.

🌾

Alentejo Plains

The expansive golden fields and cork oak forests of southern Portugal during the initial descent.

🏝️

Ria Formosa

The stunning barrier islands and turquoise lagoons of the Algarve during the final approach into Faro.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. If landing on Runway 28, you will get an incredible view of the Ria Formosa natural park just seconds before touchdown. Keep a lookout for the French coast about 45-60 minutes into the flight.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🏝️

Isle of Arran

Stunning views of the 'Scotland in Miniature' and the Goat Fell peak shortly after departure from PIK.

🪨

Ailsa Craig

The iconic, uninhabited volcanic plug rising sharply from the Firth of Clyde.

🇮🇪

Wicklow Mountains

Views across the Irish Sea towards the east coast of Ireland and the mountains south of Dublin.

🌊

Atlantic Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the deep blue Atlantic and the vast expanse of the Bay of Biscay.

⚓

Cape St. Vincent

The southwesternmost point of Europe, featuring a famous lighthouse atop vertical cliffs (if route permits).

The right side is ideal for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. While it features more open water, the departure views of the Firth of Clyde islands are some of the best in the UK. Watch for distant ships in the busy Bay of Biscay shipping lanes.

Top Activities in Faro
Route Information

Distance: 2,072 km (1,287 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min

Departure: PIK (55.5093994140625, -4.586669921875)

Arrival: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Route Type: International

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