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SFL → RAI
Which side of the plane to sit from São Filipe Airport (Sao Filipe, Fogo Island) to Praia International Airport (Praia, Santiago Island)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an extraordinary perspective of the towering Pico do Fogo volcano and its surrounding caldera shortly after takeoff, followed by a view of Santiago's rugged interior mountains during the approach.
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Pico do Fogo
The highest peak in Cape Verde, rising dramatically to 2,829 meters above sea level.
Chã das Caldeiras
The massive volcanic crater floor showing dark lava flows from recent eruptions.
Fogo Northern Coast
Sharp volcanic cliffs meeting the deep blue Atlantic as the plane heads east.
Serra da Malagueta
The jagged mountain range in northern Santiago visible during the mid-flight crossing.
Santiago Inland Valleys
Lush green ribeiras (valleys) that contrast with the dry volcanic plains near the coast.
Book a window seat on the left (usually seat A) to witness the volcano's magnitude. Flights are very short (approx. 20-30 mins), so keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff. Morning flights are ideal because the sun illuminates the volcano's western face and there is less chance of afternoon cloud buildup around the peak.
Get eSIMs for Cape Verde
Get eSIMs for Cape Verde
São Filipe Sobrados
The colorful Portuguese colonial houses of Fogo's main town visible during initial climb.
Vale de Cavaleiros
The port of Fogo where ferries from Praia and Brava dock.
Cidade Velha
The historic UNESCO World Heritage site and Fort Real de São Filipe on Santiago's southern coast.
Praia Cityscape
The capital city spread across 'plateaus' as the aircraft aligns for landing.
Quebra Canela
One of Praia's most popular urban beaches seen during the final approach.
The right side is best for seeing the historic sites of Santiago. As you approach Praia International (RAI), look for the ruins of the oldest European city in the tropics at Cidade Velha. This side typically faces away from the sun during morning flights, providing clear, glare-free views of the coastline.
Book Hotels in Praia, Santiago IslandDistance: 106 km (66 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 min
Departure: SFL (14.8850002289, -24.4799995422)
Arrival: RAI (14.924500465393065, -23.49349975585937)
Route Type: Domestic
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