Loading map...
SJZ → TER
Which side of the plane to sit from São Jorge Airport (Sao Jorge Island) to Lajes Airport (Lajes (terceira Island))?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak, across the channel, and offers the best perspective of Terceira's southern coastline and historic landmarks during the approach.
Search flights from SJZ to TER
Mount Pico
The majestic 2,351-meter volcanic cone on the neighboring island, often rising above the clouds.
Canal de São Jorge
The deep blue stretch of water between São Jorge and Pico islands, known for frequent whale and dolphin sightings.
Angra do Heroísmo
The UNESCO World Heritage city with its historic bay and the Monte Brasil peninsula visible on the southern shore.
Ilhéus das Cabras
Two iconic volcanic islets located just off the southern coast of Terceira near the flight path.
This is the 'Pico side'; the volcano is the star of the show for the first half of the flight. Sit on the right for the best afternoon lighting on Terceira's southern coast. When landing at Lajes (TER), this side typically offers a stunning panorama of the island's southern capital and the distinctive twin islets in the sea. Clouds often cling to the peak of Pico, so early morning flights generally offer the clearest views before the mist builds up.
Book Hotels in Lajes (terceira Island)
Fajãs of São Jorge
The unique coastal plains formed by landslides, including the famous Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo with its lagoon.
Northern Cliffs
Dramatic, near-vertical green cliffs that drop hundreds of meters directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
Graciosa Island
On clear days, the 'White Island' of the Azores is visible as a low-lying silhouette to the north.
Serra de Santa Bárbara
The massive volcanic massif on the western side of Terceira Island visible during the descent.
Morning flights provide the best illumination for the northern fajãs. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from SJZ to capture the steep northern ridges. As you approach Terceira, look for the patchworked green fields of the interior, which are best seen from this side during a standard northern approach to Lajes.
Get eSIMs for Portugal
Get eSIMs for PortugalDistance: 95 km (59 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 min
Departure: SJZ (38.66550064086914, -28.175800323486328)
Arrival: TER (38.761799, -27.090799)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.