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STN → FAO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Stansted Airport (London) to Faro Airport (Faro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the superior choice for this route, offering a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the English Channel to the rugged Atlantic coastlines of Brittany and Portugal, including a panoramic view of Lisbon.
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English Channel
A wide-angle view of the busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the southern English coast during departure.
Brittany Peninsula
The jagged, rocky coastline of western France extending into the Atlantic Ocean.
Picos de Europa
Distant but visible limestone peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains in Northern Spain as you cross the Bay of Biscay.
Lisbon & Tagus River
On clear days, the flight path often passes near Lisbon, offering views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the vast Tagus estuary.
Vicentine Coast
The wild and protected cliffs of Southwest Portugal, showcasing some of Europe's most pristine coastal scenery.
Ria Formosa Approach
Stunning views of turquoise water channels and sandbanks as the plane aligns with the runway at Faro.
For the best experience, book the right side on an afternoon flight to see the sun lighting up the cliffs of the Portuguese coast. This side is essential for seeing the Lisbon metropolitan area. During the final approach, the right side offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the Ria Formosa islands.
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London & Thames Estuary
Aerial views of the Greater London area and the winding River Thames immediately following a southbound departure.
Normandy Coast
A clear perspective of the French coastline, including the historic D-Day landing beaches and the mouth of the Seine.
Loire Valley
Gliding over the western reaches of the 'Garden of France,' known for its rolling green landscapes and historic estates.
Spanish Meseta
The high-altitude, arid plains of central Spain, offering a stark color contrast to the lush European north.
Faro City & Lagoons
Views of the city of Faro and the intricate salt marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park during the final descent.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to minimize direct sun glare. It provides the best view of the Faro city center and the eastern barrier islands of the Ria Formosa during the final approach. If departing STN to the south, look out for the London skyline in the distance shortly after take-off.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for PortugalDistance: 1,774 km (1,102 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Arrival: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)
Route Type: International
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