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ZRH destination photo
AGP destination photo

ZRHAGP

Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Málaga Airport (Malaga)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior visual experience, featuring the stunning contrast between the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, the sweeping Mediterranean coastline of France and Spain, and a majestic approach past the Sierra Nevada mountains before landing.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Swiss Alps & Lake Zurich

Shortly after takeoff from ZRH, you get an immediate view of Lake Zurich followed by the snow-capped Bernese and Glarus Alps.

🌊

French Riviera

As the flight crosses into France, the coastline of the Côte d'Azur and the Gulf of Lion frequently appear on the horizon.

🏙️

Barcelona & Costa Brava

The flight path often follows the Spanish coast, providing views of Barcelona's urban grid and the rugged Costa Brava coastline.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada Range

On the descent toward Malaga, the massive peaks of the Sierra Nevada, including Mulhacén, are visible to the east.

🏖️

Costa del Sol Approach

The final approach typically offers a beautiful panorama of the Mediterranean Sea and the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

For morning flights, the sun will be behind you or directly above, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Alps and the Spanish coast. Watch for the Sierra Nevada approximately 20-30 minutes before arrival; even in early summer, these peaks often retain snow. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze distorting your view of the coastline.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏞️

Jura Mountains

Early in the flight, the Jura range and the distant Lake Geneva provide a scenic transition from Switzerland into France.

🌋

Massif Central

The aircraft crosses the ancient volcanic landscapes of central France, characterized by rounded peaks and deep valleys.

🏔️

The Pyrenees

A dramatic crossing of the high mountain border between France and Spain, showing the rugged interior of the range.

🌾

Castilian Plateau

The route traverses the vast, golden plains of central Spain, offering a unique perspective of the Iberian Peninsula's scale.

🌳

Guadalhorce Valley

During the final descent into AGP, you'll see the lush, green agriculture and rolling hills of the Andalusian interior.

Avoid afternoon flights if sitting on the right to prevent intense glare from the sun, which can make the window hot and viewing difficult. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the Pyrenees if the flight path takes a more inland route. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'Checkerboard' patterns of Spanish olive groves as you descend into Andalusia.

Top Activities in Malaga
Route Information

Distance: 1,608 km (999 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 9 min

Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Arrival: AGP (36.67490005493164, -4.499110221862793)

Route Type: International

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