Cardiff to Alicante is 916 miles (1,474 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The left/east side consistently offers the flight's best scenery: the Severn Estuary and Bristol during takeoff, a route that tracks near the Bay of Biscay and eastern Pyrenees during cruise, and the Costa Blanca coastline with Benidorm's skyline on the descent into Alicante. The right side instead shows the flight's flatter, less distinctive interior terrain throughout.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint falls over southwest France near the Bay of Biscay and the Bordeaux/Landes region, with the eastern Pyrenees foothills becoming visible ahead as the aircraft continues south toward Spain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CWL
LEFTAs the aircraft lifts off runway 30 and banks south, the left (east-facing) side looks back across the Severn Estuary toward Bristol and the Somerset coast, while the right side only shows the flatter Vale of Glamorgan countryside. The estuary and Bristol's skyline give the left side more visual interest during the climb.
Landing at ALC
LEFTOn the descent into ALC, the route tracks south along the Costa Blanca before turning onto final approach, putting the Mediterranean coastline, Benidorm's distinctive high-rise skyline, and the sea itself on the left side. The right side instead faces inland toward drier, less distinctive countryside around Elche and the Sierra foothills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cardiff (CWL) to Alicante (ALC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cardiff to Alicante. The left/east side consistently offers the flight's best scenery: the Severn Estuary and Bristol during takeoff, a route that tracks near the Bay of Biscay and eastern Pyrenees during cruise, and the Costa Blanca coastline with Benidorm's skyline on the descent into Alicante. The right side instead shows the flight's flatter, less distinctive interior terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Cardiff in Cardiff?
During takeoff from Cardiff (CWL), sit on the Left side for the best views. As the aircraft lifts off runway 30 and banks south, the left (east-facing) side looks back across the Severn Estuary toward Bristol and the Somerset coast, while the right side only shows the flatter Vale of Glamorgan countryside. The estuary and Bristol's skyline give the left side more visual interest during the climb. Notable sights include: Severn Estuary, Bristol skyline, Cardiff Bay, Somerset coastline.
What can I see when landing at Alicante in Alicante?
When landing at Alicante (ALC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into ALC, the route tracks south along the Costa Blanca before turning onto final approach, putting the Mediterranean coastline, Benidorm's distinctive high-rise skyline, and the sea itself on the left side. The right side instead faces inland toward drier, less distinctive countryside around Elche and the Sierra foothills. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea, Benidorm skyline, Costa Blanca coastline, Tabarca Island.
How long is the flight from Cardiff to Alicante?
The flight from Cardiff (CWL) to Alicante (ALC) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 916 miles (1,474 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cardiff to Alicante flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls over southwest France near the Bay of Biscay and the Bordeaux/Landes region, with the eastern Pyrenees foothills becoming visible ahead as the aircraft continues south toward Spain.