At Santa Maria in Santa Maria (island): for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Santa Maria island's volcanic terrain, Praia Formosa beach on the south coast, the island's central ridge and peaks, Atlantic coastline with rocky outcrops.

When taking off from Santa Maria (SMA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Santa Maria airport sits on the eastern side of the island, so right-side seats offer immediate views of the island's interior and western coastline as you climb out. Left-side seats face toward open Atlantic Ocean with minimal visual interest during the initial departure phase. Notable sights include: Santa Maria island's volcanic terrain, Praia Formosa beach on the south coast, the island's central ridge and peaks, Atlantic coastline with rocky outcrops.

When landing at Santa Maria (SMA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Santa Maria airport's primary runway (01/19) typically handles approaches from the northeast or southwest. Left-side seats offer views of the island's dramatic volcanic terrain, the central plateau, and the Atlantic coastline as you descend. Right-side views are mostly open ocean during standard approach patterns. Notable sights include: Santa Maria's volcanic crater formations, the central plateau terrain, Vila do Porto settlement, and the Atlantic coastline with its dark basalt cliffs.

The best window seat at Santa Maria (SMA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Santa Maria (island) (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.