SMA

Best window seat at Santa Maria

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Northern coastline cliffs of Santa Maria, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Alto (highest point on island

LandingLEFT

Santa Maria's central plateau, the northeastern coastal cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean to the east

🛫 Taking Off from Santa Maria (SMA)

Best sideRight
WhyRunway 36 departures head north, placing the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic northern coastline of Santa Maria island on your right side during climb-out. You'll see the rugged cliffs and the open ocean that define the island's northern edge.
Look forNorthern coastline cliffs of Santa Maria, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Alto (highest point on island, visible inland to the left), smaller islands of the Azores archipelago on the distant horizon

🛬 Landing at Santa Maria (SMA)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 36 (northbound) means the aircraft approaches from the south. The left side offers views of Santa Maria's eastern and northeastern terrain, including the island's interior plateau and the approach path over the Atlantic. The right side faces the open ocean with minimal geographic interest.
Look forSanta Maria's central plateau, the northeastern coastal cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the gradual rise of terrain from sea level to the island's interior

Santa Maria Airport has a single long runway that dates back to its origins as a critical WWII and early transatlantic refueling stop, giving it a runway length well beyond what its current small terminal and regional traffic require.

⛰️ Elevation308 ft
🛫 Runways1 (18/36)
📍 NearbyPDL 60 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Santa Maria (SMA)?

At Santa Maria in Santa Maria: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Northern coastline cliffs of Santa Maria, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Alto (highest point on island, visible inland to the left), smaller islands of the Azores archipelago on the distant horizon.

What can I see during takeoff from Santa Maria in Santa Maria?

When taking off from Santa Maria (SMA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 36 departures head north, placing the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic northern coastline of Santa Maria island on your right side during climb-out. You'll see the rugged cliffs and the open ocean that define the island's northern edge. Notable sights include: Northern coastline cliffs of Santa Maria, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Alto (highest point on island, visible inland to the left), smaller islands of the Azores archipelago on the distant horizon.

What can I see when landing at Santa Maria in Santa Maria?

When landing at Santa Maria (SMA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 36 (northbound) means the aircraft approaches from the south. The left side offers views of Santa Maria's eastern and northeastern terrain, including the island's interior plateau and the approach path over the Atlantic. The right side faces the open ocean with minimal geographic interest. Notable sights include: Santa Maria's central plateau, the northeastern coastal cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the gradual rise of terrain from sea level to the island's interior.

What factors affect the best window seat at Santa Maria?

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 (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.