Flying VFR across Spain in a Cessna 172 offers an unforgettable experience of diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to coastal paradises and rugged mountains. Departing from Madrid-Barajas (LEMD), the pilot heads west toward Badajoz (LEBZ), soaring over the vast plains of Extremadura, where medieval castles and rolling farmland define the terrain. Turning south, the route follows the Guadalquivir River to Seville (LEZL), home to its grand cathedral and the Alcázar palace. Continuing to Jerez (LEJR) and Gibraltar (LXGB), the shimmering blue waters of the Strait of Gibraltar reveal Africa’s distant coastline. Following the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, the aircraft reaches Málaga (LEMG), with its golden beaches, before heading inland to Granada (LEGR), where the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains rise dramatically over the city.

The tour then shifts eastward along the Mediterranean, stopping at Alicante (LEAL) and hopping across the sea to Ibiza (LEIB) and Palma de Mallorca (LEPA), where white sandy beaches and vibrant coastal towns line the shores. Back on the mainland, a scenic flight to Sabadell (LELL) reveals the iconic skyline of Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia and the bustling Port Olímpic. Venturing inland, the route crosses the green landscapes of Lleida (LEDA) and Logroño (LELO), famous for their vineyards and rolling hills. Turning north, the pilot reaches the Basque Country’s Bilbao (LEBB), with the Guggenheim Museum glistening along the Nervión River. A breathtaking coastal flight follows, tracing the rugged Bay of Biscay to Asturias (LEAS) before heading inland to Burgos (LEMT), a city rich in Gothic architecture. Finally, the journey culminates with a return to Madrid (LEMD), flying over Spain’s vast central plateau, completing a spectacular cross-country tour of Spain’s most iconic VFR sights.