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ATH → BCN
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Barcelona International Airport (Barcelona)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of geographic landmarks, including the stunning Ionian Islands, volcanic activity in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the dramatic approach into Barcelona with views of the Montserrat mountains.
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Ionian Islands
Breathtaking views of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, featuring the stark white cliffs and turquoise Shipwreck Beach area.
Aeolian Islands
On clear days, spot the volcanic cones of Stromboli and Vulcano rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Corsica & Sardinia
Dramatic views of the Strait of Bonifacio and the jagged, mountainous spine of northern Sardinia.
Montserrat Massif
As the plane descends toward Barcelona, look for the unique, multi-peaked serrated mountain range inland.
Sit on the right side for the most varied terrain. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind the aircraft, perfectly illuminating the Greek islands and the Italian coast. Watch for the 'Strait of Bonifacio' roughly midway through the flight. During the descent into BCN, the right side often catches a glimpse of the Tibidabo hill and the Sagrada Família if the flight path tracks slightly inland.
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Mani Peninsula
Aerial views of the rugged, southernmost fingers of the Peloponnese as you leave Greek airspace.
Southern Sardinia
Clear views of the Gulf of Cagliari and the crystalline waters of the southern Sardinian coastline.
Mediterranean Maritime Paths
A high-altitude perspective of the busy shipping lanes connecting the Suez Canal to the Western Mediterranean.
Barcelona Port & Beach
During the standard approach to BCN, this side provides a direct look at the W Hotel, the port, and the Barceloneta beachfront.
Choose the left side for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. If the aircraft approaches BCN from the south over the sea, this side offers the best view of the city skyline and the iconic coastal grid. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the coastal transition.
Get eSIMs for Greece
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 1,905 km (1,184 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 32 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)
Route Type: International
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