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BCN → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Barcelona International Airport (Barcelona) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Barcelona skyline upon departure, followed by a close-up of the dramatic Cap Corse and the picturesque islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Barcelona Skyline
Immediate views of the Eixample grid, Sagrada Família, and the Agbar Tower as you climb out of BCN.
Costa Brava
The rugged, rocky coastline of northern Catalonia and the seaside towns of Girona province.
Cap Corse
The sharp northern 'finger' of Corsica, featuring steep mountains plunging into the turquoise sea.
Elba Island
The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, famous for its lush greenery and Napoleon's exile.
Lake Bracciano
A massive, perfectly circular volcanic crater lake visible during the final descent into Rome.
Rome Cityscape
Potential views of the Vatican City and the Tiber River winding through the Eternal City depending on the wind direction.
Sit on the left for the best land-to-sea ratio. For afternoon flights, this side keeps the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for photography of Corsica and the Italian coast. Watch the window approximately 45-50 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic island views.
Balearic Sea
Expansive views of the deep blue Mediterranean, often dotted with cargo ships and ferries.
Northern Sardinia
Distant views of the rugged granite mountains of the Gallura region if the flight path is southerly.
Bonifacio Strait
The narrow stretch of water separating the islands of Corsica and Sardinia.
Tyrrhenian Horizon
An unobstructed view of the southern horizon, spectacular during sunrise or sunset flights.
Lazio Coastline
The sandy beaches of Fregene and Ostia as the plane aligns with the FCO runways.
The right side is ideal for morning flights if you want to see the sun rising over the Tyrrhenian Sea. While mostly maritime, it offers a peaceful, meditative view of the open ocean. If the flight path shifts south, keep an eye out for the northern tip of Sardinia roughly halfway through the flight.
Distance: 847 km (526 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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