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BOJ destination photo
SOF destination photo

BOJSOF

Which side of the plane to sit from Burgas Airport (Bourgas) to Sofia Airport (Sofia)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panorama of Bulgaria's highest mountain ranges, including the Rila and Rhodope massifs, and a stunning close-up of Vitosha Mountain during the descent into Sofia.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Burgas Lakes

Aerial views of Lake Vaya and Atanasovsko Lake immediately after takeoff from BOJ.

🚜

Upper Thracian Plain

The fertile heartland of Bulgaria with its distinctive patchwork of agricultural fields.

🏙️

Plovdiv Cityscape

A view of the ancient city of Plovdiv and its seven syenite hills to the south.

🏔️

Rila Mountain Range

Look for Musala Peak, the highest point in the Balkans, dominated by alpine terrain.

🌲

Vitosha Mountain

A majestic view of the mountain massif that overlooks Sofia as the plane prepares for landing.

Sit on the left for the best views of the high Rila and Rhodope peaks. For morning flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the southern sun, making it better for photography. During winter, the snow-capped Rila peaks are exceptionally photogenic.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Balkan Mountains

The Stara Planina range stretching across the country, serving as the spine of Bulgaria.

🌹

The Rose Valley

The valley nestled between the Balkan range and Sredna Gora, famous for damask rose cultivation.

🏔️

Botev Peak

The highest peak of the Balkan range, identifiable by its radio tower and rugged slopes.

💧

Koprinka Reservoir

A large, shimmering body of water located near the town of Kazanlak.

🌉

Iskar Gorge Entrance

As you approach Sofia, look for the start of the dramatic Iskar river canyon to the northwest.

The right side is perfect for tracking the Balkan Mountain range throughout the flight. In late spring, look for the vibrant green of the Rose Valley. If the flight approach path circles from the north, you'll get a unique perspective of the Iskar Gorge.

Top Activities in Sofia
Route Information

Distance: 336 km (209 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 34 min

Departure: BOJ (42.56959915161133, 27.515199661254886)

Arrival: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Route Type: Domestic

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