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FCO → GRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Guarulhos - Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (Sao Paulo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a superior variety of landmarks, including Mediterranean islands, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Canary Islands, before entering the Atlantic void.
Balearic Archipelago
Crystal clear views of Mallorca and Ibiza as the flight path cuts across the Mediterranean.
Sierra Nevada
Spot the highest peaks of mainland Spain as you fly near the Andalusian coast.
Strait of Gibraltar
A magnificent view of the narrow passage between the European and African continents.
Canary Islands
Dramatic volcanic terrain including Tenerife's Teide volcano and the dunes of Fuerteventura.
Serra do Mar
Dense Atlantic Forest and rugged mountains during the final approach into the São Paulo plateau.
The right side is unbeatable for the first third of the journey. Ensure your window is clear for the Gibraltar crossing, which usually occurs about 3 hours after take-off. For the best lighting on these features, a midday departure from Rome is optimal.
Tyrrhenian Sea
Initial views of the Italian coastline and smaller islands like Ponza right after take-off from FCO.
African Atlantic Coast
Observe the meeting of the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean along the Mauritanian coast.
Northeast Brazil
Aerial perspectives of the white sand beaches and reefs around Natal and Recife as you enter South American airspace.
Abrolhos Archipelago
Potential sightings of the coral-rich islands off the coast of Bahia during the southern descent.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun. This side is also superior for spotting the sprawling lights of Brazilian coastal cities during the early morning arrivals common for this route.
Distance: 9,433 km (5,861 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 6 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: GRU (-23.435556411743164, -46.47305679321289)
Route Type: International
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