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FCO → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side typically offers superior views of the Italian coastline, the northern tip of Sardinia, and a more dramatic crossing of the Spanish coastline near the Ebro Delta or Valencia.
Tyrrhenian Coast
Aerial views of the Roman coastline and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea immediately after takeoff.
Northern Sardinia
The rugged Emerald Coast and the Strait of Bonifacio separating Corsica from Sardinia are often visible.
Balearic Sea
Expansive views of the Mediterranean with occasional sightings of the Balearic Islands in the distance.
Spanish Levante
The approach to the Iberian Peninsula often reveals the white sandy beaches and coastal lagoons of the Valencia region.
Serranía de Cuenca
Dramatic limestone formations and deep river canyons as the flight moves inland across central Spain.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy front-lit views of the Mediterranean islands. Keep your camera ready about 25-30 minutes after takeoff for the best views of the Sardinian coastline. During the descent into Madrid, the left side often provides a better perspective of the rolling hills of the Spanish Meseta.
Corsican Peaks
Clear views of the snow-capped Monte Cinto and the jagged granite mountains of central Corsica.
Ebro Delta
The distinct bird-foot shape of the Ebro River delta is visible if the flight path tracks slightly northward.
Madrid Metropolitan Area
Views of the sprawling urban landscape and the Cuatro Torres Business Area skyscrapers on the final approach.
Iberian Sunset
On evening flights, this side experiences spectacular sunsets over the horizon as the plane heads west.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Spanish horizon. If the weather is clear over France and Northern Spain, you might catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees far to the north. In winter, look for the stark contrast between the white Corsican mountains and the deep blue sea.
Distance: 1,330 km (826 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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