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HAM destination photo
BIA destination photo

HAMBIA

Which side of the plane to sit from Hamburg Airport (Hamburg) to Bastia-Poretta Airport (Bastia)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the most dramatic views of the High Alps and the rugged northern peninsula of Corsica during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

Frankfurt & Rhine-Main

Spot the high-rise skyline of Frankfurt and the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers.

💧

Lake Constance

The massive 'Bodensee' marking the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

🏔️

Bernese Oberland

Breathtaking views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the Swiss Alps.

⚓

Genoa Coastline

See the Italian Riviera and the industrial port of Genoa as the flight crosses the coast.

⛰️

Cap Corse

The 'finger' of Corsica appears with its steep cliffs and mountainous spine during the descent.

The right side is premier for Alpine scenery. In the afternoon, the lighting on the Swiss peaks is spectacular. As you approach Bastia, watch for the dramatic transition from the sea to the high Corsican mountains which can reach over 2,000 meters.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌳

Lüneburg Heath

Just after takeoff from Hamburg, view the sprawling purple heathland and greenery of Lower Saxony.

🏔️

Austrian & Swiss Alps

A panoramic view of the eastern Alpine chain, including glaciated peaks near the Italian border.

🌊

Ligurian Sea

As you leave the Italian coast, watch the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean open up.

🏝️

Tuscan Archipelago

On clear days, identify the island of Elba and the smaller island of Capraia to the east.

⚓

Bastia Port

Depending on the landing pattern, get a direct view of the ferries and the Old Port of Bastia.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. During the final approach to Bastia-Poretta, the left side is usually better for spotting the city center and the Étang de Biguglia nature reserve.

Top Activities in Bastia
Route Information

Distance: 1,232 km (766 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min

Departure: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Arrival: BIA (42.55270004272461, 9.48373031616211)

Route Type: International

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