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ISTAGP

Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Málaga Airport (Malaga)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior mix of diverse scenery, including the rugged Balkan peaks, the sprawl of Rome, and the most dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains during the descent into Málaga.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🕌

Bosphorus Departure

Panoramic views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus bridges, and the historic silhouette of Istanbul right after takeoff.

⛰️

Balkan Mountains

Dramatic aerial views of the Dinaric Alps crossing through Montenegro and Albania.

🏛️

Rome & Central Italy

On clear paths, catch a glimpse of the Italian capital and the scenic Tiber river basin.

🏖️

Balearic Islands

A stunning perspective of Majorca and Ibiza's northern coastlines and hidden coves.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada Peaks

The highlight of the trip: the snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta as you descend toward the Costa del Sol.

Seats on the right (F or K) provide the best views of the Spanish mainland during arrival. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, the aircraft usually banks toward the coast, offering a full view of the Malaga city port. Afternoon flights on this side offer spectacular sunset colors over the Spanish horizon.

Left Side Highlights
7.9
🌊

Aegean Sea Islands

Bird's-eye views of the scattered Greek islands and the deep turquoise waters of the northern Aegean.

🇮🇹

Southern Italian Coast

Potential views of the Amalfi Coast and the southern Tyrrhenian Sea as you cross the Italian peninsula.

🏝️

Sardinian Coastline

The rugged southern cliffs and crystal-clear bays of Sardinia as the flight heads toward the Balearic Sea.

🏜️

Costa de Almería

The arid, cinematic landscapes of southeastern Spain where the desert meets the Mediterranean.

🌅

Alboran Sea

Wide vistas of the westernmost part of the Mediterranean, often shimmering during late afternoon flights.

Choose a window seat on the left (A or B) to avoid direct sunlight on morning flights heading west. This side is particularly scenic during the winter months when the low sun reflects off the Mediterranean. Keep an eye out for the North African coastline on exceptionally clear days.

Top Activities in Malaga
Route Information

Distance: 2,901 km (1,803 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: AGP (36.67490005493164, -4.499110221862793)

Route Type: International

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