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IST → NAP
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Naples International Airport (Naples)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular view of the Istanbul city center and Bosphorus upon departure, followed by the rugged Greek coastline and a premier view of Mount Vesuvius during the descent into Naples.
Search flights from IST to NAP
The Bosphorus Strait
Shortly after takeoff from IST, look left to see the waterway dividing Europe and Asia and the historic Golden Horn.
Pindus Mountain Range
Dramatic views of the 'Spine of Greece' with peaks reaching over 2,600 meters, often snow-capped in winter.
Ionian Coastline
The turquoise waters and white cliffs of the Epirus region of Greece and the southern Albanian coast.
Puglia's Salento Peninsula
As you enter Italian airspace, you will see the 'heel' of the boot with its distinct flat agricultural patterns and white towns.
Mount Vesuvius
The highlight of the trip; the plane typically flies north of the volcano, offering a direct view into the crater on the left side.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur when photographing Vesuvius. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Italian coastline and the volcano perfectly. If the flight departs toward the south, the views of old Istanbul are unparalleled.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for ItalyBlack Sea Coast
Depending on the takeoff direction, you may see the vast expanse of the Black Sea north of the airport.
Albanian Alps
Also known as the Accursed Mountains, these provide a jagged and dramatic limestone landscape during the mid-flight segment.
Gargano National Park
The 'spur' of the Italian boot is visible as a lush, green mountainous promontory sticking out into the Adriatic Sea.
Central Apennines
As you cross the Italian peninsula, you will fly over the rugged spine of Italy with its ancient hilltop villages.
The right side is better for afternoon flights if you want to avoid direct sunlight and glare. While you miss Vesuvius, you get a better view of the northern Balkan interior and the dense forests of the Gargano Peninsula. Watch for the dramatic change from the blue Adriatic to the rugged Italian interior.
Book Hotels in NaplesDistance: 1,211 km (752 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: NAP (40.886002000000005, 14.2908)
Route Type: International
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