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MAD → ATH
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama of the Mediterranean's most iconic islands, the silhouette of Mount Etna, and a stunning approach over the Saronic Gulf islands toward Athens.
Ibiza and Formentera
Initial views of the Pityusic Islands and their famous white sand beaches.
Southern Sardinia
Views of the capital city, Cagliari, and the vast coastal lagoons.
Mount Etna
On clear days, the silhouette of Europe's most active volcano is visible to the south over Sicily.
The Mani Peninsula
The rugged, mountainous southern fingers of the Peloponnese region.
Saronic Gulf
Islands such as Spetses, Hydra, and Aegina are visible during the descent into Athens.
Athens Riviera
A final view of the Vouliagmeni coastline and the upscale southern suburbs of Athens before landing.
Sit on the right for the best approach experience; planes usually loop over the Saronic Gulf, providing a great view of the coast. Late afternoon flights offer a spectacular sunset reflection over the Mediterranean.
Northern Balearic Islands
Aerial views of the rugged northern coastlines of Mallorca and Menorca shortly after takeoff.
Corsica and Northern Sardinia
Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise waters of the Strait of Bonifacio separating the islands.
Southern Italy
Views of the 'heel' of Italy (Puglia) as the flight crosses from the Tyrrhenian to the Ionian Sea.
Ionian Islands
Clear views of Corfu, Lefkada, and the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea.
Gulf of Corinth
The narrow stretch of water separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare from the south. Keep an eye out for the Pindus mountain range when entering Greek airspace, especially during winter when peaks are snow-capped.
Distance: 2,377 km (1,477 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 10 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Route Type: International
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