Loading map...

MUC destination photo
CTA destination photo

MUCCTA

Which side of the plane to sit from Munich Airport (Munich) to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Catania)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular panoramic journey over the heart of the Alps, the Tyrrhenian coastline including views of Rome and Naples, and a front-row seat to the smoking craters of Mount Etna upon arrival.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Northern Alps

Dramatic views of the Karwendel mountains and the Zugspitze region immediately after departure.

💧

Lake Garda

Italy's largest lake is often visible in its entirety as the plane exits the Alpine foothills.

🏛️

Rome & Vatican City

On clear days, the Tiber river and the sprawling urban landscape of the Eternal City appear along the coast.

🌋

Vesuvius & Bay of Naples

A classic aerial view of the iconic volcano sitting beside one of the world's most beautiful bays.

🔥

Mount Etna

A breathtaking close-up of Europe's most active volcano as the plane descends toward Catania.

🏝️

Aeolian Islands

Spot the volcanic islands of Stromboli and Vulcano rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea before reaching Sicily.

Choose the right side for the most iconic landmarks. Morning flights are ideal as the sun is in the east, perfectly illuminating the Italian west coast and Mount Etna. Be ready with your camera as you pass Naples, as Etna appears shortly after. If the flight arrives from the north, this side offers an unparalleled view of the main craters.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏔️

Dolomites

View the jagged, pale peaks of the Eastern Alps shortly after crossing the Austrian-Italian border.

🌊

Adriatic Sea

Distant views of the turquoise coastline and potentially the Venetian Lagoon if the flight path is eastern.

⛰️

Apennine Mountains

The rugged 'spine' of Italy, showing deep valleys and ancient hilltop villages as you fly south.

🌋

Mount Etna Descent

Excellent views of the volcanic slopes if the aircraft circles south for a Runway 26 approach.

For the best experience, watch for the Dolomites approximately 25 minutes after takeoff. This side is preferred if you want to avoid direct sunlight on afternoon flights, and it provides a great perspective of the Sicilian coastline during the final banking turns if the wind requires a southern approach.

Top Activities in Catania
Route Information

Distance: 1,239 km (770 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min

Departure: MUC (48.353802, 11.7861)

Arrival: CTA (37.466801, 15.0664)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.