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NCL destination photo
BCN destination photo

NCLBCN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is superior for this route as it offers the best chance to see the city of London in the distance, the stunning Eastern Pyrenees, and the most comprehensive views of the Barcelona city skyline and the Mediterranean coastline during the final approach into El Prat.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏰

Durham Cathedral

Shortly after takeoff from NCL, look down to see the historic UNESCO World Heritage site and the loops of the River Wear.

🏙️

Greater London

On clear days, the vast sprawl of London and the Thames Estuary are visible as the flight crosses the English coast.

🌊

English Channel Crossing

Views of the busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the South Coast near Brighton or Eastbourne.

🏰

Loire Valley

Glance down over Central France to spot the winding Loire River and the famous chateaux dotting the landscape.

🏔️

Eastern Pyrenees

A spectacular crossing over the jagged, often snow-capped peaks that separate France and Spain.

🏖️

Costa Brava

As the plane begins its descent, the rugged 'Wild Coast' of Catalonia and its turquoise bays are clearly visible.

🏟️

Barcelona City View

If landing on Runway 25L, the left side provides a panoramic view of the Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, and the grid-like Eixample district.

Sit on the left for the 'Money Shot' of Barcelona. For the best lighting, morning flights offer backlighting on the Pyrenees, while late afternoon flights provide a golden hour glow over the city. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the coastline transition.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏞️

The Pennines

The 'Backbone of England' provides a rugged green landscape immediately after departure from Newcastle.

⚓

Isle of Wight

A great view of the Solent and the distinct diamond shape of the Isle of Wight as you leave British airspace.

🐄

Normandy Countryside

The lush, patchworked green fields and bocage landscape of Northern France are visible early in the cruise.

🍇

Bordeaux Region

Distant views of the famous vineyards of Southwest France depending on the specific airway used.

⛰️

Montserrat Mountain

The unique, saw-toothed peaks of the Montserrat massif appear shortly before the descent into Barcelona.

✈️

Barcelona-El Prat Airport

A close-up view of the airport terminals and the Mediterranean Sea if the flight performs a U-turn over the water.

The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sun glare during morning flights heading south. It offers a unique perspective of Montserrat, one of Catalonia's most iconic landmarks. Watch for the change from the Atlantic-influenced green of France to the arid, reddish tones of the Spanish interior.

Top Activities in Barcelona
Route Information

Distance: 1,553 km (965 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min

Departure: NCL (55.037498474121094, -1.6916699409484863)

Arrival: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)

Route Type: International

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