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SAW → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a panoramic journey across the Mediterranean's most iconic coastlines, featuring the Princes' Islands, the rugged terrain of Sardinia, and a spectacular entry into Spain over the Balearic Sea.
Princes' Islands
Immediately after takeoff from SAW, view the cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul.
Rome & Tyrrhenian Sea
As you cross Italy, catch views of the Tiber river mouth and the historic coastline near Fiumicino.
Sardinia's Coastline
Breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of northern Sardinia and the Maddalena Archipelago.
Balearic Sea Crossing
A long stretch over the deep blue Mediterranean, often spotting cargo ships and ferries heading to Ibiza or Palma.
Valencia Coastline
Entry into the Iberian Peninsula typically happens near the orange groves and beaches of the Costa del Azahar.
Sit on the left for the best morning light during westbound flights. Keep your camera ready about 90 minutes into the flight for the Italian coast. If the flight path dips south, you may even spot the silhouette of Mount Etna in the far distance.
Istanbul & Bosphorus
Depending on the departure route, catch a glimpse of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
Balkan Mountains
Fly over the rugged, often snow-capped peaks of the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges in Bulgaria.
Tuscan Apennines
Visuals of the rolling hills and mountain ridges of central Italy, famous for its vineyards and historic towns.
Corsica
The 'Isle of Beauty' appears with its dramatic granite mountains rising sharply from the Mediterranean.
Castile Plateau
The approach to Madrid reveals the high-altitude plains and medieval fortresses of the Spanish Meseta.
The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sunlight during afternoon flights, making it easier to photograph the Balkan and Italian landscapes. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain as you leave the blue sea and hit the reddish-brown earth of central Spain.
Distance: 2,756 km (1,712 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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