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SOF destination photo
BEG destination photo

SOFBEG

Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (Belgrade)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an immediate view of Vitosha Mountain after takeoff from Sofia and provides the most iconic approach views of the Belgrade city center and Avala Tower.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Vitosha Mountain

Dominating the Sofia skyline, this massive mountain is visible immediately after takeoff as the plane turns northwest.

🏙️

City of Niš

Mid-flight, you can spot the third-largest city in Serbia situated along the Nišava River.

🛤️

South Morava Valley

The flight path tracks the lush valley that serves as the main transport corridor between the Balkans and Central Europe.

🗼

Avala Tower

Visible on the approach to Belgrade, this telecommunications tower stands on Avala Mountain overlooking the city.

🏢

Belgrade Waterfront

On final approach, the modern skyscrapers of Belgrade and the historic city center are frequently visible from this side.

Sit on the left for morning flights to have the sun behind you. This side is superior for photography of Vitosha Mountain during the initial climb. During the descent into Belgrade, look for the sharp spire of the Avala Tower as a signal that the city is minutes away.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Stara Planina Range

The Western Balkan Mountains provide a rugged, mountainous backdrop during the first half of the flight.

🌊

Iskar Gorge

A glimpse of the dramatic canyon carved by the Iskar River through the Balkan Mountains near Sofia.

🏰

Smederevo Fortress

A massive medieval 15th-century fortress located at the confluence of the Jezava and Danube rivers.

💧

The Danube River

As you approach Belgrade, the vast Danube comes into view, showing the scale of Europe's second-longest river.

🏝️

Great War Island

An uninhabited island at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, visible just before touchdown at BEG.

The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a broader view of the Serbian plains and the impressive width of the Danube river as you near Belgrade. Keep your camera ready as you cross the border into Serbia for the best mountain landscapes.

Top Activities in Belgrade
Route Information

Distance: 343 km (213 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 34 min

Departure: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Arrival: BEG (44.8184013367, 20.3090991974)

Route Type: International

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