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VLC → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Valencia Airport (Valencia) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an incredible sequence of Mediterranean islands, the volcanic landscapes of southern Italy, and a high probability of seeing Istanbul's historic peninsula and the Bosphorus during the landing approach.
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Balearic Islands
Shortly after takeoff, look for the northern coastlines of Mallorca and Menorca.
Mount Vesuvius
The unmistakable silhouette of the volcano overlooking the sprawling city of Naples.
Aegean Archipelago
A mosaic of turquoise waters and white-washed Greek islands scattered across the sea.
Dardanelles Strait
The historic narrow waterway separating Europe from the Gallipoli peninsula.
Istanbul Peninsula
World-class views of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace on south-to-north approaches.
Bosphorus Bridges
The iconic bridges connecting Europe and Asia visible just before touchdown.
This is the premier side for the 'Istanbul Grand Finale.' For the best lighting on the Italian coast and the Greek islands, choose a morning or early afternoon flight. If the flight lands from the south (standard for northerly winds), the right side provides an unparalleled view of the Bosphorus and the city's historic skyline.
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Gulf of Lion
Expansive views of the deep blue Mediterranean as you track east from the Spanish coast.
Central Apennines
The rugged, often snow-capped spine of Italy stretching across the horizon.
Mount Olympus
The legendary home of the Greek gods, visible as a prominent massif in northern Greece.
Thessaloniki
A clear view of Greece's second city and its busy port along the Thermaic Gulf.
Black Sea Coast
The lush green northern coast of Turkey as the plane banks for its final descent into IST.
The left side is excellent for mid-day flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the dramatic transition from the Balkan mountains to the Thracian plains. In winter, the snow-covered peaks of the Pindus range in Greece provide a stunning high-contrast landscape.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,472 km (1,536 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min
Departure: VLC (39.4893, -0.481625)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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