Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Catania to Istanbul. The left side delivers the spectacular close-up view of Mount Etna during takeoff, which is genuinely one of the most dramatic volcanic departures in European aviation. The landing view on the right is excellent, but the Etna experience at low altitude is rarer and more visually striking. Left side also tracks the Greek island chain through the Aegean during cruise.

During takeoff from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Catania's runway 08/26 means departures heading northeast give the left side a direct view of Mount Etna rising above the city. Etna's summit crater, flanks, and lava fields are unmistakable from low altitude during climb-out, and the Ionian Sea coastline curves away to the south on the same side. Notable sights include: Mount Etna summit and lava fields, Catania city grid and port, Ionian Sea coastline curving south toward Syracuse, Simeto River delta.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk airport sits on the European side of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east over the Bosphorus strait. The right side captures the Bosphorus waterway, the historic peninsula with the Old City skyline, and the Sea of Marmara spreading to the southwest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul Old City peninsula (Sultanahmet area visible as dense historic urban mass), Princes Islands in the Marmara.

The flight from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.

The flight crosses the Ionian Sea northeast toward Greece, then tracks over the southern Greek mainland or Aegean Sea depending on routing. The Cyclades and Dodecanese island chains are visible as scattered rocky islands in the deep blue Aegean. The flight then crosses Thrace or northwestern Turkey before descending toward Istanbul. The Dardanelles strait and Sea of Marmara may be visible on descent.