While the Madrid departure favors the left side for the Guadarrama mountains, the right side wins overall thanks to a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline and islands during cruise plus a genuinely scenic Aegean island approach into Athens, which outweighs the shorter mountain view at takeoff.
Flown MAD to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Athens is 1,478 miles (2,378 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Western Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands (Mallorca/Menorca), Sardinian coastline, Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas en route toward the Peloponnese
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Barajas in the typical north configuration, the climb-out and turn toward the east give left-side passengers a good look at the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills north of Madrid, plus the city's northern suburbs, before the aircraft settles onto its eastward track.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTOn the common approach into Athens from the south, the aircraft tracks up past the Saronic Gulf, giving right-side passengers views of Aegean islands like Aegina and Salamis, the Athens Riviera coastline, and the city skyline backed by Mount Hymettus before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Athens. While the Madrid departure favors the left side for the Guadarrama mountains, the right side wins overall thanks to a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline and islands during cruise plus a genuinely scenic Aegean island approach into Athens, which outweighs the shorter mountain view at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Barajas in the typical north configuration, the climb-out and turn toward the east give left-side passengers a good look at the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills north of Madrid, plus the city's northern suburbs, before the aircraft settles onto its eastward track. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid's northern districts, Jarama river valley.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common approach into Athens from the south, the aircraft tracks up past the Saronic Gulf, giving right-side passengers views of Aegean islands like Aegina and Salamis, the Athens Riviera coastline, and the city skyline backed by Mount Hymettus before touchdown. Notable sights include: Aegina and Salamis islands, Athens Riviera coastline, Mount Hymettus, Piraeus harbor.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Athens?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,478 miles (2,378 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Athens flight path pass over?
Western Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands (Mallorca/Menorca), Sardinian coastline, Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas en route toward the Peloponnese