While Madrid's departure offers urban and mountain interest, Genoa's approach delivers superior scenic variety: a dramatic rocky coastline, a major Mediterranean harbor with visible infrastructure, and the immediate rise of the Maritime Alps. The landing sequence on the right side is more visually compelling and geographically distinctive than the takeoff on the left, and the flight path itself crosses significant Alpine terrain in the middle section that favors neither side equally.
Flown MAD to GOA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Genoa is 687 miles (1,106 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Pyrenees (visible as a mountain barrier on the left/north side during cruise), then follows a southeasterly path over southern France and the northern Mediterranean. Notable features include the Rhône Valley (visible as a linear depression), the Alps and pre-Alpine ridges to the left, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching Genoa. The Ligurian Sea dominates the right side during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTLeft side captures Madrid's urban sprawl during climb-out, with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains visible to the north and northeast. Right side faces open plains with minimal early visual interest.
Landing at GOA
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery: the Ligurian coast, Genoa's harbor and urban waterfront, and the Maritime Alps rising inland. Left side faces the open Tyrrhenian Sea with minimal distinctive features during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Genova Sestri (GOA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Genoa. While Madrid's departure offers urban and mountain interest, Genoa's approach delivers superior scenic variety: a dramatic rocky coastline, a major Mediterranean harbor with visible infrastructure, and the immediate rise of the Maritime Alps. The landing sequence on the right side is more visually compelling and geographically distinctive than the takeoff on the left, and the flight path itself crosses significant Alpine terrain in the middle section that favors neither side equally.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Madrid's urban sprawl during climb-out, with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains visible to the north and northeast. Right side faces open plains with minimal early visual interest. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north), Madrid city grid and Barajas airport infrastructure, Tagus River valley.
What can I see when landing at Genova Sestri in Genoa?
When landing at Genova Sestri (GOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery: the Ligurian coast, Genoa's harbor and urban waterfront, and the Maritime Alps rising inland. Left side faces the open Tyrrhenian Sea with minimal distinctive features during descent. Notable sights include: Genoa harbor and Porto Antico, Ligurian coastline with rocky inlets, Maritime Alps (Apennines) inland, Gulf of Genoa.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Genoa?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Genova Sestri (GOA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 687 miles (1,106 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Genoa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pyrenees (visible as a mountain barrier on the left/north side during cruise), then follows a southeasterly path over southern France and the northern Mediterranean. Notable features include the Rhône Valley (visible as a linear depression), the Alps and pre-Alpine ridges to the left, and the Mediterranean coastline approaching Genoa. The Ligurian Sea dominates the right side during cruise.