Right-side seats win overall due to the exceptional takeoff views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, which are more visually dramatic than the landing approach. While left seats offer good landing views, the volcano experience during departure is the highlight of this short route.
Flown NAP to PMO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Naples to Palermo is 198 miles (318 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight path crosses the Tyrrhenian Sea between Naples and Palermo. Notable features include the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) visible to the west around the midpoint—particularly Stromboli and Lipari—and the Strait of Messina region to the east. The coastline of Calabria (southern mainland Italy) may be visible to the right during the crossing. The sea itself is the dominant feature for roughly 40 minutes of the flight, with the Sicilian coast gradually becoming more prominent as you approach Palermo from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The volcano dominates the landscape just south of the airport, and you'll see it clearly during the initial climb-out phase before the aircraft turns toward Palermo.
Landing at PMO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Palermo. You'll see the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, the Conca d'Oro (Golden Shell) valley, and the Mondello Beach area as the aircraft descends toward Boccadifalco airport on the city's southern edge.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capodichino (NAP) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Naples to Palermo. Right-side seats win overall due to the exceptional takeoff views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, which are more visually dramatic than the landing approach. While left seats offer good landing views, the volcano experience during departure is the highlight of this short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Capodichino in Naples?
During takeoff from Capodichino (NAP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The volcano dominates the landscape just south of the airport, and you'll see it clearly during the initial climb-out phase before the aircraft turns toward Palermo. Notable sights include: Mount Vesuvius (1,281 m, clearly visible cone), Bay of Naples (Golfo di Napoli), Sorrento Peninsula (Penisola Sorrentina) to the south, Capri island in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
When landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Palermo. You'll see the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, the Conca d'Oro (Golden Shell) valley, and the Mondello Beach area as the aircraft descends toward Boccadifalco airport on the city's southern edge. Notable sights include: Mondello Beach (Spiaggia di Mondello), Conca d'Oro valley and Palermo city sprawl, Monte Pellegrino (606 m) to the north, Tyrrhenian Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Naples to Palermo?
The flight from Capodichino (NAP) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 198 miles (318 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Naples to Palermo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tyrrhenian Sea between Naples and Palermo. Notable features include the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) visible to the west around the midpoint—particularly Stromboli and Lipari—and the Strait of Messina region to the east. The coastline of Calabria (southern mainland Italy) may be visible to the right during the crossing. The sea itself is the dominant feature for roughly 40 minutes of the flight, with the Sicilian coast gradually becoming more prominent as you approach Palermo from the north.