Leg 5: Elba (LIRJ) – along Italian west coast to Salerno (LIRI)

On this trip there are two routes which have been designed to take in coastal scenery.  This leg from Elba to Salerno and the leg from Dubrovnik to Vienna. Both of them should have beautiful views. This leg along the West (Tuscan) coast of Italy is 258 miles over the Tyrrhenian Sea.  After departure from Elba it’s SE on magnetic heading 126°; the flight passes the airport of Grosseto to the East shortly before flying overhead the island of Isola del Giglio, one of seven islands making up the Tuscan Archipelago and then, very shortly after, overhead Isola Giannutri.  This looks like it would a great little island to visit if you were in the area; one beach/bay and roman villa (see below).

The leg then continues SE for 115 miles tracking the PNZ VOR passing Rome on the East halfway along its length. PNZ VOR is located on the island of Ponza.  This is beautiful little island with great history and archeological features (save that some have been destroyed).  If you’re interested, below is a a slide show of only a very few pictures (to exit, click ‘x’ in top LEFT corner).

From Ponza, a slight turn to the SE on magnetic 107° passing overhead the volcanic island, Ventotene, after approximately 15 miles:

This is another island with a great history and fascinating facts for which you should read the Wikipedia Article.   From what I have seen and read on the web I love this quaint little island and I’m looking forward to seeing it from the air (click ‘x’ in top LEFT corner to exit slideshow).

As the track progresses closer to Naples, to the east of the track lies the imposing Isola d’Ischia:

and the continues until overhead the island of Capri.  There should be some great views of vesuvius volcano during this part. When I was last in Sorrento I took a boat trip to Capri and that day stands out in my memory of that holiday.  I recall diving off the boat into the sea, the sun glistening on its surface.  And, Capri was great too!  Found a lovely pizzeria tucked away with a lovely garden dining area.  Capri is a stunning place. Then a further turn, onto magnetic 080° heading direct for Salerno: