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AMS → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic crossing of the Alps and the picturesque descent over the Aegean Sea, featuring iconic views of the Cyclades islands.
Bavarian Landscapes
Aerial views of Southern Germany's rolling hills, forests, and the urban sprawl of Munich.
Austrian Alps
A spectacular crossing of the Eastern Alps, showcasing jagged snow-capped peaks and deep glacial valleys.
Dalmatian Coast
Views of the turquoise waters and rugged limestone cliffs along the Adriatic coastline of Croatia.
Greek Mainland
The mountainous terrain of central Greece and potential views of the Attica peninsula.
The Cyclades
During the final descent, look for the distinctive shapes of islands like Mykonos and the Santorini caldera.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. About 15-20 minutes before landing, keep your camera ready as the flight path often navigates through the Cyclades, offering a world-class view of Santorini's volcanic crescent. The transition from the flat Rhine valley to the verticality of the Alps is a highlight occurring roughly 1 hour into the flight.
Swiss Alpine Massif
Panoramic views of the high-altitude peaks of the central Swiss Alps.
Venetian Lagoon
On clear days, the unique geography of Venice and its surrounding islands can be spotted to the south.
Apennine Mountains
The rugged 'spine' of Italy, stretching down the peninsula toward the Mediterranean.
Ionian Sea
A vast expanse of deep blue water as the flight leaves the Italian coast heading toward Crete.
Mount Ida
As you approach Heraklion, the snow-dusted peaks of Crete's highest mountain range appear.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights, providing beautiful golden hour lighting over the Italian coast and the Ionian Sea without the sun shining directly into your window. On the final approach, the right side offers a sweeping view of the Cretan coastline and the Dikti mountain range. Watch for the 'sun-glint' effect on the Mediterranean mid-flight.
Distance: 2,481 km (1,542 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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