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AMS destination photo
SMI destination photo

AMSSMI

Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Samos Airport (Samos)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior visual journey, featuring the high peaks of the Central Alps, the turquoise waters of the Adriatic coast, and a stunning aerial tour of the Cyclades islands during the final descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏰

Rhine Valley

Fly over the scenic Rhine River in Germany, known for its steep vineyards and medieval hilltop castles.

🏔️

Central Alpine Massifs

Witness the highest sections of the Alps, often including glimpses of glaciers and famous peaks near the Swiss-Austrian border.

🇭🇷

Dalmatian Archipelago

On clear days, see the stunning contrast of the deep blue Adriatic Sea and the thousand white islands of the Croatian coast.

⛰️

Mount Olympus

Identify the legendary home of the Greek gods, typically visible as the highest massif in northern Greece.

🏝️

The Cyclades

During descent, enjoy a spectacular panorama of islands like Mykonos, Tinos, and Ikaria dotting the Aegean Sea.

Choose the right side for the afternoon 'Golden Hour' over the Aegean. The approach into Samos Airport (SMI) often involves a sharp turn that provides an incredible low-altitude view of the island's southern beaches and the Pythagoreion area. Window seats behind the wing are best to avoid engine heat haze in photos.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🚜

Dutch Polderlands

View the intricate drainage canals and geometric fields of the Netherlands immediately after takeoff from Schiphol.

🏔️

Tyrolean Alps

Cross over the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Tyrol, offering dramatic mountain vistas mid-flight.

🌉

Danube River

Catch glimpses of the winding Danube as it flows through Central and Southeastern Europe.

🏖️

Halkidiki Peninsula

Look down at the three distinct 'fingers' of the Halkidiki region in northern Greece reaching into the Aegean.

🇹🇷

Turkish Coastline

On final approach, view the rugged mountains of the Dilek Peninsula in Turkey, which sits just across the strait from Samos.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. This side is excellent for seeing the narrowest point of the Mycale Strait between Greece and Turkey just before landing. Keep your camera ready about 2.5 hours into the flight for the best Alpine views.

Top Activities in Samos
Route Information

Distance: 2,364 km (1,469 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 9 min

Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)

Arrival: SMI (37.68999862670898, 26.911699295043945)

Route Type: International

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