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ATH → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Dardanelles Strait and the Sea of Marmara, culminating in iconic views of the Bosphorus and the historic Istanbul skyline during the final approach.
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Aegean Archipelago
Get distant views of the Cyclades and the North Aegean islands like Chios and Lesbos scattered across the blue water.
The Dardanelles
A perfect view of the narrow strait separating Europe from Asia, usually filled with international shipping traffic.
Sea of Marmara
The aircraft cruises over this inland sea, offering reflections of the sun or moon depending on the time of day.
The Historic Peninsula
On many approach paths, you can spot the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque before the turn toward the airport.
Bosphorus Strait
Identify the bridges connecting the two continents and the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul's Asian side.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Aim for an afternoon or sunset flight to see the Sea of Marmara shimmer. During the descent into IST, look for the Princes' Islands to the south of the city. Note that Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the north; if the flight lands from the south, you will fly directly over the city's heart.
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Cape Sounion
Shortly after takeoff from ATH, look down to see the Temple of Poseidon at the tip of the Attica peninsula.
Mount Dirfi
The highest peak on Euboea island is clearly visible as the flight heads northeast toward the Aegean.
Gallipoli Peninsula
View the historic WWI battlefields and memorials marking the European side of the Dardanelles.
Samothrace Island
The rugged, mountainous profile of this northern Aegean island rises dramatically from the sea.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. Keep a sharp eye out for the rugged coastline of Thrace and the northern Greek islands during the mid-flight segment.
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Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 554 km (344 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 55 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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