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ATH → LCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Larnaca International Airport (Larnaca)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior sequence of geographical landmarks, including the Attic coastline, the dense clusters of the Cyclades islands, and the dramatic Taurus Mountains of Turkey in the distance before the final approach over the Kyrenia range.
Cape Sounion
A clear view of the Temple of Poseidon at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula shortly after takeoff.
Cyclades Islands
Exceptional views of Mykonos, Delos, and Syros as the plane traverses the heart of the Aegean Sea.
Rhodes Coastline
The aircraft often passes just north of Rhodes, offering views of the medieval Old Town and Mandraki Harbor.
Taurus Mountains
Distant but majestic views of the rugged, often snow-capped peaks along the southern coast of Turkey.
Kyrenia Range
The iconic Pentadaktylos mountains of northern Cyprus become visible during the descent into Larnaca.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, ensuring optimal lighting for photography of the Aegean islands. This side is particularly rewarding during the first 20 minutes of the flight and the final 10 minutes before landing. Look for the distinct 'five-finger' shape of the Kyrenia mountains as you cross the Cypriot coastline.
Saronic Gulf
Views of Aegina and the smaller islands near the port of Piraeus during the initial climb.
Santorini Caldera
On southern flight paths, the famous crescent-shaped volcanic island is visible in the distance.
Karpathos and Kasos
Views of the more remote Dodecanese islands situated between Crete and Rhodes.
Limassol Skyline
The modern high-rises and busy port of Cyprus's southern coast appear as the plane aligns for landing.
Larnaca Salt Lake
A stunning seasonal feature near the airport, turning white in summer or filling with water in winter.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights. During winter months, look for the pink hue of flamingos at the Larnaca Salt Lake just seconds before touchdown. Be aware that midday flights on this side can suffer from significant solar glare, making it difficult to see the horizon clearly.
Distance: 930 km (578 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: LCA (34.875099182128906, 33.62490081787109)
Route Type: International
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