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CGN → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panoramic sequence of the central Alps, the spectacular turquoise coast of the Croatian Adriatic, and a stunning approach over the western mountains of Crete.
Lake Constance
The massive expanse of the Bodensee where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria meet, visible shortly after reaching cruise altitude.
Swiss-Austrian Alps
A close-up view of the highest jagged peaks and deep valleys of the central Alpine massif.
Dalmatian Archipelago
The 'thousand islands' of Croatia, featuring clear turquoise lagoons and the intricate coastline of the Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik
The historic walled Old Town and the stunning coastline of the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' from high above.
Ionian Islands
Stunning views of Corfu and Lefkada as the plane crosses the entrance to the Adriatic toward Greece.
White Mountains
The Lefka Ori mountains of Crete come into view during the final approach, showing the island's dramatic topography.
This side is a photographer's dream for coastal geography. For the best lighting, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the Croatian islands. Be prepared for the Alpine crossing roughly 40-50 minutes after departure from Cologne. If flying in winter, the snow cover on the Dinaric Alps is particularly striking from this side.
Eastern Alpine Ridge
Breathtaking views of the Grossglockner and the high-altitude glaciers of the Austrian Hohe Tauern range.
Balkan Peaks
The rugged, less-traveled limestone landscapes of the Dinaric Alps across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mount Olympus
On clear days, the legendary home of the Greek gods is visible as the flight path passes the Greek mainland.
The Cyclades
A bird's-eye view of the iconic white-and-blue islands of Santorini and Ios during the descent.
Aegean Horizon
The deep azure waters of the Aegean Sea stretching toward the Dodecanese islands to the east.
Choose this side for late-afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. It is the superior choice for photographing the Santorini caldera during the final 15 minutes of flight if the approach path comes from the north. Watch for the dramatic change from continental mountains to the scattered jewels of the Aegean.
Distance: 2,251 km (1,399 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs
Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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