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CWL → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Cardiff International Airport (Cardiff) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the most dramatic section of the Alps and the stunning chain of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea during the descent.
Search flights from CWL to HER
Bristol Channel
Immediate views of the Severn Estuary and the English coastline after departing Cardiff.
Swiss Alps
Spectacular views of high-altitude snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys over central Europe.
Adriatic Archipelago
The sparkling blue waters and dense islands along the Croatian and Dalmatian coast.
Central Greece
Rugged terrain of the Pindus mountain range stretching across the Greek mainland.
The Cyclades
Aerial views of iconic islands like Mykonos and the volcanic caldera of Santorini during the descent.
For morning flights, the left side avoids direct sunlight, making it easier to photograph the Alps. Pay close attention during the last 20 minutes of the flight; if the approach is from the north, you will see the distinctive circular shape of Santorini and the deep blue of the Aegean.
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French Countryside
A patchwork of agricultural fields and the winding rivers of the Loire Valley and Burgundy.
Western Alps
Views of the French and Italian border peaks, potentially including distant views of Mont Blanc.
Italian Coast
Distant views of the western Italian coastline and the Apennine Mountains.
Peloponnese Peninsula
The rugged southern tip of mainland Greece with its deep gulfs and mountainous terrain.
Cretan Shoreline
Views of the northern Cretan coastline as the aircraft banks for its final approach into HER.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean. During the final approach into Heraklion, the right side often provides a better view of the city itself and the historical harbor if the plane approaches from the west.
Book Hotels in HeraklionDistance: 2,885 km (1,793 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: CWL (51.39670181274414, -3.343329906463623)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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