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DME β HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular gallery of the Aegean Sea, featuring world-famous islands like Santorini and a dramatic approach over the historic Heraklion coastline.
Southern Steppes
The distinct agricultural patterns and winding rivers of the Lipetsk and Voronezh regions of Russia.
Balkan Peaks
Dramatic views of the Bulgarian mountain ranges if the route skews westward over the peninsula.
Cyclades Islands
A stunning panorama of islands like Mykonos, Naxos, and Ios dotting the Aegean Sea.
Santorini Caldera
The most famous sight on the route; the unique volcanic crescent and white villages are often clearly visible.
Venetian Harbor
A bird's eye view of Heraklionβs historic fortress and waterfront during the final seconds before landing.
This is the premier side for island spotting. Sit on the right to see the iconic Santorini caldera about 25 minutes before landing. In summer, the late afternoon sun can be intense on this side, so bring sunglasses, but the sunset views over the Aegean are unparalleled.
Moscow Outskirts
Aerial views of the southern Russian forests and suburban developments immediately after takeoff from DME.
Black Sea Crossing
The vast expanse of the Black Sea provides a deep blue backdrop during the middle segment of the journey.
Taurus Mountains
Distant views of the rugged mountain ranges in southwestern Turkey as the flight nears the Mediterranean.
Kasos and Karpathos
Smaller Greek islands often visible as the plane begins its descent towards Crete.
Eastern Crete
The Lassithi Plateau and the eastern mountain ranges of Crete during the final approach.
Choose this side for morning flights to experience a beautiful sunrise over the Black Sea. It offers a more serene view of the open sea and the rugged, less-traveled eastern coast of Crete during landing.
Distance: 2,434 km (1,512 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 min
Departure: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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