Loading map...

DUB destination photo
CHQ destination photo

DUBCHQ

Which side of the plane to sit from Dublin Airport (Dublin) to Chania International Airport (Chania)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmarks on this trans-European journey. You will enjoy a stunning panoramic traverse of the Swiss Alps, aerial views of the Venetian Lagoon, and a scenic approach over the Aegean Sea that showcases the Peloponnese coastline before descending into Crete.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🇮🇪

Wicklow Mountains

Lush green rolling hills and valleys visible immediately after departure from Dublin heading southeast.

🏔️

Swiss Alps

A breathtaking sequence of jagged snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes as the plane crosses Central Europe.

🛶

Venetian Lagoon

The distinctive shape of Venice and its surrounding islands can often be spotted when tracking along the Adriatic coast.

🏛️

Peloponnese Peninsula

The rugged, mountainous terrain of southern Greece meets the deep blue of the Mediterranean.

✈️

Akrotiri Peninsula

The final approach into CHQ provides a close-up view of the monastery-dotted cliffs near the airport.

Book a seat in front of the wing for unobstructed photos of the Alps. On morning flights, the sun will be on the right side for the majority of the journey, meaning the left side benefits from softer lighting and less window glare, which is ideal for photography. Look out for the reflection of the sun on the Adriatic Sea around mid-flight.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🚤

English Channel

Busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the northern French coastline during the first hour of flight.

🏔️

Mont Blanc

The highest peak in Western Europe is often visible in the distance if the flight path tracks over eastern France.

🏝️

Ionian Islands

Aerial views of Corfu, Lefkada, and Kefalonia with their distinctive turquoise coastal waters.

⛰️

Lefka Ori

The 'White Mountains' of Crete provide a dramatic backdrop as the plane makes its final turn toward Chania.

The right side is spectacular during the final 20 minutes of the flight. As you approach Crete, you will see the dramatic transition from the sea to the high limestone peaks of the White Mountains. Be aware that midday flights may experience significant heat haze and direct sunlight on this side, making it warmer and brighter than the port side.

Top Activities in Chania
Route Information

Distance: 3,087 km (1,918 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 38 min

Departure: DUB (53.421299, -6.27007)

Arrival: CHQ (35.531700134277344, 24.14970016479492)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.