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HER → GRQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion) to Eelde Airport (Groningen)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is preferred as it provides an incredible front-row seat to the turquoise waters of the Croatian Archipelago and the dramatic limestone formations of the Eastern Alps.
Cyclades Islands
Depending on the departure path, look out for the iconic volcanic caldera of Santorini and the white-washed villages of Naxos.
Dalmatian Coast
A breathtaking view of Croatia's thousand islands, including Hvar and Brač, set against crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The Dolomites
Jagged, pale limestone peaks of the Italian and Austrian Alps, offering high-contrast shadows and dramatic ridges.
Bavarian Plateau
Rolling green hills, dense forests, and the sprawl of Munich as you cross into Southern Germany.
Wadden Sea
Unique UNESCO-protected tidal flats and the Frisian Islands are often visible if the approach pattern circles north.
The right side is unbeatable for morning flights, as the sun illuminates the Balkan coastline and the Alpine ridges. Look out roughly midway through the flight for the Croatian archipelago, which is the scenic highlight of this route. In winter, the contrast of the snow-covered Alps against the blue sky is most vibrant from this side.
Lefka Ori
The 'White Mountains' of Western Crete are visible immediately after takeoff, often capped with snow until late spring.
Ionian Sea
Expansive views of the deep blue Ionian waters as you cross from Greece towards the Balkan Peninsula.
Austrian Alps
Glacial peaks and high-altitude valleys of the Hohe Tauern range, including views toward the Grossglockner.
Rhine Valley
The sinuous curves of the Rhine River winding through the industrial and vineyard-heavy landscapes of Western Germany.
Dutch Polders
The perfectly geometric, multi-colored agricultural grids of the Netherlands during the final descent into Eelde.
Choose the left side for afternoon or evening flights to experience a stunning sunset over the Adriatic and Western Europe. This side is also better for viewing the structured agricultural layout of the northern Netherlands during the approach. Keep a camera ready 20 minutes after takeoff for the rugged Cretan coastline.
Distance: 2,455 km (1,525 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 16 min
Departure: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Arrival: GRQ (53.1197013855, 6.579440116880001)
Route Type: International
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