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IST → ATH
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the historic Dardanelles Strait and a denser concentration of iconic Aegean islands as you approach the Greek mainland.
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Dardanelles Strait
Clear views of the narrow strait separating Europe and Asia, including the 1915 Canakkale Bridge.
Gallipoli Peninsula
The historic WWI battlefields and memorials are visible on the southern tip of European Turkey.
Lesbos Island
A large, verdant Greek island known for its petrified forest and traditional villages.
Chios & Samos
Vibrant views of the East Aegean islands and the deep blue waters surrounding them.
Cyclades Horizon
On clear days, the northernmost islands of the Cyclades chain appear on the distant horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Turkish coastline and the Dardanelles. During the final descent into ATH, this side often provides a better view of the Saronic Gulf islands if the plane approaches from the south.
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Mount Athos
The 'Holy Mountain' peninsula of Halkidiki, home to numerous ancient monasteries.
Sporades Archipelago
Look for the lush, green islands of Skiathos and Skopelos dotting the northern Aegean.
Euboea (Evia)
The massive, mountainous island that runs parallel to the Greek mainland for much of the descent.
Attica Coastline
Dramatic views of the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of the Athenian Riviera.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct three-fingered shape of the Halkidiki peninsula early in the flight. As you approach Athens, you will get a great sense of the Greek mainland's mountainous terrain.
Book Hotels in AthensDistance: 554 km (344 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 55 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Route Type: International
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