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JTR → CGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Santorini Airport (Thira) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled departure view of the Santorini caldera and a prime perspective of the Swiss Alps and the Rhine valley upon descent into Cologne.
Santorini Caldera
Immediately after takeoff, witness the iconic volcanic crater and white-washed cliffs of Oia and Fira.
Ionian Islands
Aerial views of the turquoise waters surrounding Zakynthos and Kefalonia as the flight crosses the sea.
Western Alps
Spectacular views of high-altitude glacial peaks in the Swiss and Italian Alps, including the Matterhorn area.
Upper Rhine Valley
The winding Rhine River carved through the German landscape, visible as the aircraft begins its descent.
Cologne Cathedral
On the final approach from the south, the massive spires of the Dom and the city skyline appear to the left.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Santorini sunset on evening flights. During the descent into CGN, keep your camera ready for the Rhine River's loops. Morning flights offer the best lighting for the Alpine peaks on this side.
Cyclades Archipelago
A stunning mosaic of islands like Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos scattered across the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Mount Olympus
View the legendary home of the gods, Greece's highest peak, often capped with snow well into spring.
Dinaric Alps
The rugged, limestone mountain range running through the Balkans provides dramatic shadows at midday.
Lake Constance
The massive 'Bodensee' marking the border between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria is clearly visible.
Siebengebirge Hills
The 'Seven Mountains' range near Bonn, featuring the famous Drachenfels castle ruins just before landing.
The right side is excellent for seeing the eastern Greek mainland and the Austrian Alps. On midday flights, this side avoids direct sun glare while over Central Europe, making it better for photography of the Balkan mountain ranges.
Distance: 2,171 km (1,349 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 54 min
Departure: JTR (36.39920043945313, 25.47929954528809)
Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Route Type: International
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