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JTR destination photo
CGN destination photo

JTRCGN

Which side of the plane to sit from Santorini Airport (Thira) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌋

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏝️

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.

Top Activities in Cologne
Route Information

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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