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LGW destination photo
CHQ destination photo

LGWCHQ

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the heart of the Swiss Alps, the unique geography of Venice and the Adriatic coast, and the scattered islands of the Aegean Sea during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

The Central Alps

Breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland and Austria, typically visible about 80-90 minutes after takeoff.

🛶

Venetian Lagoon

Look down to spot the unmistakable S-shape of the Grand Canal and the surrounding islands of Venice as you cross the Italian coast.

🏝️

Dalmatian Coast

The crystal-clear turquoise waters and hundreds of small islands along the coastline of Croatia and Montenegro.

🏛️

The Peloponnese

Aerial views of the rugged Greek mainland and the Gulf of Corinth before the final overwater stretch.

🌊

Aegean Islands

As the flight descends toward Crete, you will pass over the Cyclades, often seeing Milos or Santorini in the distance.

✈️

Akrotiri Peninsula

The final approach into CHQ provides a close-up look at the rocky northern coast of Crete and the Souda Bay.

Sit on the left for the best morning light on the Alps without the direct sun glare. During the summer, the late afternoon sun will be on the opposite side, making the left side much cooler and better for photos of the Adriatic and Greek islands.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🗼

Paris Suburbs

Depending on the specific airway, the outskirts of Paris and the winding Seine river are often visible shortly after crossing the channel.

🏔️

Mont Blanc

The highest peak in Western Europe is visible to the south as you traverse the border region between France and Italy.

🍷

Tuscan Countryside

The rolling hills and vineyards of central Italy provide a beautiful patchwork quilt appearance from 35,000 feet.

🌋

Mount Vesuvius

On clear days with a southerly route, the iconic crater near Naples can be seen jutting out toward the Tyrrhenian Sea.

⛰️

Lefka Ori (White Mountains)

Stunning views of Crete's massive limestone mountain range during the final descent into Chania International.

Choose the right side if you are flying in the morning to see the White Mountains of Crete illuminated by the sun upon arrival. Be aware that on southbound flights in the afternoon, the sun will be on this side, which may require you to close the window shade to avoid heat and glare.

Top Activities in Chania
Route Information

Distance: 2,603 km (1,617 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: CHQ (35.531700134277344, 24.14970016479492)

Route Type: International

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