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LYS → ATH
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular aerial tour of the Ionian Islands and the rugged coastline of the Peloponnese before descending over the Saronic Gulf.
Southern French Alps
Aerial perspectives of the Ecrins National Park and the rugged mountains of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.
Ionian Islands
Stunning views of Corfu, Lefkada, and Cephalonia with their iconic turquoise waters and white cliffs.
Rio-Antirrio Bridge
A clear view of the massive cable-stayed bridge connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece across the Gulf of Corinth.
The Peloponnese
The deep bays and mountainous terrain of the historic southern peninsula unfold during the descent.
Corinth Canal
Watch closely for the thin, straight line of the canal cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth.
Saronic Gulf
The islands of Aegina and Salamis dot the sea during the final minutes of the flight.
The right side is superior for island spotting. To see the Corinth Canal, you must look straight down as the plane crosses the Isthmus. Afternoon flights offer the best 'golden hour' lighting over the Ionian Sea, making the turquoise water pop. Avoid sitting directly over the wing for the best photography of the islands.
Northern French Alps
Breathtaking views of the high peaks shortly after takeoff from Lyon, potentially including Mont Blanc in the distance.
Milan and Lombardy
The sprawling urban landscape of Northern Italy and the fertile Po Valley pass beneath the wing.
Mount Olympus
As the flight crosses into Greece, look for the massive limestone massif, legendary home of the Greek gods.
Euboea (Evia) Island
Views of the long, mountainous island and the narrow Euripus Strait as you approach the Attica region.
Athens City & Acropolis
On the final approach to runway 03L/R, the city sprawl and the Parthenon are often visible to the left.
Sit on the left for the best views of the high Alps during the first 30 minutes. If the flight arrives from the north, this side provides the most direct look at the historic center of Athens and the Acropolis. Morning flights provide excellent lighting for the Alpine scenery.
Distance: 1,780 km (1,106 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Route Type: International
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