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MXP → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Malpensa International Airport (Milano) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior sequence of views, starting with the Italian Po Valley, followed by the dramatic Balkan mountain ranges, and concluding with a spectacular aerial tour of the Aegean islands.
Search flights from MXP to HER
Po Valley
Aerial views of the industrial heart of Northern Italy and the surrounding agricultural landscapes.
Balkan Highlands
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of Albania and the Epirus region of Greece.
Gulf of Evia
The long, narrow stretch of water separating the island of Euboea from the Greek mainland.
Cyclades Islands
Classic white-and-blue island clusters including Kea, Kythnos, and potentially Mykonos depending on the path.
Santorini Caldera
On clear days, the distinct crescent shape of Santorini is visible shortly before the final descent.
For morning departures, the left side avoids the harshest direct sunlight while providing excellent views of the Aegean archipelago. Keep your camera ready as you pass Athens; the plane usually stays east of the city, offering a clear view of the Attica coastline.
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Apennine Backbone
The central mountain range of Italy stretching down the peninsula toward the south.
Ionian Sea
The deep, vibrant blue expanse where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.
Zakynthos & Kefalonia
Distant views of the iconic cliffs and turquoise bays of the Ionian islands.
Peloponnese
The historic and diverse terrain of southern Greece, including its jagged southern peninsulas.
North Cretan Coast
The approach into Heraklion offers a beautiful view of the island's northern beaches and the Sea of Crete.
The right side is highly recommended for late afternoon or evening flights to capture the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. During the landing approach at HER, the right side often looks back toward the mountainous interior of Crete, providing a sense of the island's scale.
Book Hotels in HeraklionDistance: 1,795 km (1,115 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: MXP (45.6306, 8.728110000000001)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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