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ORY → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic crossing of the Swiss and Italian Alps, followed by a panoramic view of the Adriatic coast and a spectacular descent over the Cyclades islands, often including a distant view of Santorini before landing.
Search flights from ORY to HER
Swiss and Italian Alps
Fly over the snow-capped peaks of the Valais region and the Aosta Valley, including views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
Venetian Lagoon
On clear days, catch a glimpse of the unique island city of Venice and the intricate patterns of its surrounding lagoon.
Pindus Mountains
Cross over the 'spine of Greece,' featuring rugged limestone peaks and deep forested valleys in the Epirus region.
The Cyclades
Enjoy a breathtaking sequence of islands including Mykonos, Naxos, and the iconic volcanic caldera of Santorini during the descent.
Aegean Blue
The final approach offers a stunning contrast between the deep cobalt Aegean Sea and the stark white coastal cliffs of Crete.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For morning flights, the sun will be on the right side, giving the left side perfectly lit landscapes without glare. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, stay alert for the crescent shape of Santorini which often appears just before the plane turns toward Heraklion.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for GreeceMont Blanc
Early in the flight, look out for the highest peak in the Alps towering over the French-Italian border.
Rome and the Tiber
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the sprawling metropolitan area of Rome and the winding Tiber River.
Mount Vesuvius
A distinct view of the famous volcano and the sweeping Bay of Naples as you fly down the Italian peninsula.
Ionian Islands
Spot the turquoise waters and white cliffs of Zakynthos and Kefalonia as you enter Greek airspace.
The Peloponnese
Witness the historic landscapes of southern Greece, including the rugged Taygetos mountains and the Messenian gulf.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun begins to set in the west, casting long shadows over the Greek mountains. If the flight path takes a more westerly route over Italy, you will have a front-row seat to the Tyrrhenian coastline. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Peloponnese for some of Greece's most dramatic coastal topography.
Book Hotels in HeraklionDistance: 2,384 km (1,481 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 11 min
Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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