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RIX → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic scenery, featuring the jagged High Tatras of Slovakia, the rugged peaks of the Greek mainland, and a spectacular view of the Cretan coastline during the final descent.
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High Tatras
The sharp, alpine peaks of the Tatra Mountains forming a dramatic border between Poland and Slovakia.
The Danube Gorge
The 'Iron Gates' where the Danube River carves a massive canyon between the Balkan Mountains and the Carpathians.
Sofia Basin
A clear view of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, framed by the towering Vitosha mountain range.
Mount Olympus
The legendary home of the Greek gods, often capped with snow or wreathed in clouds on the western horizon.
Heraklion Cityscape
A stunning low-altitude view of the Venetian harbor and the fortresses of Heraklion just before landing.
This is the premier side for evening flights as you'll enjoy a golden hour glow over the Mediterranean. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, the plane usually banks over the sea to align with the runway, giving this side an unobstructed view of the Cretan coastline and the city's ancient walls.
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Vilnius Outskirts
A glimpse of the Lithuanian capital's sprawling green suburbs and the Neris River shortly after departure.
Carpathian Wilderness
The dense, ancient forests and rolling ridges of the Transylvanian Alps in central Romania.
Balkan Mountains
Crossing the main mountain chain of Bulgaria, which acts as a geographic barrier between the north and south.
Aegean Sea Horizon
The deep azure waters of the Aegean dotted with the distant silhouettes of the Dodecanese islands.
Cyclades View
Aerial views of the iconic white-and-blue islands like Naxos or Amorgos as you approach Crete.
Sit on this side for early morning flights to witness a beautiful sunrise over Eastern Europe. However, be prepared for significant sun glare during the first half of the journey. Keep your eyes peeled as you cross the Bulgarian-Greek border for the first sight of the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Get eSIMs for Latvia
Get eSIMs for GreeceDistance: 2,402 km (1,493 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 12 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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