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VKO → HER
Which side of the plane to sit from Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow) to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the Bosphorus crossing, the scattered jewels of the Cyclades islands, and the dramatic northern coastline of Crete upon descent.
Istanbul & Bosphorus
A breathtaking view of the bridge connecting Europe and Asia as the flight crosses from the Black Sea.
Cyclades Archipelago
Clusters of white-washed island villages surrounded by deep turquoise Aegean waters.
Cretan Shoreline
The plane typically approaches HER from the north, offering close-up views of the rugged cliffs and beaches.
Aegean Sea Lanes
High-altitude views of ferries and cargo ships weaving between the Greek islands.
Aegean Sunset
On evening flights, the sun sets directly over the water, creating a vibrant orange and purple horizon.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes before landing for the best views of the Greek islands. The descent into Heraklion usually offers a low-altitude view of the coastline that is best captured from this side.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, rugged peaks of southern Turkey visible before the flight moves over the Mediterranean.
Anatolian Sunrise
Early morning flights feature a stunning golden glow over the Turkish high plateaus.
Heraklion Harbor
The historic Koules Fortress and the Venetian harbor are often visible during the final banking turn.
Rhodes Vista
Distant views of the Dodecanese islands on the horizon during the crossing of the eastern Aegean.
Choose this side for early morning departures to enjoy the sunrise over the Russian plains and Turkish highlands. As you approach Crete, watch for the steep mountain ranges of the island's interior rising to the south.
Distance: 2,433 km (1,512 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 min
Departure: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Arrival: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Route Type: International
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