Athens to Santorini flight path: ATH to JTR

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Santorini. The right side wins the takeoff with Athens' coastline and Cape Sounion, but the left side delivers one of the most iconic landing views in commercial aviation — the Santorini caldera and Fira's cliffside town sweeping into view just before touchdown, which outweighs the brief takeoff advantage on this short hop.

During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATH on runway 03 (the normal summer meltemi configuration), the jet climbs out NNE then banks right through east and south to line up for Santorini. That right-hand turn swings the Attica coastline, the Saronic Gulf, and Cape Sounion into view on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Athens Riviera coastline (Glyfada/Vouliagmeni), Saronic Gulf with Aegina island, Cape Sounion headland, Mesogeia plain below.

When landing at Santorini (JTR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 33 at Santorini (the standard meltemi-season direction), the aircraft approaches from the southeast and the famous caldera — with Fira perched on the cliff rim and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni inside the bay — sits forward-left of the aircraft during the final approach. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera cliffs, Fira town on the rim, Nea Kameni volcanic islet, Thirasia island across the bay.

The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Santorini (JTR) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 136 miles (218 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses the central Cyclades, passing near Kea and Kythnos shortly after departure, then tracking over or near Serifos and Sifnos, before the descent brings Ios, Sikinos, and Folegandros into view just before Santorini itself appears.