The takeoff climb-out from Athens provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Hymettus and Penteli ranges, while the landing approach, though scenic, is shorter. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
Flown ATH to KGS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Kos is 190 miles (306 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the central Aegean Sea, passing over or near several island clusters: the Cyclades islands (Naxos, Paros visible to the south), and the Dodecanese chain. The Aegean's deep blue waters dominate the midpoint, with scattered islands appearing as small rocky outcrops. The transition from the Athenian basin to open sea is gradual, with the Greek mainland receding westward and the Turkish coast becoming increasingly visible to the east as the aircraft approaches Kos.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges immediately east of Athens as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The Saronic Gulf and initial Aegean seascape also unfold on the right during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at KGS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Kos island's interior and the Turkish coastline (Bodrum Peninsula) across the Kos Strait during descent. The island's mountainous spine and the narrow strait separating Greece from Turkey are visually striking on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Kos (KGS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Kos. The takeoff climb-out from Athens provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Hymettus and Penteli ranges, while the landing approach, though scenic, is shorter. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges immediately east of Athens as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The Saronic Gulf and initial Aegean seascape also unfold on the right during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mount Hymettus (1,026 m), Mount Penteli (1,109 m), Saronic Gulf coastline, Athens urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Kos in Kos?
When landing at Kos (KGS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Kos island's interior and the Turkish coastline (Bodrum Peninsula) across the Kos Strait during descent. The island's mountainous spine and the narrow strait separating Greece from Turkey are visually striking on approach. Notable sights include: Kos island interior mountains, Kos Strait, Turkish Bodrum Peninsula coastline, Aegean Sea.
How long is the flight from Athens to Kos?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Kos (KGS) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 190 miles (306 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Kos flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Aegean Sea, passing over or near several island clusters: the Cyclades islands (Naxos, Paros visible to the south), and the Dodecanese chain. The Aegean's deep blue waters dominate the midpoint, with scattered islands appearing as small rocky outcrops. The transition from the Athenian basin to open sea is gradual, with the Greek mainland receding westward and the Turkish coast becoming increasingly visible to the east as the aircraft approaches Kos.