Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Athens departure over the Saronic Gulf and Hymettus Mountains, then the entire flight path across the Aegean Sea with island views. Left seats are excellent for landing but miss the scenic takeoff.
Flown ATH to SMI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Samos is 163 miles (262 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the central Aegean Sea heading northeast. Notable features include the Cycladic islands (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos) visible to the south and west during cruise, the open Aegean waters, and the approach to the northern Aegean where Samos sits close to the Turkish coast. The strait between Samos and the Turkish mainland (approximately 1.6 km wide) becomes visible during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs northeast. You'll see the sprawl of greater Athens receding below, with the Hymettus mountain range visible to the east.
Landing at SMI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Samos. You'll see the island's mountainous spine (Mount Ampelos) and the Aegean Sea approaching from the west, with clear views of the island's rugged terrain and the narrow strait separating Samos from Turkey.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Samos (SMI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Samos. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Athens departure over the Saronic Gulf and Hymettus Mountains, then the entire flight path across the Aegean Sea with island views. Left seats are excellent for landing but miss the scenic takeoff.
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 Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs northeast. You'll see the sprawl of greater Athens receding below, with the Hymettus mountain range visible to the east. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Hymettus Mountains, Athens urban sprawl, Attica Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Samos in Samos?
When landing at Samos (SMI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Samos. You'll see the island's mountainous spine (Mount Ampelos) and the Aegean Sea approaching from the west, with clear views of the island's rugged terrain and the narrow strait separating Samos from Turkey. Notable sights include: Mount Ampelos (Samos), Aegean Sea, Samos island coastline, Turkey coast (Asian mainland).
How long is the flight from Athens to Samos?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Samos (SMI) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 163 miles (262 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Samos flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the central Aegean Sea heading northeast. Notable features include the Cycladic islands (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos) visible to the south and west during cruise, the open Aegean waters, and the approach to the northern Aegean where Samos sits close to the Turkish coast. The strait between Samos and the Turkish mainland (approximately 1.6 km wide) becomes visible during descent.