While the left side wins the Paris moment at takeoff, the right side dominates the far longer cruise phase, showing the Alps, the Italian coastline, and Ionian islands before culminating in a dramatic coastal descent into Heraklion, making it the stronger side overall.
Flown CDG to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Heraklion is 1,485 miles (2,389 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Alps near the French-Italian border, Tyrrhenian Sea and Italian west coast, Ionian Sea, scattered Greek islands approaching Crete
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTDeparting CDG on the westerly runways, southbound flights typically bank left shortly after takeoff to head toward the Alps and Mediterranean, putting central Paris directly under the left-side windows during the turn. This is the only real landmark moment of the takeoff, since the surrounding Île-de-France countryside is flat farmland on either side.
Landing at HER
RIGHTArrivals into HER commonly approach from the east over the Aegean, then align with runway 27 on final descent, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Crete's north coast, the harbor of Heraklion, and the Venetian fortress by the water. The left side mostly faces inland toward the rising Cretan mountains, which is scenic but less varied than the coastline unfolding on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Heraklion. While the left side wins the Paris moment at takeoff, the right side dominates the far longer cruise phase, showing the Alps, the Italian coastline, and Ionian islands before culminating in a dramatic coastal descent into Heraklion, making it the stronger side overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CDG on the westerly runways, southbound flights typically bank left shortly after takeoff to head toward the Alps and Mediterranean, putting central Paris directly under the left-side windows during the turn. This is the only real landmark moment of the takeoff, since the surrounding Île-de-France countryside is flat farmland on either side. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower and Seine River, La Défense skyline, Paris city grid, Île-de-France farmland.
What can I see when landing at Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
When landing at Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into HER commonly approach from the east over the Aegean, then align with runway 27 on final descent, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Crete's north coast, the harbor of Heraklion, and the Venetian fortress by the water. The left side mostly faces inland toward the rising Cretan mountains, which is scenic but less varied than the coastline unfolding on the right. Notable sights include: Heraklion harbor and Koules Fortress, north Crete coastline, Cretan Sea, Psiloritis mountain range inland.
How long is the flight from Paris to Heraklion?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,485 miles (2,389 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Heraklion flight path pass over?
Alps near the French-Italian border, Tyrrhenian Sea and Italian west coast, Ionian Sea, scattered Greek islands approaching Crete