Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Athens. While landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and sustained. The White Mountains and Cretan topography provide superior visual interest during the first 15 minutes of flight, and right-side seats capture this better. The landing approach is shorter and less visually distinctive, making the takeoff experience the deciding factor.

During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) immediately after departure, rising steeply from the Cretan coast. The aircraft climbs eastward toward Athens, so right-side views show the spine of Crete's terrain as it recedes beneath the climb. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori) - snow-capped peaks visible year-round; Souda Bay - the large natural harbor directly below during initial climb; Cretan coastline with its rocky northern shore; Aegean Sea stretching northward.

When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Athens. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side windows frame Mount Parnitha and the Attica Basin, with the city sprawl and Saronic Gulf visible as you descend toward Eleftherios Venizelos. Notable sights include: Mount Parnitha - the prominent mountain range northwest of Athens; Attica Basin - the flat plain containing greater Athens; Saronic Gulf - the body of water east of the airport; City of Athens sprawl with Acropolis district visible in clear conditions.

The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes Approximately 50-55 minutes.

The flight crosses the central Aegean Sea between Crete and mainland Greece. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), the Cycladic islands are visible as small landmasses scattered across the sea—Naxos, Paros, and Antiparos appear as distinct islands in the midpoint of the route. The Peloponnese's northern coastline becomes visible as you approach Athens, with the Gulf of Corinth visible to the west. The transition from open sea to the densely populated Attica region is stark, with the urban sprawl of greater Athens appearing suddenly as a gray-brown mass against the blue Aegean.