Chania to Athens flight pathCHQATH

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time0h 50m
Distance167
Heading356° → 356°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 4.0 left·★ 3.5 right

While the Crete departure favors the right side, the Athens arrival's iconic cityscape and Acropolis view on the left side is the more memorable and recognizable scenic payoff, giving the left side a slightly higher overall experience.

Takeoff · CHQRIGHTLefka Ori, Souda Bay, Chania's northern coastline
Landing · ATHLEFTAcropolis and Athens city center, Mount Hymettus, Saronic Gulf coastline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Open Aegean Sea with scattered small islets north of Crete, occasional distant views of the Cycladic island chain (Milos or Kimolos) to the northeast depending on routing

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from CHQ

RIGHT

Departing CHQ on runway 29, the aircraft banks right onto its northbound track toward Athens, putting Crete's White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the deep indentation of Souda Bay directly under the right wing. It's a dramatic, rugged farewell to the island before heading out over open water.

Lefka OriSouda BayChania's northern coastlineAkrotiri Peninsula

Landing at ATH

LEFT

On the approach into Athens from the south, landing toward the northeast on runway 03, the city of Athens with the Acropolis and Mount Hymettus sits off to the left, while the right side mostly faces open Saronic Gulf water. The left side gives passengers a classic skyline view before touchdown.

Acropolis and Athens city centerMount HymettusSaronic Gulf coastlinePiraeus harbor

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Athens. While the Crete departure favors the right side, the Athens arrival's iconic cityscape and Acropolis view on the left side is the more memorable and recognizable scenic payoff, giving the left side a slightly higher overall experience.

What can I see during takeoff from Souda in Chania?

During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CHQ on runway 29, the aircraft banks right onto its northbound track toward Athens, putting Crete's White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the deep indentation of Souda Bay directly under the right wing. It's a dramatic, rugged farewell to the island before heading out over open water. Notable sights include: Lefka Ori (White Mountains), Souda Bay, Chania's northern coastline, Akrotiri Peninsula.

What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?

When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Athens from the south, landing toward the northeast on runway 03, the city of Athens with the Acropolis and Mount Hymettus sits off to the left, while the right side mostly faces open Saronic Gulf water. The left side gives passengers a classic skyline view before touchdown. Notable sights include: Acropolis and Athens city center, Mount Hymettus, Saronic Gulf coastline, Piraeus harbor.

How long is the flight from Chania to Athens?

The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes 0h 50m.

What does the Chania to Athens flight path pass over?

Open Aegean Sea with scattered small islets north of Crete, occasional distant views of the Cycladic island chain (Milos or Kimolos) to the northeast depending on routing