Takeoff from Chania offers superior views of dramatic Mediterranean coastal and mountain scenery. While landing at Orly favors the right, the departure experience—with the White Mountains, Cretan Sea, and coastal topography—outweighs the landing advantage. Left seats provide the more memorable segment of this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the central Mediterranean, passing east of Sardinia and west of Italy. Notable features include the Tyrrhenian Sea (open water for much of the central segment), the Italian peninsula's eastern coast (visible as a distant landmass if flying the northern corridor), and the Alps on approach to France. The route typically climbs to FL350-FL380, where individual landmarks become small; the Apennines and Maritime Alps may be visible as distant ridgelines on clear days, but the midpoint is largely open sea and high-altitude cloud tops.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to Paris. Takeoff from Chania offers superior views of dramatic Mediterranean coastal and mountain scenery. While landing at Orly favors the right, the departure experience—with the White Mountains, Cretan Sea, and coastal topography—outweighs the landing advantage. Left seats provide the more memorable segment of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Souda in Chania?
During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chania typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Left seats face west across the Cretan Sea toward the White Mountains, while right seats look inland over central Crete. The westward view captures the dramatic coastal escarpment and open water. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to the south and southeast, Cretan Sea to the west, Chania city and harbor below, Akrotiri Peninsula to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Paris Orly typically uses runways 26 (westbound) or 08 (eastbound). On approach from the southeast, right seats face south and southwest toward the Seine's meanders, Fontainebleau Forest, and the broader Île-de-France landscape. Left seats look north toward central Paris but at a steeper angle during descent. Notable sights include: Seine River with distinctive meanders, Fontainebleau Forest (dark green expanse to the south), Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, Orly airport complex itself.
How long is the flight from Chania to Paris?
The flight from Souda (CHQ) to Orly (ORY) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Chania to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Mediterranean, passing east of Sardinia and west of Italy. Notable features include the Tyrrhenian Sea (open water for much of the central segment), the Italian peninsula's eastern coast (visible as a distant landmass if flying the northern corridor), and the Alps on approach to France. The route typically climbs to FL350-FL380, where individual landmarks become small; the Apennines and Maritime Alps may be visible as distant ridgelines on clear days, but the midpoint is largely open sea and high-altitude cloud tops.