While the Newark departure offers excellent urban scenery, the Santorini landing is genuinely extraordinary—the caldera approach is one of Europe's most visually distinctive arrivals, with dramatic volcanic cliffs, the crater, and island geography creating a 4.5-level scenic experience. The landing view significantly outweighs the takeoff advantage, making right side the clear winner for the full flight.
Flown EWR to JTR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Santorini is 5,076 miles (8,169 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with minimal landmarks), then enters European airspace over Portugal or Spain. The route typically passes south of the Iberian Peninsula, crosses the Mediterranean over southern France or northern Africa, and approaches Greece via the Ionian Sea. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible on southern routing), the Mediterranean coastline of southern Spain or North Africa, and the Greek mainland approaching from the west. Most of the transatlantic leg offers only ocean; the Mediterranean crossing provides some coastal and island features but remains secondary to the dramatic Santorini arrival.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft side captures the New York City metropolitan area during climb-out, including Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the New Jersey urban corridor. Right side faces inland toward the flat Appalachian foothills with minimal dramatic terrain.
Landing at JTR
RIGHTRight side offers the dramatic approach to Santorini, featuring the iconic caldera cliffs, the volcanic crater, and the Aegean Sea. The island's distinctive crescent shape and white-washed settlements are unmistakable. Left side faces open Aegean water with minimal distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Santorini (JTR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Santorini. While the Newark departure offers excellent urban scenery, the Santorini landing is genuinely extraordinary—the caldera approach is one of Europe's most visually distinctive arrivals, with dramatic volcanic cliffs, the crater, and island geography creating a 4.5-level scenic experience. The landing view significantly outweighs the takeoff advantage, making right side the clear winner for the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the New York City metropolitan area during climb-out, including Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the New Jersey urban corridor. Right side faces inland toward the flat Appalachian foothills with minimal dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and East River, Hudson River valley, Newark Bay and surrounding industrial waterfront, George Washington Bridge area.
What can I see when landing at Santorini in Santorini?
When landing at Santorini (JTR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the dramatic approach to Santorini, featuring the iconic caldera cliffs, the volcanic crater, and the Aegean Sea. The island's distinctive crescent shape and white-washed settlements are unmistakable. Left side faces open Aegean water with minimal distinctive features. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera and volcanic cliffs, Nea Kameni volcanic island in the crater center, Thirassia island to the northwest, Aegean Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Newark to Santorini?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Santorini (JTR) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,076 miles (8,169 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Santorini flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with minimal landmarks), then enters European airspace over Portugal or Spain. The route typically passes south of the Iberian Peninsula, crosses the Mediterranean over southern France or northern Africa, and approaches Greece via the Ionian Sea. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible on southern routing), the Mediterranean coastline of southern Spain or North Africa, and the Greek mainland approaching from the west. Most of the transatlantic leg offers only ocean; the Mediterranean crossing provides some coastal and island features but remains secondary to the dramatic Santorini arrival.