While the left offers interesting departure views of the Finnish archipelago, the right side during descent provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery: the White Mountains of Crete and the Aegean coastline are far more striking than the relatively flat Nordic landscape at takeoff.
Flown HEL to CHQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Chania is 1,713 miles (2,757 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, then proceeds south over Poland and the Czech Republic (Carpathian Mountains visible on the eastern horizon), continues over Austria and Hungary, then crosses the Balkans (Dinaric Alps and Pindus Mountains), and finally approaches Greece over the Aegean Sea. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Carpathian Mountains arc in central Europe and the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. The Danube River valley may be visible during the central European portion of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Helsinki Vantaa. You'll see the archipelago and water features that dominate the immediate departure corridor.
Landing at CHQ
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Chania. You'll see the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) dominating the southern Crete landscape and the Cretan coastline with its distinctive bays and peninsulas as you approach from the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Souda (CHQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Chania. While the left offers interesting departure views of the Finnish archipelago, the right side during descent provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery: the White Mountains of Crete and the Aegean coastline are far more striking than the relatively flat Nordic landscape at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Helsinki Vantaa. You'll see the archipelago and water features that dominate the immediate departure corridor. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Helsinki metropolitan area and harbor, Finnish archipelago (Saaristo), Baltic Sea.
What can I see when landing at Souda in Chania?
When landing at Souda (CHQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent into Chania. You'll see the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) dominating the southern Crete landscape and the Cretan coastline with its distinctive bays and peninsulas as you approach from the north. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Cretan coastline and bays, Aegean Sea, Chania harbor and city.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Chania?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Souda (CHQ) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,713 miles (2,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Chania flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, then proceeds south over Poland and the Czech Republic (Carpathian Mountains visible on the eastern horizon), continues over Austria and Hungary, then crosses the Balkans (Dinaric Alps and Pindus Mountains), and finally approaches Greece over the Aegean Sea. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Carpathian Mountains arc in central Europe and the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. The Danube River valley may be visible during the central European portion of the flight.