While takeoff from Heraklion favors the right side, the landing approach into Tel Aviv from the left offers more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv's sprawling cityscape, and the transition from sea to inland plain are more visually rewarding than the departure views.
Flown HER to TLV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Heraklion to Tel Aviv is 603 miles (971 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean Sea for roughly 2 hours. You'll pass over open water with no major landmarks visible during the midpoint, though on exceptionally clear days the southern coast of Cyprus may be faintly visible to the north (around 1 hour into flight). The approach to Israel brings views of the Levantine coast and the gradual transition from sea to the Judean Plain's agricultural landscape.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HER
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of Crete's northern coastline and the Cretan Sea as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the island's rugged terrain receding beneath you within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at TLV
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Tel Aviv. You'll see the Israeli coastline, Tel Aviv's urban sprawl, and the Mediterranean meeting the Judean Plain as you descend toward Ben Gurion Airport (located inland near Lod).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Heraklion to Tel Aviv. While takeoff from Heraklion favors the right side, the landing approach into Tel Aviv from the left offers more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv's sprawling cityscape, and the transition from sea to inland plain are more visually rewarding than the departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
During takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Crete's northern coastline and the Cretan Sea as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the island's rugged terrain receding beneath you within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Cretan coastline (north shore), Cretan Sea, Mount Ida (Psiloritis) to the southwest, Heraklion city sprawl below.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Tel Aviv. You'll see the Israeli coastline, Tel Aviv's urban sprawl, and the Mediterranean meeting the Judean Plain as you descend toward Ben Gurion Airport (located inland near Lod). Notable sights include: Mediterranean coastline (Israel), Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Judean Plain, Dead Sea (visible on clear days to the southeast).
How long is the flight from Heraklion to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 603 miles (971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Heraklion to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean Sea for roughly 2 hours. You'll pass over open water with no major landmarks visible during the midpoint, though on exceptionally clear days the southern coast of Cyprus may be faintly visible to the north (around 1 hour into flight). The approach to Israel brings views of the Levantine coast and the gradual transition from sea to the Judean Plain's agricultural landscape.