About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santorini (JTR) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santorini to Istanbul. The left side delivers the dramatic caldera view on departure, which is the single most spectacular moment of this flight. During cruise the left side also tracks closer to the Greek island chain through the Aegean, including views of Mykonos, Chios, and the Turkish Aegean coast. The right side wins on landing, but the caldera departure is the highlight of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Santorini in Santorini?
During takeoff from Santorini (JTR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Santorini's runway 34 departure heads roughly north, so the left (west) side gives you the best view back over the caldera as you climb out. The iconic crescent-shaped caldera with the submerged volcanic crater and the white villages of Fira and Oia on the rim are clearly visible from the left side during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera, Nea Kameni volcanic island, Fira and Oia villages on the caldera rim, Thirasia island.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk typically uses runway 06 for arrivals from the southwest, meaning the aircraft approaches from over the Sea of Marmara heading northeast. The right (south-facing) side gives clear views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its distinctive skyline of minarets and domes. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Historic Peninsula of Istanbul (Sultanahmet), Prince's Islands.
How long is the flight from Santorini to Istanbul?
The flight from Santorini (JTR) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.
What does the Santorini to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast across the Aegean Sea, passing over or near the Cyclades islands including Mykonos and Syros, then over the northern Aegean toward the Thracian coast. The island of Chios and the Turkish Aegean coastline are visible to the east during mid-flight. The Sea of Marmara comes into view on descent, with the Gallipoli peninsula and the Dardanelles strait visible to the northwest if visibility is good.