While the Santorini departure is a spectacular but brief moment for the left side, the right side accumulates more scenery over the full flight — a glimpse of Athens and the Saronic Gulf, the Adriatic coastline, distant Alpine peaks to the north over Italy, and finally a rare low pass over central London on approach to Heathrow.
Flight Path
Adriatic Sea crossing between Albania/Italy, the Apennine Mountains and Tuscan coastline of central Italy, with the snow-capped Alps visible as a distant range to the north before the route continues over eastern France toward the English Channel
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JTR
LEFTDeparting Santorini on runway 33, the aircraft climbs north over the sea then banks left onto the London heading, swinging the famous caldera into view. Passengers on the left get a classic look at the volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and the islets in the bay before the island falls away behind.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the typical westerly approach into Heathrow, the aircraft tracks west over Greater London before lining up on the runway, putting the Thames and the city skyline off to the right side. It's a rare, low-altitude look at central London just minutes before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santorini (JTR) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santorini to London. While the Santorini departure is a spectacular but brief moment for the left side, the right side accumulates more scenery over the full flight — a glimpse of Athens and the Saronic Gulf, the Adriatic coastline, distant Alpine peaks to the north over Italy, and finally a rare low pass over central London on approach to Heathrow.
What can I see during takeoff from Santorini in Santorini?
During takeoff from Santorini (JTR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Santorini on runway 33, the aircraft climbs north over the sea then banks left onto the London heading, swinging the famous caldera into view. Passengers on the left get a classic look at the volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and the islets in the bay before the island falls away behind. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera, Oia and Fira cliff towns, Nea Kameni volcanic islet, distant Cycladic islands (Ios, Anafi).
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical westerly approach into Heathrow, the aircraft tracks west over Greater London before lining up on the runway, putting the Thames and the city skyline off to the right side. It's a rare, low-altitude look at central London just minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf and The Shard skyline, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle near the airport.
How long is the flight from Santorini to London?
The flight from Santorini (JTR) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 3h 50m.
What does the Santorini to London flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea crossing between Albania/Italy, the Apennine Mountains and Tuscan coastline of central Italy, with the snow-capped Alps visible as a distant range to the north before the route continues over eastern France toward the English Channel