The left side offers a more consistently scenic journey: a glimpse of the Sussex coast on departure, likely views toward the Alps and Adriatic during cruise, and a dramatic look at Crete's coastline and mountains on the approach into Heraklion, while the right side spends more time over featureless French plains and open sea.
Flown LGW to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Heraklion is 1,665 miles (2,680 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
French Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, the Adriatic Sea and Italian coastline, mainland Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, and scattered Aegean islands such as Milos and Santorini along the final leg to Crete
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTDeparting Gatwick on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west then turns south toward the coast, giving left-side passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex coastline near Brighton before crossing the Channel. The right side mostly shows the flatter Weald countryside receding behind.
Landing at HER
LEFTOn approach to Heraklion's runway 27, aircraft typically loop in from the east over the Aegean, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Crete's rugged north coast, the city of Heraklion, and the mountainous interior dominated by Mount Psiloritis. The right side mainly faces open sea during this turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Heraklion. The left side offers a more consistently scenic journey: a glimpse of the Sussex coast on departure, likely views toward the Alps and Adriatic during cruise, and a dramatic look at Crete's coastline and mountains on the approach into Heraklion, while the right side spends more time over featureless French plains and open sea.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Gatwick on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west then turns south toward the coast, giving left-side passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex coastline near Brighton before crossing the Channel. The right side mostly shows the flatter Weald countryside receding behind. Notable sights include: South Downs, Brighton/Worthing coastline, English Channel, Normandy coast ahead.
What can I see when landing at Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
When landing at Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Heraklion's runway 27, aircraft typically loop in from the east over the Aegean, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Crete's rugged north coast, the city of Heraklion, and the mountainous interior dominated by Mount Psiloritis. The right side mainly faces open sea during this turn. Notable sights include: Heraklion city and harbor, Mount Psiloritis, Cretan north coast, Dia island offshore.
How long is the flight from London to Heraklion?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,665 miles (2,680 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Heraklion flight path pass over?
French Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, the Adriatic Sea and Italian coastline, mainland Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, and scattered Aegean islands such as Milos and Santorini along the final leg to Crete