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 right side wins at takeoff with the Sussex coast and Channel views, but the left side delivers the more spectacular payoff on landing with Mount Ida and the Heraklion waterfront. Across the cruise portion, the left side also tracks closer to the Alps as you cross France and northern Italy, offering distant views of the Alpine arc. On balance, left side has the edge for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L/08R runs roughly east-west. Departing westbound on 26L, aircraft typically turn southeast toward the continent. A right-side seat gives you views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs as you climb, then the English Channel coast near Eastbourne or Beachy Head as you head southeast. Left side faces north toward Greater London suburbs with less geographic drama. Notable sights include: Beachy Head chalk cliffs, the English Channel, the South Downs ridge, Eastbourne seafront.
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. Heraklion's runway 09/27 runs east-west along the northern coast of Crete. Arriving from the northwest on runway 27, the approach comes in over the Sea of Crete from the north. Left-side seats face south and get views of the Psiloritis massif (Mount Ida, 2,456m) dominating central Crete, the Heraklion city waterfront, and the Venetian harbour. Right side looks north over open sea. Notable sights include: Mount Ida (Psiloritis) massif, Heraklion Venetian harbour and old town, Sea of Crete, Lasithi Plateau mountains to the east.
How long is the flight from London to Heraklion?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.
What does the London to Heraklion flight path pass over?
The route crosses the English Channel near Dieppe, then tracks southeast over northern France and Burgundy. Over the Alps, the Mont Blanc massif and the western Alpine chain are visible to the left (south-southeast) at cruise altitude. The flight then crosses northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea between Italy and the Balkans, and the Ionian Sea before reaching the southern Aegean and Crete. The Adriatic crossing and the Greek island scatter of the Cyclades are visible in the final descent phase.