About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Santorini (JTR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Santorini. The left side misses the best of London on departure but wins decisively on arrival with the full caldera view at Santorini, which is one of the most dramatic airport approaches in Europe. En route, the left side also picks up the Alps crossing and Adriatic coastline views. The Santorini caldera landing alone makes left the better overall seat.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures heading east on runway 27L/27R (westerly wind departures) or climbing east on 09L/09R give the right side views over central London. A right-side seat captures the Thames snaking through the city, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast toward the continent. Notable sights include: River Thames bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, Windsor Castle to the west during initial climb, City of London skyline.
What can I see when landing at Santorini in Santorini?
When landing at Santorini (JTR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Santorini's runway 34/16 means most approaches come from the north or south. Approaching from the northwest on runway 34, the left side faces the caldera — the collapsed volcanic crater filled with deep blue Aegean water, with the white villages of Fira and Oia perched on the caldera rim. This is the defining view of the island. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera (volcanic crater), Fira village on caldera rim, Nea Kameni volcanic island in caldera center, Aegean Sea surrounding the island.
How long is the flight from London to Santorini?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Santorini (JTR) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours.
What does the London to Santorini flight path pass over?
The route crosses the English Channel near Calais, then tracks southeast over France, crossing the Alps roughly over Switzerland or northern Italy where Mont Blanc and the main Alpine chain are visible. The aircraft then crosses northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, and the western Balkans before descending over the Aegean. The Ionian Islands and Cyclades archipelago are visible in the final descent phase.