The left side wins both the departure (Windsor Castle and the Thames) and, more decisively, the arrival, where the caldera, cliffside towns, and volcanic islet of Santorini make for one of the most striking landings in the Mediterranean. The right side offers only fleeting Alpine glimpses during cruise to compensate for a plainer takeoff and a sea-facing landing turn.
Flight Path
The route crosses northern France, skirts the western Alps near Mont Blanc, continues over the Adriatic and the Greek mainland's Peloponnese peninsula, then threads over Cycladic islands like Naxos and Ios before descending into the Aegean toward Santorini.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departures climb out directly over Windsor Great Park, giving left-side passengers a clear look at Windsor Castle and the looping Thames before the aircraft banks south-east toward the Channel. The right side over Slough and the M4 corridor is comparatively unremarkable suburban sprawl.
Landing at JTR
LEFTOn the approach to Santorini's runway 33 from the south, the final turn puts the island's dramatic caldera on the left side, with the whitewashed cliff towns of Fira and Oia and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni all visible. The right side mostly faces open Aegean water during this turn.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 wins both the departure (Windsor Castle and the Thames) and, more decisively, the arrival, where the caldera, cliffside towns, and volcanic islet of Santorini make for one of the most striking landings in the Mediterranean. The right side offers only fleeting Alpine glimpses during cruise to compensate for a plainer takeoff and a sea-facing landing turn.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departures climb out directly over Windsor Great Park, giving left-side passengers a clear look at Windsor Castle and the looping Thames before the aircraft banks south-east toward the Channel. The right side over Slough and the M4 corridor is comparatively unremarkable suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames loops near Staines, Windsor Great Park, outer London suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Santorini in Santorini?
When landing at Santorini (JTR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach to Santorini's runway 33 from the south, the final turn puts the island's dramatic caldera on the left side, with the whitewashed cliff towns of Fira and Oia and the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni all visible. The right side mostly faces open Aegean water during this turn. Notable sights include: Santorini caldera cliffs, Fira and Oia villages, Nea Kameni volcanic islet, Aegean Sea.
How long is the flight from London to Santorini?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Santorini (JTR) takes 3h 55m.
What does the London to Santorini flight path pass over?
The route crosses northern France, skirts the western Alps near Mont Blanc, continues over the Adriatic and the Greek mainland's Peloponnese peninsula, then threads over Cycladic islands like Naxos and Ios before descending into the Aegean toward Santorini.