The right side follows the Alps almost directly beneath the flight path over Switzerland, then tracks the Italian coastline and Adriatic/Ionian waters before the Greek islands appear — a far more sustained and dramatic sequence than the brief takeoff and landing highlights on the left.
Flown MAN to HER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Heraklion is 1,820 miles (2,929 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Swiss Alps near Mont Blanc, Po Valley and northern Italy, Adriatic/Ionian Sea crossing, Peloponnese and Aegean islands before descending into Crete
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
LEFTAfter departing runway 23 and banking left onto the southeasterly routing, the left side offers a brief but clear view back over Manchester's city centre skyline and the Peak District's moorland hills, while the right side only shows the flatter Cheshire countryside.
Landing at HER
LEFTOn final approach to runway 27 along Crete's north coast, the aircraft flies with the island's interior on the left, giving a close view of Heraklion's white harbor town backed by the rugged Psiloritis (Mount Ida) range, while the right side faces only open Aegean water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Heraklion. The right side follows the Alps almost directly beneath the flight path over Switzerland, then tracks the Italian coastline and Adriatic/Ionian waters before the Greek islands appear — a far more sustained and dramatic sequence than the brief takeoff and landing highlights on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Manchester in Manchester?
During takeoff from Manchester (MAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. After departing runway 23 and banking left onto the southeasterly routing, the left side offers a brief but clear view back over Manchester's city centre skyline and the Peak District's moorland hills, while the right side only shows the flatter Cheshire countryside. Notable sights include: Manchester city centre skyline (Beetham Tower/Deansgate Square cluster), Peak District moorland (Kinder Scout area), Cheshire Plain farmland.
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 final approach to runway 27 along Crete's north coast, the aircraft flies with the island's interior on the left, giving a close view of Heraklion's white harbor town backed by the rugged Psiloritis (Mount Ida) range, while the right side faces only open Aegean water. Notable sights include: Psiloritis (Mount Ida) mountain range, Heraklion city and harbor, Crete's north coast cliffs.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Heraklion?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,820 miles (2,929 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Heraklion flight path pass over?
Swiss Alps near Mont Blanc, Po Valley and northern Italy, Adriatic/Ionian Sea crossing, Peloponnese and Aegean islands before descending into Crete