While left offers good departure views of Samos, right provides superior scenery during the longer descent phase into Athens, with dramatic mountain approaches and the Saronic Gulf—more visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
Flown SMI to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Samos to Athens is 163 miles (262 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Aegean Sea crossing with scattered islands (Mykonos, Delos, Tinos visible to the north), the transition from open sea to the Attica coastal region, and the approach to the Hymettus-Penteli mountain corridor that frames the Athens basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMI
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Samos island's mountainous terrain and the Aegean Sea as you climb westward toward Athens. You'll see the island's spine of peaks receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during descent into Athens, including the Attica coastline, Saronic Gulf, and the approach over the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges that frame the Athens basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Samos (SMI) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Samos to Athens. While left offers good departure views of Samos, right provides superior scenery during the longer descent phase into Athens, with dramatic mountain approaches and the Saronic Gulf—more visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Samos in Samos?
During takeoff from Samos (SMI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Samos island's mountainous terrain and the Aegean Sea as you climb westward toward Athens. You'll see the island's spine of peaks receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Mount Kerkis (1,433 m), Samos island coastline, Aegean Sea, Turkish coast to the east.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Athens, including the Attica coastline, Saronic Gulf, and the approach over the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges that frame the Athens basin. Notable sights include: Mount Hymettus (1,026 m), Mount Penteli (1,109 m), Saronic Gulf, Athens urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Samos to Athens?
The flight from Samos (SMI) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 163 miles (262 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Samos to Athens flight path pass over?
Aegean Sea crossing with scattered islands (Mykonos, Delos, Tinos visible to the north), the transition from open sea to the Attica coastal region, and the approach to the Hymettus-Penteli mountain corridor that frames the Athens basin