Planespotting / Viewing Guides for Athens, Rhodes airports, and other airports and airfields in Greece

Planespotting Guides for Greece's Airports and Airfields

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Spotting locations and the best spotting hotel rooms for planespotters travelling to airports and airfields in Greece. Use the hotlinks above or scroll down for spotting information on spotting locations, airfield hangar access, aviation museums, preserved aircraft. Plus all the information has been plotted as Points of Interest and can be downloaded to your SatNavs, Google Earth and Google Maps to make planning your spotting trips abroad so much easier and helping you log many more

Planespotting at Greece's Airports & Airfields has been plotted on Google Maps, Google Earth and can be added to your SatNav - click to download
All 9 Greek locations - where they are, viewing spots, hotels and preserved aircraft can be seen on detailed satellite images, making planning your spotting trip exceptionally easy. All these spotting points of interest can be added to your SatNav to give you another excellent resource to make your trip that much easier and more enjoyable. Please read the Download Instructions for example screenshots and further details

PRESERVED, WRECKS & RELICS, STORED AIRCRAFT IN GREECE - its location is marked in the Spotting in Greece download

X'Air marked HE-U180 is preserved on the roof of Flyers Bar on Pefkos Beach. Alongside the bar is the owner's small airstrip from where he provides pleasure flights
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ATHENS AIRPORT (LGAV/ATH) - TWR 118.625, 136.275 / GND 121.75, 121.8, 121.9, 121.95 / APP 124.025, 126.575

General Information
The authorities know about our hobby but discretion is advised. They know spotters like to use the McDonalds observation deck so if you are questioned, just explain what you are doing and why and you'll be left alone without problem. Binoculars, SBS and cameras are ok here but keep them in your bag and only use them when necessary. The SBS box will work perfectly well from within your bag as well. Two parallel runways, though staggered either side of the terminal area. Most of the time 03 runways are in use: 0700-1500L 03L is for arrivals, 03R is for departures. At 1500 they change the runways, so 1500-2300L 03L is for departures and 03R is for arrivals. Every now and then, due to the wind direction, 21 runways are used but there are no timed runway alterations when 21s are in use. This will help with deciding which side of the plane to sit on, as you'll taxi past either the biz parking area or the freight area on arrival and departure, adding to your log. Wednesday seems to be the quiet day and it looks like the best days are Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Terminal Observation Deck Spotting Info
Landside, there is an observation deck in McDonalds, above departures on the top floor, where everything taxies past so you don't miss much and it's excellent for photographs once it's late enough in the morning. In the winter the sun will always be in the way, making photographs very difficult. You can see the whole of 03R/21L and a few of the main apron gates directly in front of the deck, but not the commuters or GA (northeast of the terminal) or cargo (southwest). If you use the lower level of the restaurant you can see all the arriving commuters, which taxi back virtually through their apron before turning to park. Depending on their gate on the single line along the length of the terminal some larger airliners also taxi this way.

Other Spotting Info

If the western runway, 03L/21R, is in use for arrivals, this is out of sight of the observation deck. In the railway station beyond the Sofitel hotel, and connected via a walkway from the terminal entrance/exit, is a coffee shop with views over runway 03L/21R. You can also see departures off 03R/21L from here too. No problems with staying here as long as you make the odd purchase and are discreet. Just keep an eye out for a change of runway, and then it's back to the terminal observation deck. You also get a view from here over the cargo stands to log a couple more. Carry on through the railway station and out the doors at the back to the car park. This is elevated and by each of the lift doors you can view back at an angle to each end of the terminal. On the left side are the biz and commuter ramps and on the right the Aegean/charter terminal and cargo. Again you'll be able to log few more not seen from elsewhere. If you continue down the escalators to the car park and turn right, you can walk to the far end past the taxi rank and pick up a few of the biz. Don't hang around here though as you do stand out and there's no cover.

As an alternative to the deck, there are views of 03R/21L, the ATRs and DHC8s on the commuter ramp, and GA area from the landside sidewalk - exit the terminal and turn right down to the exit ramp of the terminal. There is seating and shade from the departure level and good views of all movements on the other runway 03L/21R and by going the short distance to the end of the pedestrian area, departures can be read possibly on taxi or in the air as they are above the buildings. The main bizjet parking area is also visible from here but most are parked at awkward or impossible angles.

The road to the biz area goes under the taxiway and remains at too low a level to read any more than the one parked closest to the road. Turning right you finally get high enough to see a security barrier ahead and that only those aircraft carrying registrations on the tail will be read off. The helicopter parking area is visible allowing them to be read off. If departing on 21L in daylight the biz jets should be readable, especially those parked right next to the taxiway as you head past. Around mid morning the airport goes quiet, so it might be a good idea to head off this way if you fancy the walk. The biz end of the long stay car park also has views of the biz ramp. A few more can also be read off from the top of the escalators where you exit from the railway station to the car park.

For cargo turn left out of the terminal.

Once airside, viewing is limited due to the airbridges and you are in a small area once through gate security. Stay landside for as long as possible.

Stored Aircraft

At the very northern end of the airport, almost parallel with the 21L threshold, you'll find 5B-CJY C421, N94528 C152 and N5766F PA28 stored derelict on some rough ground. I do not recommend walking here from the airport, but it's easy to drive here following the perimeter road northeast past the biz and helicopters areas and turning right at the top. Your best bet to see these is on arrival and/or departure, depending on runway usage.

SX-BCL B732, SX-BFL PA31 and SX-BMS PA31 are on the dump with the fire department in use as trainers. These are visible from the railway station spotting areas detailed above. Look to the left, towards the southwestern end of 03l/21R and they are easily visible. Just before this fire dump is Taxiway Z. This was used as long-term storage for the ex-Olympic widebodies so there may or may not be aircraft parked on here. Just beyond the fire dump is Taxiway B, and was closed some time ago to be used as long-term storage. It originally held the smaller ex-Olympic aircraft, but as these move on, others take their place. As of March 2011 there were 8 ex-Olympic ATRs - ATR42s SX-BIB and SX-BID, and ATR72s SX-BIE, SX-BIF, SX-BIG, SX-BII, SX-BIK and SX-BIL and easily readable. These places are all visible from the railway station and areas, and you can read most if not all. If there are any you can't tie up, the local spotters run the Athens Airport Blog and are very friendly. They'll be able to help you out if you contact them.

Plane Spotting Hotels - their locations are plotted in the Spotting in Greece download

The Sofitel Hotel has excellent views of one runway from rooms facing away from the terminal, though it can be very expensive.
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The Emmantina Hotel in Glyfada is in fact very close to the closed Hellinikon airport and its stored aircraft, and whilst I don't normally include hotels this far away from airports (25km from Athens airport), this is an excellent and far more affordable alternative to the Sofitel above, and a lot of spotters that stay here are very happy with their experiences. It's reached either by scheduled hotel shuttle costing EUR9 (they require notice that you wish to use it) and taking around 30 minutes (pick it up at Arrivals Exit No 5), or the X96 bus which runs approximately every 25 minutes, takes around 40 minutes and costs EUR5 - exit bus stop: 'Glyfada 4th'.
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ATHENS-HELLINIKON AIRPORT CLOSED (LGAT/HEW)

Spotting Info

The former, and long closed, Athens airport still has numerous aircraft stored here in various states of disrepair. In the southeastern corner of the airport are 7 aircraft - SX-OAB B747-200, SX-CBA B727-200, SX-BCA B737-200, SX-BAR BAC1-11, SX-APU C411, SX-AAZ PA31 and SX-AOS C421. There are two roads that run alongside this area and the aircraft can be viewed and photographed from both - Pergamou that runs along the northern edge, and Pronois thats runs along the eastern edge.

In the northern part of the old airport are 3 more aircraft - SX-HDI B206B, SX-APC PA23 and the wrecked remains of SX-BNE PA44. It's not easy to get to a place from where you can view these 3 as anywhere close is off limits to the public. The best chance is to visit when an exhibition or similar open day is being held, and access to this area is opened up for use as a car park.

On the western boundary, SX-ECF C-47 is gate guard to the Greek CAA headquarters and is easily visible from the main Road 91 that runs past it. Photos are also possible but you'll need to exit the 91 just north of the C-47 and head south along the road name Ellinkou.

CORFU AIRPORT (LGKR/CFU) - TWR 120.85, 122.1 / APP 118.075, 122.1

Spotting Info
A cafe over looks the holding point of runway 35, excellent for photos as long as they are using that runway. The apron area can be seen but nothing can be read off until it moves. There are very good views of the airfield from various sites around the Corfu town side of the airfield and the visiting biz can be seen as you arrive and turn in to the airport. The runway runs north-south and good landing views can be had from the resorts just south of Corfu town along the coast. Saturdays tend to be busiest, Mondays are British and Sundays are pretty busy too. Thursdays tend to have long periods of quiet and Wednesdays aren't that much better either. The usual European charters with Russian and eastern European too. A good mix of biz and GA and the occasional military movement.

Spotting in Kanoni
See the Hellinis Hotel section below.

Planespotting Hotels - their locations are plotted in the Spotting in Greece download

The CNic Hellinis Hotel in Kanoni has the best views from the balconies, as the hotel is on the hillside and overlooks the runway at the 35 threshold end. The hotel manager Nick Halikiopoulos is very aware of our hobby and welcomes spotters staying at his hotel. After making your booking, call the hotel and explain you'd like a room overlooking the runway and that you're visiting to watch and/or photograph the aircraft. They are more than happy to accommodate if the rooms are available. The hotel manager, Nick Halikiopoulos, is very friendly. You can contact him on Tel: +30 2661081151 or email him. He has also previously said he will try to offer spotters more favourable rates. Room 309 on the third floor at the front of the hotel has the runway right in front, with the airport buildings and apron to the far right. The 4th and 3rd floors facing west are the best. That means that rooms 306-310 and 406-410 should be requested. High rooms facing north or south will have views, but more limited, especially for photography. Most of the time, aircraft will land from the left, over the sea onto 35, but depart from right to left on runway 17. Occasionally some will depart on 35 but don't stay north of the airport as you'll miss 90% of the movements. Not all rooms have fridges but you can ask for one at reception and they'll provide it. It also has a roof terrace but this may still be closed for renovation. Once open it will be excellent. If it is closed, and you'd like an unobstructed view of the runway, you can ask to have it opened up. The pool is situated on the ground floor, therefore no views are possible from there. On leaving the hotel, you can walk south along the bottom of the hill, parallel with the runway until you reach the harbour. There are steps that lead from the harbour up the hill where there are several bars and cafes, including a Starbucks that overlooks the threshold with fantastic views of the aircraft. The old rooftop bar for the Hotel Royal also has great views. On the other side of the road and up the hill slightly is a minimarket and two tavernas - Captain Georges and Maskra. Both tavernas offer great local food and wine and are recommended, though neither have views. The White Spot taverna, however, is not recommended. There is a small beach just below the Aquis hotel. You can access by walking around the base of the hill past the harbour and along the side of the small cafe along the small stoney beach. 2 sunbeds and a parasol are 7 Euros a day and each day there were plenty available. From this position good shots can be had with a 200mm lens up until about 1400 when the sun becomes a problem. Reading the registrations is no problem though, even with compact binoculars.
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Two examples of the views from the balconies at CNic Hellinis Hotel, Kanoni. The rooms that have these views are as follows: 4th floor - 4 x superior rooms. All these rooms can accommodate up to 4 adults, 3rd floor - 4 x standard twins. 2 of those can accommodate up to 3 adults and the other are for 2 people only. On the 2nd floor you can see the planes as they depart or arrive but cannot see the landing or take off as the trees hide the view of the runway.

The Corfu Holiday Palace is in Kanoni, on the hillside and overlooks the runway 35 threshold. The further away of the Kanoni hotels and is highest up though it's expensive.
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HERAKLION AIRPORT (LGIR/HER) - TWR 120.85, 122.1 / GND 121.7 / APP 119.85, 123.975

Spotting Info
There are limited views either side of the terminal to view aircraft, though don't hang here for too long as you'll draw unwanted attention, it's primarily a military base just with a lot of civilian traffic. Upstairs in departures is a restaurant with views but staying for any length of time, even if you're making purchases, could see you moved on. Windows are clean so photos are possible but the aircraft are parked very close together. Airside, limited views from the departure lounge that don't cover all the stands but you should see most as they depart. The GA ramp is out of sight off to the right. If 27 is in use, sit on the right on departure as you'll taxi right past the GA ramp. On arrival, get what you can as you taxi in though there are views of the runway whilst awaiting your bags. As you head towards the terminal, turn left just before terminal drop-off area and the road bends around to the right. You are then to the left of the terminal and facing the sea. There is a chain fence on your right overlooking the main apron and runway. People wait here to pick up family and friends from flights without trouble, just keep your camera and binoculars in your bag and you shouldn't have any trouble as long as you're not here for hours. A nice beach to the east gives views of the holding point where departing aircraft can easily be read off and landing aircraft photographed. 13371 F-5 Freedom Fighter is on display near to the terminal - exit the terminal and head south i.e. straight ahead and it's on your left. It's not far. 4027 NF-5 Freedom Fighter is preserved as the gate guard to the military base southeast of the terminal area. 27468 RF-84 Thunderflash is also preserved here - can I have exact location please? For the GA ramp, drive away from the terminal towards Hersonissos on the minor road, not the motorway, and take the first left. Drive right up to the gate and and it's on the right. Don't hang around though, just log what's there and move on quickly or you'll draw attention to yourself. To the east of the airport, the beach in Karteros is a public beach. There are plenty of shaded sunbeds for a daily fee, food and drink available and is a pleasant place to spend the day. Runway 27 is usually in use so everything is easy to read off as it passes by on short final and if you are vigilant, everything will be seen waiting at the threshold for departure. A lot of French carriers arrive on Mondays, with Tuesday being very quiet though a lot of British carriers arriving during the night. Sunday seems to be very busy, a lot of Russians arriving then and on Thursdays.

KEFALLONIA AIRPORT (LGKF/EFL) - TWR 120.85 / APP 119.85

Spotting Info
The perimeter road opposite the terminal runs the full length of the runway and round both thresholds making this an excellent place for photos regardless of the time of day. You also won't be bothered spending any length of time here. There's also a good view of the apron and most aircraft are parked side on and read off easily. At the terminal area, both the car and coach parks at both ends of the terminal have views of the apron. There is also a taverna slightly elevated just as you arrive at the airport which has good views. There are both beaches and tavernas at both ends of the runway which can also be used.

KOS AIRPORT (LGKO/KGS) - TWR 121.05, 122.1 / APP 119.95

Spotting Info
You'll log predominantly charter airlines here from all round Europe, and while it is a quiet airport, Wednesday seems to be the busiest day. There's a road opposite the terminal that runs along the runway. This gives great views across to the apron so you can log everything that's parked up. Also great for photographs of movements.

RHODES-DIAGORAS AIRPORT (LGRP/RHO) - TWR 118.2, 122.1 / GND 121.7 / APP 118.25, 120.6

Spotting Info
Sundays are generally the busiest, and it's a Scandinavian day with a few Russians, but check the airport website for a full list of flights. Mondays and Tuesdays are much quieter in comparison, but the latter sees a few eastern European flights. Wednesdays are British, Thursdays are German and Fridays are eastern European. Plus you should see at least one military movement each day. N374FD A300 fuselage and wings lie in a sorry state very close to the 07 threshold. It's been here since 1999, having been damaged beyond repair on landing. The terminal has landside views at either end of it over the apron. As most movements use runway 25, there is a lay-by close to the threshold and a number of buildings from where to view procedures.

Planespotting Hotels - their locations are plotted in the Spotting in Greece download

Arrivals on runway 25 fly over the Barbie Apartments in Ialyssos, though some regional aircraft turn in short and you may miss them if you're not careful. There are views from any room, though request rooms 301-305 for the best views, and you can also read most from the pool area. No problems spotting, the hotel staff are very understanding. The Barbie studios and apartments also rate very highly on several online review sites.
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The Electra Palace Hotel in Ialyssos - sea view room, for example 531, is best for balcony views of approaches round the bay and over the hotel. Poolside sees most arrivals. Good all inclusive packages and favourable reviews on independent online review sites.
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The Sun Beach Hotel at Ialyssos is about halfway from the airport to Rhodes on the north coast of the island. Quite a number of flights go over the hotel, either on arrival or departure, though some do come across the sea so keep an eye out to avoid missing them.
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The Labranda Blue Bay Hotel in Ialyssos is about a mile from the end of the runway so not much is missed during the day. Even in the evening aircraft types and colour schemes can be made out and read off with binoculars or tied up via SBS.
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ZAKYNTHOS AIRPORT (LGZA/ZTH) - TWR 125.425

Spotting Info
A very quiet airport, mainly for charter airlines, it's not uncommon for hours to pass by without a movement. There are views of the apron either side of the terminal where everything can be read off. Most arrivals are on 34 and very low over the beach though 16 does get used when a rare wind change demands this. This beach is a protected site for Loggerhead Turtle nesting, therefore there are no night flights and all movements should have stopped by 10pm. Fridays tend to be the busiest day, relatively speaking, and Thursdays see mainly British flights. On the main road under the short final approach for 16, you'll find SX-AFW Rallye on display by the roadside.

Planespotting Hotels - their locations are plotted in the Spotting in Greece download
The quiet resort of Kalamaki is just south of the airport, and alongside the flightpath for arrivals on 34 and departures on 16. Any hotel within Kalamaki should be an ideal place to stay, as even if you don't get views from your room or the pool (and if you do, you probably won't need binoculars!), views and photo spots are usually just a short walk away. The following are hotels that spotters have stayed at and have provided information on them

The Golden Sun Hotel is very close to the beach, not far from the 34 threshold, and alongside the flightpath on short finals for 34. You can view from the pool area, or from the room balcony - rooms 316-336 are the best.
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The Bitzaro Palace Hotel (not to be confused with the Bitzaro Grande) is inbetween the Golden Sun and Metaxa hotels, and as such, has great views of the approach from the rooms and the pool area.
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The Metaxa Hotel is the closest to the 34 threshold, and therefore if views aren't possible from the pool area or rooms, you're just a few minutes walk away from the runway.
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The Crystal Beach Hotel is the furthest hotel from the airport but is right on the beach. Arrivals on 34 fly over the airport before descending and circling round over the sea, so you have advance warning of arrivals and so can spot happily from the pool area or the beach. Listening in to the radio or on SBS will also, naturally, give advance warning of any imminent airport movements.
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