GREECE
ATHENS (LGAV/ATH)
There is an observation deck above departures, on the third floor in McDonalds, where everything taxies past so you don't miss much. You can see the whole of one runway and the apron, but not the commuters or freight. If you use the lower level of the restaurant (their definition) 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. They have two runways, one for takeoff and one for landing, so you do see everything either on the way in, or on the way out. There are views of 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 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 this runway in daylight the biz jets should be readable, especially those parked right next to the taxiway. For cargo turn left out of the terminal. Wednesday seems to be the quiet day and it looks like the best days are Monday, Thursday and Friday. The Sofitel hotel has excellent views of one runway from rooms facing away from the terminal.
Updated 27 January 2008
CORFU (LGKR/CFU)
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.
Updated 15 October 2007
HERAKLION (LGIR/HER)
There are no spotting facilities until airside, though a nice beach to the east gives views of the holding point where departing aircraft can easily be read off and landing aircraft photographed ok.
Added 19 July 2007
RHODES-DIAGORAS (LGRP/RHO)
Arrivals fly over the Barbie apartments in Trianda though some regional aircraft turn in short and you may miss them if not careful. Views from any room, though request rooms 301-305 for the best views and you can also read most from pool area. No problems spotting, hotel is very understanding. Arrivals also fly over the Forum Beach-Illyos hotel so you can log from the pool but again, some regional aircraft turn in early and you may miss them. The Electra Palace Hotel in Trianda - sea view room is best for balcony views of approaches round the bay and over the hotel. Poolside sees most arrivals. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays are generally the busiest but check the airport website for a full listing.
Updated 31 August 2007