Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport, also called the Sint Maarten of Europe because you can get very close to the aircraft (spot 4), is a small island in the Aegean sea . The airport is located north of the small town of Skiathos, the capital of this Greek island. It sees only a few daily scheduled flights to Athens by Olympic during the year, but its operating explode during July and August. Indeed, this part of the island is very popular among vacationers. English, Nordic and Italian tourists are very fond of this destination to top charm. These preferences are felt in traffic observed that I will detail below.

The track of barely 1,600 meters runway is at both side surrounded by sea. Given the lack of space, the small road from the airport towards the center and the small tidal harbor passes the threshold. Runway 01 is mainly used for arrivals and departures, making a movement “back track” far end racket. In July and August, the number of seasonal charter flights are operated mainly on Friday, other days are much quieter. Charter flights are insured by the common European carriers like TUI, Condor, Volotea, SAS, Tarom, Transavia. There is no cargo or military activity.

For a timetable with the arrivals and departures check the airport website in advance. They are online one day in advance.

Written by Cédric Valence, Stephan Weidenhiller and Dimitri. Last change: September 2023 (Spot 9 added).

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
01/19	1.628 m (5.341 ft)
Terminals	One Terminal for all flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed
Car/Public Transport	Car is not needed for the southern locations. For the spots on the north you can rent a quad or car. From the terminal to spotting points at  runway 01 it is just a 10 minutes walk.
Restrooms	At both ends there are bars with restrooms
Drinks/Food	At both ends there are bars.
Hotels	There are cheap apartments and plenty of hotels close of the spotting points. The Villa Ariadni offers a fantastic view from the hills down to the airprot. See spot 8 for more infos
Season	Skiathos is busiest during summer seasons as many vacationers spend their holidays here.
Runway Usage
01/19	Depend of the wind but arrivals and departures are mainly on the runway 01

Due to “security concerns” the greek government told google to pixelize the satellite images of all airports in greece with military presence. That is why you don´t see all positions as clear as usual. A good alternative is Microsofts Bing Maps where the airports in Greece are still visible…

	Spot #1 – Xanemos Beach – 19 Movements
WHERE	The spot is located at the end of runway 19 at the Xanemos beach. From the terminal just follow the road running parallel to the runway to the final destination. Once arrived climb up the little mountain via the footpath, it’s easy! There is even a big free parking.
WHAT	Good for arrivals of RWY19 and departures as well as backtracks for 01 arrivals as they turn around at the end of the ruwway.
TIME	From sunset till amout noon.
MISC.	You ‘ll find food and drink at the beach’s bar.
FOCAL LENGTH	On the line up, A320 at 300mm.

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	Spot #2 – Kalivia – 19 Movements
WHERE	From the terminal drive northwards along the street to the village of Kalivia. Close to the threshold of runway 19 you have a great view. Keep in mind, trees are growing and you might interfere with more and more branches of the trees and plants growing there. Went up the street even further and got there interesting new and other angles.
WHAT	Especially when they are departing RWY 01 you get some aircraft just after rotating and already in the air. You also have a good view of the turning table. Nevertheless also there you need to adjust to the trees, as some branches grow into the runway view.
TIME	In the summer the light is good from 3pm till sunset. Even earlier when the planes making the u-turn for the 19 departure.
MISC.	Take water! There is nothing there and it’s very hot in the summer!
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 at 150mm

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	Spot #3 – Apron – All movements
WHERE	From the terminal follow northwards and when you have passed the ramp turn left into a little stone road. Climb the rock and you’ll get a geat view on the runway. You can also stay at the bottom along the road to the fence for a different angle. A ladder is not needed there.
WHAT	Great view on the new apron as well as all runway movements.
TIME	In the summer the light is good from 3pm till sunset.
MISC.	Take water! There is nothing there and it’s very hot in the summer!
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 about 150mm

From the top:

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From below:

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	Spot #4 – Approach Path – 01 movements
WHERE	This is the most popular location at JSI. The plane spotters paradise is located at the waterfront, just next to the threshold and the city of Skiathos. You can stay on each side of the approach path or directly at the fence when they turn around. There isn`t really a high fence and you can easily photograph over it by standing on the barrier. Parking is available directly at the spot.
WHAT	Great for all movements on 01 arrivals as well as departures. The planes are very close!
TIME	In general you can spot here the whole they when 01 is active as you can stay along the whole threshold. Depends of the angle of the airplane turning on the raquet.
MISC.	Everything you need within the Amaretto bar. A bar with fresh drinks, hot meals, free wifi, shadow. Be aware of the jet blast and DON`T place yourself behind the aircraft during the take off run! People suffered bad injuries.
FOCAL LENGTH	Use <18mm to 55mm

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	Spot #5 – Harbour – 01 arrivals
WHERE	The spot is located on the opposite site of the Amaretto bar at the small harbour.
WHAT	Great spot for 90 degree arrivals shots on runway 01.
TIME	Good from sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything you need within the Amaretto bar.
FOCAL LENGTH	Depend where you’re cause you can walk to change the angle, but from 28mm till 100mm for a B737.

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	Spot #6 – Perimeter Fence – 01 movements, 19 arrivals
WHERE	The spot is on a road situated between a small lake and the airports perimeter fence. Walk along the street and choose your place. Take the pictures over the fence. You don’t need a ladder. +++ Update July 2022: A new, second fence has been installed and a ladder is needed now. +++
WHAT	Great view for all 01 movements as well as 19 arrivals.
TIME	Good from sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything you need within the Amaretto bar. The grass can be a little bit high and can cut off parts from the landing gear.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 50mm

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	Spot #7 – Hill – 01 arrivals
WHERE	From the port walk about three minutes along the sea up to the trees where you’ll find a public bench.
WHAT	Take pictures of 01 arrivals with the city or the boats at the background. 19 departures are already too high.
TIME	Good from sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything you need within the Amaretto bar.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 +- 200mm

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	Spot #8 – Villa Ariadni – All movements
WHERE	The “Villa Ariadni” is located on a hill, on the opposite side of the airport’s terminal. From the rooms and the pool area you have a fantastic view of the complete airport.
WHAT	All runway movements can be made.
TIME	Good from sunrise until noon. Be aware of heat distortion due to the distance.
MISC.	Everything you need within the Villa.
FOCAL LENGTH	Sunclass A321 = 200mm, Austrian A320 = 350mm

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	Spot #9 – Hill – All movements
WHERE	Coming from the city take the 2nd right and follow signs for „Anamar Skiathos“. You pass by, until you get a view of Skiathos city. You can park approx 50m further down where the junction to „Hotel Punta“ is and walk back to the free space.
WHAT	Take pictures of 01 arrivals with the city or the boats at the background. 19 departures are already too high.
TIME	Good from sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Nothing there, bring everything you need
FOCAL LENGTH	300mm and above for full frame aircraft. If you want to have a bit more oft he landscape then you need less.

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