If you spend any time researching Skiathos before your trip, you'll probably come across videos of planes landing impossibly low over people's heads. They look dramatic, maybe even fake.
They're real.
Skiathos has one of Europe's most talked-about airports—not because it's big or fancy (it isn't), but because of where the runway ends. There's a public road and a stretch of beach right at the threshold, and planes pass just 10 to 20 meters overhead during landing.
It's become a thing. People show up specifically to watch.
The Basics
Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (airport code: JSI) is the island's only airport. It's named after Alexandros Papadiamantis, a Greek writer who was born on the island in 1851.
The airport opened in 1972. The runway is about 1,628 meters long—short by international standards, which limits what aircraft can land here. The biggest planes you'll see are Boeing 757s, and most flights are smaller Airbus A320s or similar.
What makes it unusual is how the runway was built: engineers reclaimed land from the sea between Skiathos and a smaller island called Lazareta, essentially connecting the two. The result is a runway that sits right on the water, with approaches over the sea on one end and over a road and beach on the other.
What Actually Happens
When planes land from the south (the usual approach in summer), they come in low over Skiathos Town, cross above a small public road, and touch down almost immediately.
If you're standing at that road—or on the narrow beach beside it—the plane passes directly overhead. The altitude is genuinely low. Estimates put it at 10 to 20 meters, though it varies depending on the aircraft.
You hear it coming, look up, and there's an aircraft filling your field of vision. A few seconds later it's on the ground. It's surprisingly quick.
Takeoffs are similar. Planes use nearly the full runway, rotate late, and climb out over the road and beach at the opposite end. If you're positioned there, you get the jet blast—which is part of the appeal for some people, though it can be intense.
The St. Maarten Comparison
Aviation enthusiasts often compare Skiathos to Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, which is famous for the same thing: planes landing low over a beach.
The comparison is fair. Both airports have short runways near water, both have public areas where you can stand close to the approach path, and both have become attractions in their own right.
Skiathos is smaller and sees less traffic, but the experience is similar. Some people come to the island specifically for this. Most just stumble across it and stay for a few landings.
How to Watch
The main viewing area is at the southern end of the runway, near the harbor. Here's how to get there:
On foot from town: Start at the New Port (bus stop zero). Walk along the waterfront with the sea on your right. It takes about 8 minutes. You'll reach a parking area and a small beach right at the runway threshold.
By car: There's a small car park near the end of the runway. It fills up when flights are due, so arrive early if you're driving.
What to expect: The area isn't developed as a formal viewing platform. It's just a road, a fence, and a bit of beach. People stand around, some sit on the wall, others bring chairs. There's usually a few dozen people during peak season when flights are arriving.
When to Go
Skiathos Airport operates seasonally—roughly April through October. Most flights arrive in the afternoon, clustered between about 2pm and 6pm, though this varies by day and airline schedules.
If you want to see multiple landings without waiting hours, check Flightera or similar flight tracking sites for the day's arrivals. You can time your visit to catch two or three planes in an hour.
Early and late season (April-May, late September-October) has fewer flights. Peak summer has the most traffic.
Is It Worth Going Out of Your Way?
Honestly? It depends on you.
If you're into aviation, this is a must-see. The approach is genuinely dramatic, and there aren't many places in Europe where you can get this close to landing aircraft legally.
If you're not particularly interested in planes, it's still worth a look if you're passing by. Stand there for one landing, take a few photos or videos, and you've seen it. You don't need to make an afternoon of it.
It's not something you need to schedule your entire trip around, but if you have 30 minutes free and you're near the port, walk over and catch a plane or two. Most people find it more impressive than they expected.
A Few Practical Notes
Safety: Stay behind the fence. The jet blast during takeoffs is real and can knock people over. Every few years there's a news story about someone getting too close. Don't be that person.
Noise: It's loud. Bring earplugs if you're sensitive, especially if you're staying for multiple flights.
Photos/video: Phones work fine. You don't need special equipment. The planes are close enough that even basic cameras get good shots.
Kids: Most kids find it entertaining for a few landings. The noise might be overwhelming for very young children.
Best weather: Clear days give better views, but overcast conditions can be dramatic too—planes emerging from low cloud.
The Broader Point
Skiathos is a small island. There are only so many "attractions" in the traditional sense—no ancient ruins, no major museums, no theme parks.
But there are experiences like this one. An airport that became famous by accident. A beach where planes land overhead. Something you don't see every day.
It's one of those things that makes Skiathos feel a bit different from other Greek islands. The whole place is slightly quirky, slightly unexpected. The airport is just the most visible example.
Getting Around After Landing
If you're flying into Skiathos yourself, the airport is tiny and efficient. You'll be through arrivals in minutes.
From there, most people either rent a car or arrange a transfer. The airport is about 2 km from Skiathos Town, and around 6 km from the Kechria area where our villas are located—roughly 10-15 minutes by car.
We can help arrange airport transfers if you'd rather not deal with taxis or car rental logistics on arrival. Just let us know your flight details.
More on getting to Skiathos: Our travel guide covers flights, ferries, and getting around the island.
Planning your stay: See how to choose between villa and hotel accommodation for your trip.
Damari Luxury Retreat is located in the quiet Kechria hills, about 10-15 minutes from the airport and town. Our two private villas offer infinity pools, sea views, and a peaceful base for exploring everything Skiathos has to offer—including, if you're interested, watching planes land from the beach. View our villas or get in touch.
