Holidaymakers visiting a picturesque Greek beach can witness planes soaring remarkably low, just metres above their heads, in what has been described as a "thrilling experience" on TripAdvisor. The small island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea has gained a reputation not solely for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft golden sand, but as a hotspot for plane spotting, with Xanemos Beach sitting strikingly close to the island's international airport.
Unique Location Near the Runway
Due to its striking position on the edge of the Skiathos International Airport Alexandros Papadiamantis runways, planes glide spectacularly close to the beach for landing and take off, and they "suddenly emerge from behind the hill". The unique shore is conveniently located just a five-minute drive from Skiathos Town.
Plane spotting from Xanemos Beach has become a favoured pastime. Plane enthusiasts have claimed that Tuesdays and Fridays are the best days to catch jets soaring overhead, while many advise visitors to download a flight tracker so they know what they're witnessing.
Visitor Experiences and Tips
In between jets blasting over the beach, holidaymakers can enjoy the inviting blue waters and pebbly shore against its rugged coastline. Away from the beach, there are reportedly local hillsides that also offer ample opportunities to see low-flying planes, with unofficial viewing areas.
One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: "This beach has the most exciting view with the planes above your head." A second noted: "Nice to see the planes land/take off, don't be surprised if your sun umbrella gets blown away, but it's a great beach. No sand, small pebbles, and there is a nice walk up to a cliff edge on the right-hand side if you want some great photos."
Alternative Spot Nearby
Meanwhile, a third commented: "They highly recommended it, and in the end we went: it was worth it! Not a very crowded beach, but nice, also because every now and then aeroplanes land or take off and pass over your head. It's a shame that it isn't well kept and that the bar is more expensive than others on the island. I would stay here again."
One more said: "This beach is great for being able to lie back and relax, whilst being able to watch planes fly over you! The beach is at the end of the runway, so when planes take off, they fly right overhead! The best days to visit are a Tuesday or a Friday, as this is when most planes come into and go out of Skiathos airport."
Yet it's not the only beach offering incredible plane-spotting vistas. Paralia Psarochoma is another good choice, located just a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Xanemos Beach, although it's a lesser-known spot just a stone's throw away from the airport. It's characterised by its unusual grey sand and pebbles, while still offering those sought-after crystal-clear waters and, of course, views of the jets soaring in and out of the airport. It's said to be a quieter part of the coast that rarely gets crowded, thanks to its secluded cove set against its rugged landscape.
