CFU Spot 1
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April 8, 2015Corfu Kerkyra Airport Spotting Guide
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- last modified on July 23, 2021
Corfu, a very popular place to spend the holidays amongst us Europeans – and rightly so! Beautiful beaches, clear water and some great people bringing Greek feeling along makes this island unique! Not only the island is astonishing but the airport also! Corfu’s airport is very exciting, with only one short runway, the airport has to cope in peak times, while widebodies and holiday charters float in one by one!
The airport is mainly served in the summer by holiday airlines i.e. from Germany (Lufthansa, TUIfly, Eurowings, Condor), Russia (Rossyia, Royal Flight, NordStar, UTAir), The Netherlands (TUI, Transavia), Belgium (Brussels Airlines, TUI), France (Air France, Volotea, Transavia) and of course – The UK (British Airways, TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet). But there is some domestic traffic, too – Olympic Airlines and Aegean operate from the Greek capital Athens and Thessaloniki. SkyExpress is also coming along from the main country and the neighbouring islands.
The best hours to spot in CFU are from morning until midday when most action takes place. In the afternoon its more quiet and the movements starts to raise in the evening again. The airport is open 24h so you will miss some traffic.
You can find a detailed schedule at the official airport website.
!!! Be aware that Corfu has a huge snake population, even water snakes. More infos here. !!!
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Martin Rogosz, Jan Seba, Dimitri Gabriel, Markus Mainka and Niall Moran. Last Update: July 2021
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| Weather | |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 16/34 | 2,378m (7,785ft) Asphalt |
| Terminals | |
| Main hall | All international flights |
| Domestic hall | Olympic, Sky Express and Aegean Airlines |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is not required if you stay at one of the hotels. By public transport from Kerkyra (Corfu City) bus line 2 brings you directly to Kanoni Hill. |
| Restrooms | In every publicly accessable building like restaurants or hotels that are at almost all spots. |
| Drinks/Food | There are many restaurants and shops nearby every spotting location offering a plenty supply of food and drinks. Spots 2 and 6 are perfect to combine dining with planespotting. |
| Hotels | We recommend the Royal Grand Hotel as it has the best views and you can reach all spots pretty easy.. Furthermore there are the Anna Apartments next to the threshold. You are very very close there and from their balcony you can almost touch the planes! If you are wanna have 2-3 stars more than the previous ones than we recommend to stay at the Corfu Holiday Palace. There are no rooms that offer that great view but you can see the movements and you are very fast at the spotting locations. Their private “beach” is next to #3.On the afternoon, west side there is the Aegli (Spot 7) and the Pontikonisi Hotel (Spot 8) which both offer a nice view of the 34 arrivals. |
| Season | Corfu Airport is busiest during the summer season as many vacationers spend their holiday on the Greek island. Temperatures are expected to climb up to over 30 degress Celsius during the summer month. Heat haze is rather no problem at Corfu Airport. Winter is pretty quiet and almost no traffic. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 16/34 | Used in all directions. Most popular direction for arrivals is 34. Arrivals on 16 are very very rare due to the moved threshold and the shorter runway. Departures are 50:50 in both directions. |
Due to “security concerns” the greek government told google to pixelize the satellite images of all airports in greece with military movements. 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…
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Skyview Cafe Corfu - 34 departures and arrivals
| WHERE | Skyview Cafe is located nearly in front of the “Grand Royal Hotel” . You can reach it with Bus or by car/motorbike. Parking space is in front on the road or a designated and signposted area. |
| WHAT | You see all arrivals and departures on RWY34 and are a bit lower as on Spot 2. Departures from RWY16 are also possible. |
| TIME | From sunrise until 1:30p.m. |
| MISC. | Food and drinks are available here. Please order something by courtesy, the food is very delicious. Toilets are avaiable inside. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 160mm = Boeing 737-800 (full frame camera) / 100mm = Boeing 737-800 (cropp camera) |
Cafe Royal Corfu - All movements
| WHERE | One of the most popular spotting locations on this planet, the Café Royal, is located on Kanoni hill and right in the ‘food court’ area which means that there are many restaurants and shops nearby. You have an adorable view on Corfu’s single runway. Stairs usher you up to the Cafe when coming from the bridge. The Kanoni Cafe is also a good location but you can see the approaches only and not the runway. |
| WHAT | All runway movements of Corfu airport and view onto the airport’s apron in the distance. Some departures from RWY 16 are too high so the angle is not the best. |
| TIME | From sunrise until around 1:30 p.m. |
| MISC. | Food and drinks are available here. Please order something by courtesy. If you are stay at the hotely al you get a 10 percent discount (need to be say to the waiter before you order something).
You can stand a in a far corner, next to the pool of the hotel royal, where you don´t need to order something (see overview pic) |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Boeing 737-800: 90mm | Airbus A319: 95mm | Boeing 757-300: 65mm |
Hotel Europe Beach/Church View - 34 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is not far from the Vlacherna Monastery situated directly on a ledge next to the Cofu Holiday Palace Hotel. To get down from the Kanoni Hill use the stairs that starting at the Cafe Kanoni. |
| WHAT | All arrivals into runway 34 as well as departures from runway 16. Please note, that smaller aircraft departing runway 16 may already be higher at this position. |
| TIME | From sunrise until around 1:30 p.m. |
| MISC. | There are lots of restaurants nearby, the closest is directly in front of you which you have to pass before approaching the spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80-300mm | A320 with church: 110mm | Tuifly Boeing 737: 260mm |
On the floating bridge - 34 line up
| WHERE | Spot 4 is located directly on the bridge which connects Kanoni with Perama running right under the approach path and not far from the runway’s turning circle. You can choose where you want to photopraph. |
| WHAT | If you stand directly underneath the approach path, you’ll be able to photograph aircraft making a 180 degree turn to take off from RWY34. You can choose the angle by walking down the complete length of the bridge, enabling you to take different subjects. |
| TIME | Nearly throughout the day as different angles are possible from here as you can choose where to photograph on the complete length of the bridge. |
| MISC. | Food and drinks are available at either ends of the bridge (at Spot 6 or Spot 2/3). The bridge is very narrow, please be careful as also motorcyles use this bridge, sometimes performing dangerous stunts! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 10-200mm (10 for overhead shots) Line-ups: Thomas Cook Boeing 757-200: 80mm |
Beach - 34 arrivals and line-ups
| WHERE | Spot 5 is very close to Spot 4! While Spot #4 is located on the bridge, Spot 5 is at the beginning of it, on the Perama side right at the beach on the right hand side of the bridge. When coming from Kanoni hill, simply walk the bridge to its end. You can either stay on the bridge or go down a small path northwards (see photo below) to gather a better angle. |
| WHAT | Arrivals into runway 34 and lineups. The angle for the arrivals is not the best at the beach. If you have FR24 running you can walk up the path to Nisos Tavern for 1-2 minutes where you have a better position. |
| TIME | From around 1:30 p.m. until sunset, line-ups from late morning |
| MISC. | You can go swimming here, we can recommend the beach as it is clean and clear water. Bring all you need by yourself, next shop or bar is the Tavern Nisos or on the other waterfront. Be aware of snakes, even water snakes. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300mm | Boeing 757-200: 65mm | Boeing 737-800: 75mm |
Taverne ΝΗΣΟΣ Nisos Restaurant Cafe - 34 arrivals and line-ups
| WHERE | The tavern is located at the southern starting point of the bridge which runs to Kanoni hill, it is a orange two-storey building located directly at the street. You can´t miss it! |
| WHAT | Runway 34 line-ups and landings, as well as heavy runway 16 departures. You do have a view onto the airport’s apron in the distance. |
| TIME | From around 1:30 p.m. until sunset, line-ups (backtrack) from late morning |
| MISC. | Food and drinks are available here. We can recommend this restaurant. Please order at least a drink by courtesy. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55-300mm | Avro RJ100: 105mm | Boeing 737-800: 280mm | Landing Boeing 757: 75mm |
Cafe Aegli - 34 arrivals
| WHERE | There is a lay-by just over the way of Cafe/Hotel Aegli which is located on the right hand site of the street when coming from the floating bridge. Directly in front of the hotel is a lay-by on the left hand side from which you have a good view but its possible that the sight is blocked by bushes and trees. Then just go to the café Aegli which is below the parking. This is the exact address of the hotel, the street right in front of the hotel has no name, so Perama Gastouriou is the area of Perama which describes the locations of the hotel as exact as possible:Aegli Hotel Perama Gastouriou Πέραμα 490 84 Greece / Ελλάδα |
| WHAT | Runway 34 landings, you do have a view onto the airport’s apron in the distance. |
| TIME | From around 1:30 p.m. until sunset |
| MISC. | Restrooms are available |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-250mm | Boeing 737-800: 170mm |
Pontikonisi Hotel - 34 arrivals
| WHERE | Another good Hotel a just few meters away from the previous location. It is the Pontikonisi Hotel and from their restaurant/café on the top, you have a perfect view of the 34 arrivals and even from their pool area.
All the rooms in the hotel have their balconies facing out to the sea, which give similar views.
|
| WHAT | Runway 34 landings only. You cannot see the runway from here so take offs from 35 are not visible. |
| TIME | From around 1:30 p.m. until sunset |
| MISC. | The hotel has its own pool and also its own private beach front area(concrete). Rooms typically Greek and basic but have TV/AC and mini fridge. Free Wifi in the hotel with a buffet breakfast every morning. The cafe serves food & drinks and has rest rooms & also shaded areas. The bus stop to Corfu town is just outside . |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 737 = aprx. 100mm |
Small Tower - All runway movements
| WHERE | Best way to use a rental car or using the bus, we would not recommend to walk from other spots its very far. You can reach the spot with your car or motorbike but we really not recommend at least to drive with a car, because the field way is not in really good conditions and you have a high chance to make any damage on your car. From the recommend parking its around 700m (8min in smooth walk speed) to walk. After the first around 200m split the road in two parts, follow the road to the left in direction of travel. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and departures of both directions. |
| TIME | From around 1:30 p.m. but heat haze is a problem until 5:30 p.m. in summer, after that its not a problem anymore. |
| MISC. | Absolut nothing nerby, bring all with you what you need. Be aware of snakes, even water snakes. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 320mm = B737-800 (Cropp camera) / Nearly 400mm = B737-800 (Fullframe camera). |
Waterfront - All movements
| WHERE | This location is on the opposit side of the terminal next to the water at the end of the bay. It can be reached by car only from the main road north of ther airport (spot9). Turn into a small road that is next to a car dealer and drive all the way to the waterfront. The last 50 meters are on a bumpy dirt road so be careful. You can park on a flat area next to the water. |
| WHAT | All runway movements are visible. |
| TIME | We recommend this location in the summer evenings when the sun has turned around and it is less hot and hazy. |
| MISC. | High grass may osbstruct parts of the aircraft. Be aware of snakes, even water snakes. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | At least 400mm for a A320 |
West Ramp - 16 Line Up
| WHERE |
When passing the runway traffic lights take the next small road after around 200m to the left between some buidlings and follow the road until you can see the fence. You can park your car direct at the fence |
| WHAT | Line up and take off RWY16. Inbounds RWY34 during leaving the RWY via taxiway A2. Also some GA traffic on the western ramp |
| TIME | Runway movements from around 1:30p.m., GA parked on the ramp in front all day but depending how they are parked. |
| MISC. | Nothing nerby, bring with you all what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320 = 180mm (fullframe camera) |
Main Road - 16 arrivals and departures
| WHERE | This spot promts real Saint-Maarten-feeling, you are stunningly close to the runway! Thanks to a road (Ethniki Odos Kerkiras Achiliou) which runs directly next to the runway, you have a quite lovely view onto the airport’s single runway. For the 16 arrivals just walk a bit more westwards to get a more side on shot. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 16 (very very rare) and line-ups of runway 16 can be photographed from here as well. Aircrafts rolling to and from the ramp are can be seen to. |
| TIME | For landings on 34 in the afternoon when they turn on the ramp. |
| MISC. | The road is being closed during a flight arrival on runway 16, you will not be able to pass underneath that time, pedestrians are still allowed to pass however.The fence is lowed at this position. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm Dash 8: 250mm / Boeing 757-200: 100mm |
The Royal Grand Hotel - All movements
| WHERE | The Royal Grand Hotel is by far the best spotting location in Corfu as its on your own, private balcony with a stunning view over the runway 34. The best rooms are on the 4th floor number 404,405,406, 414,415. The third floor should be also fine. The Café Royal is just on the opposite and belongs to the hotel (10 percent discount for hotel guests in advance of your order). You can even shot some aircraft from the pool area but a small, pink appartment building blocks the sight a little bit on some angles. The easyJet A320 on the samples was taken from the pool. |
| WHAT | Its almost the same sight like from the Cafe Royal. You see all arrivals and departures on RWY34. Departures from RWY16 are also better here than at any other location as you are on a higher level. |
| TIME | From sunrise until 1:30p.m. |
| MISC. | Room prices are between 60 and 80 Euros. It depends on the time of the year. The rooms are small but clean. WIFI and breakfast is included. Just write an email to info@hotelroyal.gr and request one of the rooms mentioned above. The staff is very friendly and they know about our hobby and preferences. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depends on the angle but 50-200mm is okay. Transaero = 150mm, Air Mediterranee = 160mm, Europe Airpost = 150mm. |
Anna Apartments - Morning arrivals and lineup runway 34
| WHERE | If you want to be really near to the action Anna Apartments is the place to be on Corfu island. The room on the second floor offers a balcony with a spectacular view of the runway 34 threshold. The house is located near the famous Vlachernon church and on the same level. The Café Royal and the Royal Grand Hotel are higher but Anna Apartments is even nearer to the runway. In fact, you can see this building from the cafe – it’s the pink house next to the threshold. |
| WHAT | Runway 34 arrivals and lineup. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon/early afternoon. |
| MISC. | The room itself is very simple but clean and offers a bed for two people. WIFI is included. You can buy drinks and food in a nearby supermarket. The room normally costs about 50€. For more information feel free to contact the apartment owners themselves: annaapartments@yahoo.com |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depends on the angle but 50-200mm covers everything: B735 = 120mm / Little Cessna business jet = 275mm |
13 Comments
We’re two Danish spotters, who spent a few days in Corfu late last month (Augst 2021). This is just to confirm the excellence of the spotting experience in Corfu. We stayed at Anna Apartments with its unique view on the runway and also spent quite some time (and money …) at Café Royal. It was really great and is strongly recommended.
Claus Madsen (BongoPlanes)
Indeed, it is one of my favourite airports for planespotting!
-Julian
Hello
Does anybody know when heat haze starts to be a problem for example from Anna Apartments?
Thanks in advance
Hello
Will 1st floor at anna apartments also fit? Are there any trees etc?
I’d be grateful for fast response
Hi, you should contact the owner and ask for a room with runway view. It is a 3 storey building and level 2-3 are fine.
-Julian
Another Great Location is The Pontikonisi Hotel.
All rooms face out to the sea and aircraft pass by just before touch down.
Theres a great bar/cafe on the roof which serves food and drink.
It has its own private pool and private beach
Ive been to Corfu 4 times in the last 5 times in the last 3 years and always make sure we visit if we are not staying there
Hi, can you provide us some pictures you have took there. Just drop us as an email to support@spotterguide.net please
-Julian
Just seeing this now …Will do
Hi I plan on visiting in October but I wanted to ask what the aircraft traffic is like is it busy and/or still a variety of airlines visiting. Thanks
Spot #2 I ate there and the food isnt that good and wouldn’t recommend ordering there but would highly recommend the drinks there
Hi,
I would not recommend Spot 9! If you take your Camera out, the airport police is there in no time, happend to me last year. Police Officers don’t like Spotters and acted very aggressively and wanted me to delete all the taken photos while he was watching. He also sad that they could arrest me if I would come back.
Sounds a bit strange to me as a local spotter. Police only shows up on arrivals and departures to check that nobody drives or walks at the end of the threshold. They always talk to us and never experienced such a problem. Even the military guys from the fire-fighting department are polite with us. Maybe it was just a bad moment mate, or the police officer was new and had no idea of our hobby.
Thanks for your feedback Marios. We hope it was just a unique case.
-Julian