Kefalonia is a captivating Greek island nestled in the Ionian Sea. Renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and charming villages, Kefalonia is a paradise for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The island boasts crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and an array of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore historic sites, traditional tavernas, and vibrant local culture, making Kefalonia a perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), also known as Anna Pollatou Airport, is the primary gateway to the island. Located near the town of Argostoli, the airport serves as a convenient entry point for tourists. It offers modern facilities and services, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience for passengers. The airport is well-connected to major European cities, making it easy for travelers to reach this enchanting island.
The airport is mainly served in the summer by holiday airlines i.e. from Netherlands (TUI, Transavia), Belgium (TUI), Germany (TUIfly, Eurowings, Condor), UK (TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet) and France (Volotea, Transavia). But there is some domestic traffic, too – Olympic Airlines and Aegean operate from the Greek capital Athens.

You can find a detailed schedule at the official airport website. Anyway a radio scanner can be very helpful.

Written by Marcello Montagna. Last Update: Summer 2024

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
14/32	2-436m (7.992ft) Asphalt
Terminals	All the airlines are in the same (small) terminal
Spotting Information
Ladder	The fence around the airport is not very high. But a 2-3 step ladder is recommend at almost all spots but not necessary as you can easily shoot through the mesh too. In the case of the use of a ladder place it just for the picture at the fence and remove it quickly once finished.
Car/Public Transport	Car is not required if you stay at one of the hotels, but we advise you to rent a car to go visit the beaches and do some good spotting. From the terminal you can easily reach the spots 1, 2 and 3. Bus arrives in the terminal from the city center of Argostoli.
Drinks/Food	In every publicly accessable building like restaurants or hotels that are at almost all spots and inside the terminal.
Hotels	On the map are indicated the main hotels and rooms to let. We suggest Spasmata Appartments or Ariadni Appartments near the spot 7 and Spasmata Village Stone Maisonette near the spot 6 if you search for a good price bed. Or, if you prefer a more comfortable stay, give a look to Sandy Beach Villas and Apartments next to spot 4.
Season	Kefalonia 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 any spot. Winter is pretty quiet with the only flight from Athens operated with ATR76.
Security	Rarely a security car arrives to check the fence around the airport. Don’t attract attention when it passes.
Runway Usage
14/32	Used in both directions. Most popular direction for arrivals is 32. Arrivals on 14 are subject to the wind. Because there is no taxiway, landing planes try to use less runway as they can, so it is possible they carry out a U-turn before the end of the runway.

	Spot #1 – Terminal – Apron and runway
WHERE	From inside the departure area, walk outside and then on the left for about 2/3 minutes to find a fence (1A). This area is reserved to rental cars, so you can’t stop here if you came with the car. You can easily give a look and make some shot from here through the mesh of the fence of the apron. If you leave the terminal to the right, you will find a small terrace at the end of the terminal.(1B). It is an outdoor waiting area with some benches. The position is elevated and gives an unobstructed view of the runway.
WHAT	From 1A area under the tower and movements for stand number 1 (see PZL samples). From 1B  runway 32 arrivals and departures (see Ryanair sample). Sight to the right is blocked.
TIME	From sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything you need can be found inside the terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 55mm / PZL Mielec M-18B 270mm

EFL-Spot1

EFL-Spot1

EFL-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Perimeter road – Apron
WHERE	The spot is on a small road, situated between a rental car agency and the airports perimeter fence. From the terminal walk south until the Ikarus restaurant and from there just down the road. Once at the fence position yourself along the street for your prefered position. 2-3steps are helpful at this point but you can shoot through the mesh as well (55mm diameter lens).
WHAT	Movements to and from the apron and stand number 4.
TIME	From sunrise until late noon.
MISC.	Everything you need can be found inside the terminal, just 10 min away.
FOCAL LENGTH	Dash 8 30mm / B737 25mm

EFL-Spot2

EFL-Spot2

EFL-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Tree – 32 touch down zone
WHERE	Continue from the previous point until you find a line of trees directly at the perimeter fence. You can park your car here. In front of it is the fence. You can either shoot through to mesh (55mm diameter lens) or climb a tree, but be careful!
WHAT	Approaching zone of runway 32 and all planes taxi for a 32 departure.
TIME	From sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything you need can be found inside the terminal, just 15 min away.
FOCAL LENGTH	Biz jet 130mm / B737 70mm

EFL-Spot3

EFL-Spot3

EFL-Spot3

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EFL-Spot3

	Spot #4 – Sandy Beach Villas – 32 arrivals and departures
WHERE	The spot is along the perimeter road at the end of runway 32. Continue on the road from the previous points along the runway. A good landmark to recognize the area are the “Sandy Beach Villas And Apartments”. Get rid of your car somewhere here by the side of the road. Spotting is possible along the fence. Just find your preferred spot.
WHAT	All arrivals and departures on RWY32. Ground movements can be photographed through the mesh (55mm diameter lens). For arrivals with a background step a bit away from the fence and use a ladder to clear the fence completely (see SkyExpress ATR on approach)
TIME	All day long from sunrise to sunset.
MISC.	Nothing there in the morning, so bring water with you. The Tropicana Snack Bar-cafe opens for lunch and is 10 min away. The grass may be a bit high and cut off parts of the undercarriage.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 in landing 55mm / B737 in departure 70mm / biz jet 100mm and above.

EFL-Spot4

EFL-Spot4

EFL-Spot4

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EFL-Spot4

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EFL-Spot4

	Spot #5 – Perimeter Road – All movements
WHERE	The spot is half the way down at the road that runs parallel to the runway on the western side of the airport. You can spot approximate at the area on the opposite side of the terminal. Park your car on the side of the road.
WHAT	All runway movements and a nice view on the terminal too.
TIME	In the afternoon till the sunset.
MISC.	Nothing here, so bring water with you. 2-3 steps are helpful at this point but you can shoot through the mesh as well (55mm diameter lens). The grass may be a bit high and cut off parts of the undercarriage.
FOCAL LENGTH	Terminal 70mm / B737 140mm

No samples available.

	Spot #6 – Spasmata Beach – 32 arrivals, 14 arrivals and departures
WHERE	Drive to the northern area of the airport direction “Spasmata Beach”. The road runs around the end of runway 14 and spotting is available at the western and eastern side of the runway. Get rid of your car by the roadside.
WHAT	All runway 32 arrivals as they have to use this turning pad except ATR and smaller d. All arrivals and departures on RWY14, which is rare.
TIME	Best in the morning and from afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	Tortuga beach bar is a good option for lunch. 2-3 steps are helpful at this point but you can shoot through the mesh as well (55mm diameter lens). The grass may be a bit high and cut off parts of the undercarriage.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 60mm

EFL-Spot6

EFL-Spot6

	Spot #7 – Crash Gate – All Movements
WHERE	Another road that runs parallel to the runway, directly along the perimeter fence. On the eastern side is a crash gate near the low-cost “Spasmata Appartements”. Get there and park your car on the side of the road. There is a crash gate so make sure to not block it. On the side of the gate there is a bit of space that allows you to take photographs without the fence net. Smaller lens (55mm diameter) fit in this gap or a 2-3 step ladder is helpful.
WHAT	All movements.
TIME	From sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Nothing here, so bring water with you. It is common to see the security checking the gate for few minutes.
FOCAL LENGTH	B737 60mm / Biz jet 100mm

EFL-Spot7

EFL-Spot7

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EFL-Spot7

	Spot #8 – Good View Park – Airport overview
WHERE	On a hill is a public park named “Good View Park”. Access to this park is via the village of Argostoli. There is also a bus stop in the town. It is the perfect place to have a picnic in the shade of the trees
WHAT	Not really a good place for serious plane spotting as the runway is far away. But you have a fantastic panoramic view of the airport from above the hill.
TIME	From sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Nothing here, so bring water and some food with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	At least 600mm. Distance to the runway is around 1.2 km.