Spotting at Souda, Crete

[Jovel]

Souda, on my wishlist for a long time. What do you guy's say, a do or an absolutely don't? (after pandemic off course )
Info very welcome

[frank kramer]

I would not recommend it. Security is very tight, even for Greek standards. And locals have no problem reporting you when they see you. At best of times, long distance spotting might be possible but you have to ask yourself if that is worth the effort... and the risk.

[Levente]

I would not recommend any kind of spotting in Greece.

[frank kramer]

Fully civil airfields are generally ok, as are the airbases during the annual open days in november. Most of the times, that is, if you don’t annoy security. For the rest, I agree with Levente. Read the story of what happened to a fellow spotter at Elefsis somewhere here on the forum. And there are more stories out there. Don’t push your luck.

[Jovel]

Thanks for the replies Levente and Frank.
I've read some stories now Frank. British local living in Souda arrested for spotting. Local tv crew arrested for filming. Four Israeli tourists arrested.
So a no go area I guess.
Do you know if Souda is open during the November open days Frank?

[Stratofreighter]

...the Elefsis story of 2019...
https://www.scramble.nl/community/messa ... /45/150254
Yes, he had already carefully fine-tuned his routine the two days before,
but that did not save him ...

[Levente]

Thanks for the replies Levente and Frank.
I've read some stories now Frank. British local living in Souda arrested for spotting. Local tv crew arrested for filming. Four Israeli tourists arrested.
So a no go area I guess.
Do you know if Souda is open during the November open days Frank?

All air force bases are open in november.

[frank kramer]

But as I said: even during the open days you have to stick to what is allowed and don’t try to be smart. There is ever watchful uniformed and plain-clothed security in large numbers and they are not known for their sense of humour nor for their acceptance of your point of view, so to speak... And they only speak Greek, generally. If you behave, they’re friendly enough though.

[Levente]

But as I said: even during the open days you have to stick to what is allowed and don’t try to be smart. There is ever watchful uniformed and plain-clothed security in large numbers and they are not known for their sense of humour nor for their acceptance of your point of view, so to speak... And they only speak Greek, generally. If you behave, they’re friendly enough though.

True...at Elefsis the open house was close to the EMB145H hangar, altough no plane was on the static display. I tried to take photograph since two were outside but a soldier saw me and asked to delete the photo. Same happend at Tanagra, when the SAR helicopter photo was also deleted, since the rest of the base was behind the helicopter on the photo.

[Levente]

Another thing....if you go to Greece during the open days, if you have a passport take it with yourself. It can help.