The World's Most Unusual Airports

Flying is anything but routine at these 13 airports around the world.

Unusual Airports: Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten

Be sure to wave at the beachgoers as you land here: The St. Maarten airport is located just beyond this beautiful Caribbean Island’s Maho Beach, and you’ll skim right over their heads before you touch down.

After you get off the plane, you might want to choose a different beach for your own sunbathing — unless you packed earplugs.

Unusual Airports: Kansai International Airport, Japan

What do you do when you don’t have enough land to build an airport? Create some of your own. Japan’s Kansai International Airport rests on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, which passengers reach by car, rail or ferry.

The airport island is so big — 2.5 miles long and 1.6 miles wide — that it reportedly can be seen from space.

Unusual Airports: Gisborne Airport, New Zealand

Gisborne Airport, on New Zealand’s North Island, may be the only airport in the world where planes occasionally have to stop and wait for trains to pass.

The regional airport’s runway intersects a railroad line, which serves freight lines and tourism-centered trains.

Unusual Airports: Barra Airport, Scotland

The island of Barra in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is the only place in the world that uses a beach as a runway for regularly scheduled flights.

If you’re planning to fly in or out of this airport, you’d better hope for low tide — otherwise the beach, and therefore the runway, will be underwater.

Unusual Airports: Hong Kong International Airport

Care to hit the links before you fly? A nine-hole golf course is just steps away from Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2, complete with floodlights for nighttime golfing.

Presumably the roar of jet engines (or the ear protection you might want to use) makes it difficult to hear “Fore!”

Unusual Airports: Courchevel International Airport, France

Nestled high in the French Alps, the resort town of Courchevel ranks among the world’s most sophisticated ski areas and comes complete with its own airport.

Landing or taking off at the airport can fray nerves, though: It’s right next to ski runs, Alpine weather conditions cause havoc, and the extremely short runway has a steep grade of 18.5 percent.

Unusual Airports: Juneau International Airport, Alaska

There’s very little flat land to be found around Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The mountains surrounding Juneau’s airport, plus the frequent bad weather, make flying here so dicey that Alaska Airlines pioneered new flight technology to make it viable on a modern scale.

Oh, and did we mention that just about the only way to reach Juneau is by air?

Unusual Airports: Gibraltar Airport

In tiny Gibraltar, space is at a premium — enough so that the airport’s runway intersects Gibraltar’s main road, which has to be closed every time a plane takes off or lands.
The airport is only a few minutes away from the center of town, and gates keep cars back when the runway is occupied.

Unusual Airports: Telluride Regional Airport, Colorado

At an elevation of more than 9,000 feet, Telluride Regional Airport is the highest commercial airport on the continent. It’s also surrounded by mountains and built on a cliff.

Pilots have to know what they’re doing here; the airport is flanked on three sides by a 1,000-foot drop into the San Miguel River — with the Rocky Mountains just beyond.

Unusual Airports: Copalis State Airport, Washington

If you’re landing at Copalis State Airport on Washington’s Pacific coast, you could be forgiven for wondering where the airport is. In fact, it’s little more than a strip of beach, which also happens to be open to beachgoers.
The state Department of Transportation advises pilots to do a flyover before landing “to check for obstructions such as exposed rocks, debris and pedestrians.”

Unusual Airports: Toncontín International Airport, Honduras

Toncontín International Airport’s 7,096-foot-long runway is one of the shortest international runways on the planet. The nearby mountains make it dangerous — it can be hard for planes, especially large ones, to get up enough speed to clear the peaks from such a short runway.
Honduras has announced plans to move all commercial flights to Soto Cano Air Base, about 40 miles away.

Unusual Airports: Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is big — at 53 square miles, it’s the largest in North America — but it walks softly on the Earth.
The airport follows a number of green initiatives, the most notable being a massive solar farm harvesting energy from close to 10,000 high-tech solar panels spread across 7 acres. Estimated reduction in carbon emissions: more than 6 million pounds each year.

Unusual Airports: Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal

Most people who visit Mount Everest begin their Nepal journey at this airport, in the Himalayan town of Lukla. It occupies some rare air: The 9,380-foot elevation is one of the highest of any airport on Earth.
Only helicopters and other small aircraft can use the airport; the short runway, and the 2,000-foot drop at the end of it, make it too dangerous for anything else.

22 Gorgeous Infinity Pools

 

Infinity pools create an intriguing visual effect. Their crystalline water extends to the horizon and stretches to "infinity." Savor these pools that sweep your sights to Polynesian lagoons, the Pacific Ocean, the African plains and even the Himalayas.

Infinity Pools: Bilila Lodge Kempinski

Bilila Lodge Kempinski opened in 2009 in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. The property features 74 guest rooms and suites, including the presidential villa (pictured) with its own infinity pool overlooking a wildlife watering hole. All rooms overlook the Serengeti plains, allowing guests to observe wild game from their private sun decks. The lodge provides private game drives, hot-air balloon rides and bush walks set against the backdrop of Africa’s wilderness. The Serengeti is home to lions, giraffes, gazelles, elephants and buffaloes.

Infinity Pools: Le Méridien Bora Bora

Le Méridien Bora Bora, in French Polynesia, is on the southern point of Motu Piti Aau, a six-mile-long island on a coral reef. The hotel has 99 bungalows, including four lagoon bungalows, 14 beach bungalows and 81 over-water bungalows with glass flooring. Recent renovations added a new infinity pool beneath the Miki Miki bar. The pool is more than 2,000 square feet and has a Jacuzzi, waterfall and deck. The pool overlooks Otemanu Mountain and a lagoon containing more than 100 species, including the endangered hawksbill turtle.

Infinity Pools: Marquis Los Cabos Resort

The Marquis Los Cabos Resort and its sparkling infinity pool are perched on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean. The resort has 237 suites, a spa and fitness center, a gourmet restaurant and a collection of Latin American sculptures and paintings. Marquis Los Cabos is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos.

Infinity Pools: Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

The Post Ranch Inn is a luxury hotel perched on California’s spectacular Big Sur coast. The infinity jade pool next to the Sierra Mar restaurant overlooks the blue Pacific Ocean. The pool is kept at a constant 104 degrees, making it the perfect place to soak in the view. The Post Ranch Inn also has a spa, guided nature hikes, astronomy nights, morning yoga classes and morning meditation classes.

Infinity Pools: Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

The Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort is nestled in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Take a dip in its 23,600-square-foot infinity pool, where the horizon extends into Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The resort is 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and has 267 ocean-view suites, spa suites and two- and three-bedroom imperial suites. The resort has a spa, exercise programs including Pilates, yoga and meditation, and a dolphin encounter program that lets you swim with bottle-nosed

Infinity Pools: Gansevoort Miami Beach

The Gansevoort Miami Beach’s infinity pool sits within a pool plaza, which includes an outdoor restaurant and an oversized Jacuzzi. The pool provides the perfect vantage point to see the Atlantic Ocean. The resort has 340 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a nightclub and a rooftop pool and bar dotted with coconut palms and cabanas.

Infinity Pools: Ubud Hanging Gardens

When you do the breaststroke in the main infinity pool at Ubud Hanging Gardens in Bali, you look up at a jungle filled with monkeys, butterflies and exotic birds. You will also have the perfect view of a Balinese temple among the trees. For a special treat, book a room in one of the 38 pool villas, and you’ll have your own private infinity pool a few steps from your dwelling.

Infinity Pools: Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk

The 38-story Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk opened last year in Honolulu. It has 462 rooms and suites. Visit the sixth floor for an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The pool sits on an expansive lanai fringed with palm trees and sun loungers. Refreshments are available at the poolside bistro.

Infinity Pools: Wildflower Hall Shimla

Wildflower Hall-Shimla in the Himalayas, India, resembles a fairy-tale castle nestled in pine and cedar forests at 8,250 feet. The heated indoor swimming pool has mosaic floors and chandeliers and offers spectacular mountain views. Attached to the indoor pool is an outdoor deck with an infinity whirlpool. It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink and ponder the magnificence of the Himalayas.

Infinity Pools: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, on the southern tip of the Cape of Antibes on the French Riviera, is a renowned refuge for royalty, celebrities and politicians from all corners of the world. It boasts a heated, salt-water infinity pool that encourages you to gaze out upon the Mediterranean. You’ll see Lérins Island and the hills of the Estérel encircling the bays of Cannes and Juan-les-Pins.

Infinity Pools: Jumby Bay

Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, is on a 300-acre private island just two miles off the coast of Antigua in the West Indies. The resort recently underwent a $28 million renovation and added an infinity pool. With its infinity edge, this lagoon-shaped pool gives the illusion of blending with the Caribbean. It’s a great place to sunbathe or have a nosh at the Pool Grille. The resort also features a spa, tennis courts, guided snorkeling tours, sailing, Pilates and scuba diving instruction.

Infinity Pools: Gansevoort Turks + Caicos

The Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, a 91-room resort, has an open-air lobby that overlooks a 7,000-square-foot infinity pool with a view of Grace Bay. The pool has four floating islands with umbrellas and lounge chairs that must be reserved in advance. The pool staff is standing by to bring you refreshments. The resort also features yoga and wellness classes, a fitness center and spa, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and Hobie Wave beach catamarans.

Infinity Pools: Castel Monastero

Castel Monastero, once a residence for nobility, is now a 75-room resort in a medieval Tuscan village surrounded by rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards. The infinity pool outside the spa has a perfect view of the honey-colored 11th century building. The resort has a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and cooking school.

Infinity Pools: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole

The Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is one mile from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and one hour from Yellowstone National Park. The hotel has an infinity hot tub overlooking Teton Village, which is a great place to relax and take in the ski village views after stomping around the national parks. Outdoor activities in the vicinity include hiking, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning, horseback riding and golf

Infinity Pools: Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a resort on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, has a two-level infinity pool at the resort’s spa. Swim here and imagine you’re swimming into the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The resort has opportunities to sail, snorkel, scuba dive, water ski, fish and play tennis. The spa also hosts yoga, Pilates and meditation classes.

Infinity Pools: Hotel Caesar Augustus

The Hotel Caesar Augustus perches 1,000 feet above the sea near Naples on the island of Capri, Italy. Its bi-level infinity pool overlooks the Bay of Naples and offers views of Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano that buried Pompeii. The hotel can arrange a host of excursions, including those to Monte Solaro and Villa San Michele, through the narrow lanes and past the picturesque houses of Anacapri as far as Damecuta, the Carena Lighthouse and the Grotta Azzurra.

Infinity Pools: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, a hotel designed to resemble a mammoth sailboat, sits perched on the Dubai coastline. For an exquisite view of the Persian Gulf, guests can visit the infinity pool on the 18th floor of the hotel in the Assawan Spa & Health Club. If it’s luxury you seek, check into the spa for a caviar facial or body scrub.

Infinity Pools: Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town

The Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town in South Africa is a 177-room hotel towering over the Atlantic Ocean. Its waterfront bar, Tobago's, features tropical cocktails overlooking both the ocean and the hotel's infinity pool. Swimmers can cool off in the pool’s calm waters while seagulls cruise overhead. Contemplate the thousands of miles the ocean waves traveled before they crashed against the shoreline below you.

Infinity Pools: Hotel Punta Tragara

The Hotel Punta Tragara, originally a private villa, perches atop the cliffs of the island of Capri, Italy. During World War II it was used as the headquarters for the American command and hosted such famous guests as Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and Sir Winston Churchill. The hotel’s infinity pool sweeps your gaze out over the cobalt waters of the Bay of Naples.

Infinity Pools: Costa Careyes

Costa Careyes, Mexico, lies between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. The Costa Careyes resort boasts villas known as “The Castles of Careyes.” Sol de Oriente, pictured, is a villa with six bedrooms encircled by a giant infinity pool. Swimmers can simply step outside of their rooms, plunge into the water, and take delight in a view that stretches to the great blue Pacific Ocean.

Infinity Pools: Laucala Island

Laucala Island resort is set on a 3,000-acre private island in Fiji. It has 25 villas, each with a private infinity pool, indoor and outdoor shower and outside bath. Each villa, constructed with local timber, thatch and stone, is adorned with traditional Fijian designs and overlooks sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. Laucala Island also boasts five restaurants, an equestrian center, a fleet of luxury boats, an 18-hole championship golf course and a hilltop spa offering Fijian treatments.

Infinity Pools: Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa

The Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, 40 miles from Dubai, has 42 individual suites. Each one has an infinity pool overlooking the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Arabian oryx and desert gazelles wander freely across the plains and dunes, often stooping to drink within this conservation-focused sanctuary resort. When you’re not soaking in the view, you can sample the resort spa, view more than 2,000 original Middle Eastern artifacts or set up a dune picnic or a camel trek.

世界神秘未知的十大禁地

第一名：曼威斯山英国皇家空军

曼威斯山英国皇家空军是英国一个和美国埃施朗全球谍报网相勾连的军事基地。它是一个通讯拦截和导弹预警站，其内含一座巨大的卫星地面站的，是全球最大的电子信息监控台。隶属美国国家安全局的美国侦察局操控的一些卫星就是以此为地面接收站的。天线都隐藏在一些特色鲜明的白色天线罩下面，据说此基地是埃施朗系统的一部分。

埃施朗系统的建立是为了监视1960年代冷战时期，苏联及其东方盟国集团的军队和外交通讯。而自从冷战后，它又被用于搜索恐怖活动的蛛丝马迹，贩毒头目的计划和政治外交方面的情报。它同时也被报道涉嫌商业间谍，并且渗透所在国的所有电话和无线电通讯，这是对隐私的极端侵犯。

第二名：大灾难紧急操控中心

此地不仅不对公众开放，而且公众永远都不希望踏入！在很多有关“世界末日”的影片中，都会提到一个高度机密的地方，美国的政府要员和精英人士躲避即将来临的世界末日的地方。那地方正是这个大灾难紧急操控中心！

此中心由于冷战原因建于1950年代，但其至今仍然照旧工作。因为它是“最后的希望”之所，所以保持高度机密是理所当然的了。此处由联邦紧急事件管理中心(FEMA)管辖。这个操控中心一直处于运作之中，当美国发生局部小灾难时，大部分的通讯转接都是由此处完成。

第三名：伊势神宫

伊势神宫（后文可知每20年此神宫将被推到重建一次，所以伊势神宫并非只有一个，距今已经有超过100个的伊势神宫了译者注）是日本最为神圣的神宫。此神宫乃是为了供奉天照大神（太阳神），自公元前4年神宫就存在于世间了。神宫主殿供奉着大日帝国最为重要之物：八咫镜（此镜源自日本神话，传闻最终被日本的首位帝王所执）。

伊势神宫每隔20年就得摧毁并重建，以此来迎合日本神道思想中的生死轮回（下一次重建世间为2013年）。神宫在榜单中如此靠前的原因是，如果你不是出自日本皇族的祭祀想进去门都没有。所以除非有日本的皇子或者公主正在浏览此页，要不你最多也就望一望伊势神宫的茅草屋顶吧。

第四名：39号房间

39号房（亦可称为39局）是朝鲜最为机密的组织之一。其职能就是为了给朝鲜国防委员会主席金正日提供国外的实时动态。39号房初建于1970 年代末期，是朝鲜所谓的以金氏家族王朝为中心的“政治经济”的命门所在。虽然由于组织的严密性，大众对39号房知之甚少。

但是大众广泛推测其在中国和瑞士开有10到20个银行账户进行伪造，洗钱以及其他的违法活动。也有人断言39号房涉及毒品走私和违法的军火交易。但不论如何，这个归金正日一手管辖的部门旗下有120家合法外贸公司，而朝鲜拒绝任何移民活动。据传闻39号房位于朝鲜首都平壤的某个劳动党大楼之内。

第五名：51区

51区排名如此靠前，那是因为许多读者对其望穿秋水啊。51区是美国西部南内达华州的一个军事基地的别称，其位于拉斯维加斯市区的北西北方位83英里（合133公里）。此军事基地的中心（也就是马夫湖南岸）有着全美最大的秘密军事机场。

而这个军事基地的主要用途就是为了进行飞机和武器系统的研发测试。美国政府对此军事基地的保密使得其披上了一层神秘的面纱，并且这也使其成为大众口中阴谋论和不明飞行物的核心。上图声明，如果进入51区将会受到致命攻击。

第六名：怀特绅士俱乐部

怀特俱乐部是英国最为独特的绅士俱乐部。这个俱乐部由弗朗西斯科-比安科（即弗朗斯西-怀特FrancisWhite）创立于1693年。俱乐部开始是为了卖当时流行的巧克力热饮，而最终却成为一个一个典型而又极具私人化的绅士俱乐部。怀特俱乐部以其会员们各式各样的奇异赌博而出名。

其中最为著名的是押注3000英镑来赌窗玻璃上的两滴雨滴，哪一个先流下。那么我们将怀特俱乐部列举上榜的原因何在呢？首先女士们是不能入内的，这就排除了一半的读者。再者，想加入该俱乐部的男士必须要受到一位现会员的邀请，并且此举还要得到另外两位会员的首肯。除非你是皇室成员，大权在握的高官或者名演员，否则想获得怀特俱乐部的独特邀请几乎是不可能的。

第七名：莫斯科地铁2

俄罗斯莫斯科地铁2是传说中和莫斯科公共地铁并行的地铁系统。这个地铁系统可能在斯大林时期就开始修建，并被苏联国家安全委员会命名为D-6。对于俄罗斯新闻记者的报道，俄罗斯联邦安全局和莫斯科地铁局态度暧昧，不置可否。

据传闻莫斯科地铁2的长度甚至超过了莫斯科公共地铁。其有4条主干道，皆伏于地下50至200m处。莫斯科地铁2连接着克里姆林宫，俄罗斯联邦安全局指挥部，伏努科沃-2的政府机场，若曼奇的一个地下城以及其他国家重地。不用说了，连其是否存在都不可获知，想参观它当然是难上加难。

第八名：33号俱乐部

和大众所认为的相反，迪斯尼是有酒水供应许可证的。不过只有在大众观光时段结束后，公园才会给私人聚会提供酒水。然而，在迪斯尼新奥尔良广场的轴心处，有一个私人俱乐部，33号俱乐部里面竟常年提供酒水。

这个在主题公园里一直披着神秘面纱俱乐部的入口挨着坐落在“33号皇室大街”的蓝河餐馆。俱乐部的门头上有块刻着33醒目而华丽的地址铭牌。上缴约一到三万美元的会费就能加入并成为俱乐部的会员，会员有私人停车位。但是如果你想加入，那么排队估计得排到14年后了。

第九名：梵蒂冈机密档案室

在以前的排行榜中也提及过此处，这个档案室处了名字很“机密”外别无其他机密可言。你可以阅览想看的文件，但不可以进入档案室。你必须提交文件阅览的申请书，然后档案室就会将文档提供给你。和最近朗·霍德华（Ron Howard）和丹·布朗（DanBrown）联合制作的愚蠢的垃圾电影《天使与魔鬼》不同，这里的文件是全部可以阅览的，但并没有被禁的科学理论和巨著的备份。

在这里面你唯一不可以一窥究竟的是75年内的文件（旨在保护外交和政府信息）。档案室为那些有意阅览者提供目录索引。据估计，梵蒂冈机密档案室的书架有52英里长（84千米），仅可供参考的目录就有35000卷。

第十名：梅日戈尔耶镇

梅日戈尔耶镇（Mezhgorye）是俄罗斯一个封闭的村镇，据传闻，镇里住的都是在亚曼塔瓦山（MountYamantaw）周边从事高度机密任务的工作人员，直到1979年这个小镇才为世人所发现。亚曼塔瓦山高达1640米（5381英尺），是乌拉尔山脉南部最高的山峰，连接着考斯温斯凯山脉（向北 600千米）。它曾被美国怀疑是一所工程浩大的核设施之地，亦或是一所煤仓。

在二十世纪九十年代苏联解体后，美国卫星影像观测到了此处进行的大型发掘工程，而那时正值鲍里斯·叶利钦（Boris Yeltsin）亲西方时期。在设施顶部修建了两座军事要塞，别洛列茨克15和别洛列茨克16。

不管美国如何反复盘问关于亚曼塔瓦山的问题，俄国政府都只会给出让其无语的一些回答。他们说那不过是一个矿场，一个俄罗斯财政部的储藏库，一个食物储藏区或者是领导人核战时的避难所。

Over Europe: 17 Sights From an Airplane

Fly over Europe and there’s a good chance you’ll see some of these notable landmarks, including soaring mountain ranges, deadly volcanoes, historical sites and even signs of the last ice age.

Sights From an Airplane: Venice, Italy

How appropriate that Venice looks like a fish from the air. Rising sea levels and compacting soils are causing Italy’s most unusual city to sink slowly into the water that surrounds it on all sides. Episodes of high water are increasingly flooding popular low-lying areas like Piazza San Marco. Venetians continue to debate the efficacy of massive engineering solutions, such as a $4.5 billion floodgate system to keep the waters out, as well as a controversial proposal that would pump seawater into the ground to raise the entire island by nearly a foot.

Sights From an Airplane: Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

The Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted in April, disrupting international air travel for weeks. Its ash cloud also created psychedelic, screaming orange sunsets over Europe. Volcanic activity decreased significantly in May, and the volcano has been quiet since, although the eruption has yet to officially be declared over.

Sights From an Airplane: The English Channel

Jet passengers flying between Great Britain and France have a great opportunity to spot The English Channel. Intrepid swimmers have been crossing it since 1875. During WWII’s Battle of Britain, the British and the German fought each other here with submarines and naval warships. The English Channel is now one of the world’s busiest seaways, carrying more than 400 ships per day.

Sights From an Airplane: The Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate was built from 1788 to 1791. After World War II, Germany was divided, and, in 1961, the Berlin Wall was constructed just west of the Brandenburg Gate. Travel between East and West Germany was severely restricted until the fall of the wall in 1989. On Dec. 22, 1989, the Brandenburg Gate crossing was reopened when Helmut Kohl, the West German chancellor, walked through to be greeted by Hans Modrow, the East German prime minister. The gate now stands as a symbol of freedom and a reunited Germany.

Sights From an Airplane: The Bosporus Strait

The Bosporus Strait slices through Turkey and is part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. Along its shores, you’ll see the city of Istanbul, population 11 million, which straddles both sides of the waterway. Sightseers can explore the waters of the Bosporus Strait by ferryboat.

Sights From an Airplane: The Alps

The Alps are easy to spot from a jet soaring over Europe. Their white, lofty peaks can be seen if you’re flying over Slovenia, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria or Liechtenstein. The Alps arose as a result of the collision of the African and European tectonic plates. The highest peak, Mont Blanc, reaches 15,782 feet in elevation. The mountain straddles France and Italy, and ownership of its summit is controversial. Both France and Italy claim it as their very own.

Sights From an Airplane: Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano that towers over the Bay of Naples, Italy. When it erupted in the year 79, it buried Pompeii, Italy, under ash and pumice. The city was lost for more than 1,500 years before it was rediscovered in 1592. Mount Vesuvius had its last major eruption in 1944. The volcano is now part of a national park.

Sights From an Airplane: Eiffel Tower

The second-tallest structure in France is easy to spot on an inbound or outbound flight from Paris. The Eiffel Tower is 1,063 feet tall and therefore only slightly shorter than the Millau Viaduct (1,125 feet). The tower was named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, and was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's

Sights From an Airplane: Vatican City

Technically, Vatican City is a sovereign city-state within Rome. At just 0.2 square miles — only 70 percent of the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. — Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state. Located on a low hill and entirely surrounded by the city of Rome, the Vatican has the smallest population: just 826 in 2009. Find Vatican City from the air by looking for St. Peter's Basilica, whose dome dominates the skyline.

Sights From an Airplane: Loch Ness

Loch Ness may or may not contain a serpentine sea monster, but if you’re flying over Scotland, you’ll have no trouble identifying this long-necked freshwater lake. It’s cobalt blue and stretches for 23 miles across the Scottish Highlands. It contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

 

Sights From an Airplane: London Eye

The London Eye, a 443-foot Ferris wheel, sits on the banks of the River Thames. It was constructed from 1998-1999 and is now the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It contains 32 air-conditioned passenger capsules that provide a spectacular view of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Waterloo station and other city landmarks. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle.

Sights From an Airplane: The Autobahn

The German autobahn stretches across the entire country like a lattice for thrill seekers. This network of federal motorways has no general speed limit, although the recommendation is 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph).

Sights From an Airplane: Norwegian Fjords

Norway's extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea, is home to its famous fjords. From the air, you can easily see these long, crinkly, narrow inlets that were carved by glaciers during the last ice age. According to National Geographic magazine, Norwegian fjords are the world’s top tourist

 

Sights From an Airplane: The Danube River

The Danube River originates in Germany’s Black Forest and snakes east through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. It empties into the Black Sea. Various cruise lines offer scenic trips along this waterway.

Sights From an Airplane: Greek Islands

Greece has more than 6,000 islands. Whether you’re flying over Greece’s Ionian Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south or the Aegean Sea to the east, you can delight in seeing islands down below. The islands can also be explored close up by cruise ship, ferryboat or sailboat.

Spain

Sights From an Airplane: Big Ben

If you’re flying low over London, look for Big Ben and Parliament Square. “Big Ben” actually refers to the bell of the clock rather than the clock tower itself. At 314 feet tall, it is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. The bells play a tune called “Cambridge Chimes.” During World War II, the bells were sometimes silenced and the clock face darkened to prevent German attack.

Sights From an Airplane: Seville, Spain

Large bullfighting rings will help you spot Seville from the sky. This Andalusian city
delights the senses on many levels, tickling the skin with its pleasant Mediterranean climate, the taste buds with its gustatory delights and the eyes and ears with its joyous flamenco dance and music. History buffs will enjoy exploring its huge cathedral and seeing the tomb of Christopher Columbus (although some historians argue that he’s not really buried here).