Olympic Air

Olympic Air is the regional arm of Aegean, linking Athens with the Greek islands and smaller mainland airports. Its network is built on short island hops where a turboprop makes more sense than a jet, serving runways that larger aircraft would struggle to use.

The flying is single-class economy throughout, matched to legs that seldom run long. Seat choice is about comfort on a brief flight and a good view of the Aegean rather than settling in for hours.

The regional workhorse is the ATR 72-600, a modern turboprop suited to the short island sectors that define the network. Its high wing and level propellers give window passengers a clear, open view on the descent into the islands.

The aircraft is sized for these routes rather than range, so cabins are compact and the flights are quick. That keeps the fleet simple and the seat map easy to read.

The ATR cabin is single-aisle and modest in size, with the propeller line running alongside the middle rows. Noise and the view out are at their worst there and ease off toward the front and rear.

Because the flights are short, service is light and the cabin turns around quickly. The appeal is the scenery on the way down more than any onboard frills.

For the clearest island views, choose a window forward of the propeller line rather than level with it, where the blade blur and noise are strongest. The high-wing design means the view is less obstructed than on a low-wing jet.

Seats near the front see the least propeller noise and let you off first at a small island terminal. If you value quiet over the view, the very front rows are the calmest place to sit.