The summer season is now in full swing as world travelers descend upon Zante, Greece in July; many making a return visit to this idyllic island in the Ionian Sea. The days are approaching hot, the nights stay temperate and the seawater is as warm as the proverbial bathtub. Some beaches may be crowded but there are many to choose from. The same is true for a little village here and a special restaurant there. July is the month of the Heraklion Festival, celebrated throughout Greece. The summer is also the height of the party scene along the strips in the major towns. Zante has something for everyone.
What's the weather like in Zante in July
Temperature
The Mediterranean July weather is almost perfect. The average temperature is 26ºC (79ºF) with an average high of 31ºC (88ºF) and a low of 20ºC (68ºF), faultless by any measure. The highest recorded temperature on July 1st was 40ºC (93ºF) in 1998 and the lowest was 15.5ºC (60ºF) in 2014. The dew point, a better measure of comfort per person, feels on average, like 16.6ºC (62ºF), only a degree higher than June making the days still quite comfortable.
Rainfall
There are only 2 rainfall days in July, with a total of 2 inches. It's a perfect time to visit if you're looking to sunbath and lay in the sunshine.
Sunshine Hours
The sunshine hours now approach 13.
Wind
By now the winds are almost non-exist, clocking in at a measly 2 mph making for calm seas. Swimming is enjoyable and relaxing in this weather.
Humidity
The average relative humidity is 17.7ºC (64ºF) with a high of 31ºC (88ºF) and a low of -0.5ºC (31ºF).
Sea Temperature
The sea temperature is starting to get quite warm at 24ºC (75ºF).
Zante Hotels in July
The Villa Katerina, Porto Roma in Visilikos is in a lovely setting among a garden of olive, fig, and pomegranate trees and grapevines with a beautiful view of the night stars and the sounds of crickets. Porto Roma and Gerakas beaches, as well as several tavernas, are nearby. The accommodations are either apartments or studios with fully equipped kitchenettes and the balconies have a welcome awning to protect from the summer sun. There is a small play area for children and a supermarket is nearby.
The owners of Zante Pantheon Hotel Yanni, Katerina, and Dimitri will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The hotel is located on a hill in the quiet section of Tsilivi but the walk into the town, with its many tavernas, restaurants, and shops, is only ten minutes. Some rooms have a large veranda with view of the pool and the sea. The breakfast is hearty with omelets, bacon and coffee cups regularly refilled.
The Village Inn Studios and Family Apartments in Laganas is reasonably priced with balconies, a pool and plenty of sunbeds. It is a good family location with single rooms downstairs and doubles above. The food is all-inclusive. A supermarket is nearby and it is only a twenty minute walk to the strip in Laganas and a ten minute ride to the airport.
Zante Beach for July
Considered the most beautiful beach on Zante, Banana beach is located 8 ½ miles southeast of Zakynthos Town. The beach is notable for its sand against the backdrop of a rocky landscape. It is large, family friendly, with all the amenities including umbrellas and sun beds. Light snacks and drinks are available at the few nearby bars. Access to the beach is easy and there is plenty of parking.
Drosia beach, located 7 ½ miles northwest of Zakynthos town, is a small, less crowded destination but still popular with island visitors. Situated at a small bay, Drosia is rockier than most and is less developed than other beaches, but there are a couple of taverns nearby.
Bars and Resturants
Known as the Greek Traditional Cafe Ouzeri in Tsilivi, this establishment as an authentic taverna founded decades ago by the owners known only as George and his wife Mary, who has all the local gossip. This is where you will learn the proper use of the phrase "Opa." The menu consists of Mezes (Greek Tapas), traditional snacks and a delicious house white wine. There is a selection of imported beers and some Ouzo's. Barbecue night is on Saturday.
The 24/7 Chill Out Place in Argassi features a variety of dishes including gyros pita wraps, pork kabob with chips, and even mushy peas with chips and gravy. Also served are waffles with chocolate and fresh strawberries, banana ice cream with coconut and chocolate sauce, and apple pie. A full English breakfast is swerved with tea and coffee and free refills. The TV screens show news, sports, and music. Delivery is available for those staying in town.
A treat for young and old alike is Piero's Gelateria Italina serving great yoghurt and ice cream. There are dozens of flavors from cherry and vanilla to the exotic pistachio, lemon sorbet, chocolate and mango. The owners Guilia and Piero are true Italians and exude a warmth and joviality typical of their nationality, making them ideal hosts.
Things to do in Zante in July
The Bohali Castle, a 15th century Venetian fortress, is located near Zakynthos town, and is a lovely retreat with wonderful views, both by day or night, and overlooks Zante town. At the entrance is a Venetian lion carved into the stone. The fort is enclosed by a wall with steep drops on all sides with a near 360º view of the island, which made for an ideal military post. The Turks destroyed it in 1460 only to have it rebuilt by the local residents with the help of the Venetians, who then made it the capital of the island.
Tour the traditional village of Meherado, and agricultural and farming centre. which is the the second largest community on the island. It is in the mountains 6 miles south of Zakynthos town, surrounded pine trees and remains untouched by tourism. View the Agia Mavra church, built in the 14th century, with its Venetian belfry and the collection of frescoes and icons. The church displays the icon of Agia Mavra plus the valuable jewel collection of Queen Olga. At the village centre, is the Agios Nikoloas Church with the nearby Yperagathou Monastery. The first weekend in July is dedicated to the celebration of Agia Mavra and features traditional dances and barbequed food.
The Horse Riding Centre near Laganas and been owned for many generations by the Tsourakis family, masters of horsemanship. Nikos and Mavra Tsourakis and their four children work the farm daily: breeding, training and displaying their beautiful horses. Horse rides take place in pine forests, sand dunes, or on the beach. Horses and carriages are also available for weddings or other special occasions.
The Earth, Sea, and Sky exhibit at the Ionian Nature Conservation is a celebration of Zante's wildlife and natural habitat. It is involved in sea turtle rescue, Monk seal research and volunteer projects regarding local nature. A conservationist since 1991, Yannis Vardakastanis founded the center fifteen years ago to conserve and sustain Eco-tourism through his Ionian Eco Villagers and Nature World Travel, his green tourist companies. He believes in "conservation by education". The Wildlife Information Centre at Gerakas Beach hosts 40,000 visitors each summer from around the world.
