Mucky

Hi we (Mrs Muck and I) are planning a weeks get away in October and in considering Zakynthos, we are wondering what Kalamaki and in particular the Venus Hotel is like, does anyone have any experience of this area/hotel?

Will it be warm enough to swim in the sea around mid October?
Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Muck

Steve_James

Hi Muck - I stayed in Kalamaki 3 years ago.

The sea wouldn't be warm enough for me in October - but then I need it to be 40C before I swim in the sea

Steve

Mucky

Hi Steve,
It's 45 C for me I'm afraid

How was the area? I dislike anything that resembles Blackpool or has English Pubs, you know the type of place I mean.
Is it like that; or more traditional Greek kind of bars and restaurants?
Could you recommend any trips to take or specific historical places to see?

Thanks

Muck

Maria_H

We've swum in the sea in Zakynthos in early October - coming from the north of England it was warm enough for us. We stayed in Alykanas a few years back, a relatively small resort - well it was then, I believe there has been more development since. Some of the resorts are rather commercialised for my taste - not sure about Kalamaki though, I don't think we visited there. It's not the best island for history, Zakynthos town was quite interesting and we enjoyed the trip to the famous ship-wreck beach under the cliffs and some "blue caves". We like exploring places but found a week there was enough for us.

Mucky

Steve & Maria,
Thank you for your replies, it looks like it may be touch and go regarding water temp so I am wondering whether to go a little further south to Crete or Rhodes, I suspect the temperature will be a little better there, any views or recommendations for these two islands?

Thanks

Muck

Maria_H

We've been to quite a few places in Greece for a week, late September, early October, the latest returning home on the 15th October. To be honest we've had similar weather each time - from Zakynthos and Kefallonia to Rhodes and Crete. The weather has generally been around 25C during the day and cool enough to need a light jacket (and not worry about air conditioning) at night. On average we've had no more than half a days bad weather - often a thunderstorm that clears up in a couple of hours. The sea itself is generally still warm in October afer the summer heat - more so than in the spring.

As for where to go, it really does depend what your interests and expectations are. I've enjoyed all my Greek holidays, the islands all have their own character and all of the ones mentioned have quieter and rowdier resorts. Crete and Rhodes have more historical interest and all have good beaches. Just do some research on the resort and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Steve_James

Hi Mucky - My experience has been similar - I usually go to one of the Greek islands early October and have usually had temps about 25 C.

I don't know Rhodes, but Crete, Kos or one of the southern islands should be a good choice. Or ... Cyprus?

Steve