#286 European Rank
Xigia Beach
Zakynthos, Greece•Ionian Sea• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October
Photo: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.57/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
25.9°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€38/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Gentle Wave Action
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces W (260°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Good Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces W (260°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
W (260°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 10°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the W-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Xigia Beach: Light coastal break; family friendly with standard water awareness. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Zakynthos, Greece
Warm Bathwater
Early August
25.9°C
Air ~35°C
Optimal thermal comfort; zero cold shock
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 25.9°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 15.3°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 15.3°C | 24°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 16.2°C | 27°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 18.8°C | 30°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 22.3°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| July | 24.5°C | 35°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 25.9°C | 35°C | Warm Bathwater |
| September | 24.9°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 22.8°C | 30°C | Ideal Swimming |
| November | 20.3°C | 26°C | Refreshing |
| December | 17.7°C | 23°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Greece Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 3 Jun – 6 Nov (>21°C) · 156 days
Planning around peak water warmth (25.9°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Xigia Beach for the optimal May–June–July–August–September–October swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Xigia Beach (Zakynthos, Greece)
🌊 Water temperature: 25.9°C
⛱️ Beach access: 100% free public sand • Sunbeds: €0–€0
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces W (sheltered from E winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/xigia-beach-gr/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Good
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Xigia Beach
A tiny cliff-cupped cove where natural sulphur springs turn the water a milky blue said to be good for the skin.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Accessible by road on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, followed by a steep descent path and stairs from the clifftop parking/canteen
•Protected Status / Environment: Natural coastal geo-thermal spring formation
•Notable Feature: Natural underwater sulfur and collagen springs emerging from sea caves, turning the water milky-turquoise with therapeutic spa properties
Official Tourism Authorities:visitgreece.gr
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Wide Open Public Sand
Free Public Sand (100%)Private Concessions (0%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
Free (100% Public)
No commercial loungers; bring your own parasol and beach mat.
Towel Bather Guidance
Abundant unencumbered shoreline. Free towel placement everywhere with minimal commercial footprint.
Legal Shoreline Rights: 100% open public coastline. No commercial sunbed concessions or umbrella installations permitted.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Typical Rate: ~€5/day
Cash-Only Attendant / GuardianFree Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Carry €5–€10 in cash coins; attendants in remote coves often lack POS card terminals.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Morning Shade • Late Afternoon Golden Hours
Faces westward into the open horizon, offering bright afternoon sun and prime sunset vantage points.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
NoFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Zakynthos. Accessible via regional coastal roads (37.856°N, 20.700°E).
Discreet Utility: Rough Road & Trail Access
Reaching Xigia Beach involves dirt tracks or steep trails. Booking a rental SUV or 4x4 provides higher clearance for unpaved coastal roads.
•Cool and buoyant; natural sulphur springs said to soften the skin.
•A tiny cliff-backed cove with natural sulphur springs on northern Zakynthos.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
ZTH · 25m drive20-30 min transfer from Zante Airport (ZTH).
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Xigia Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Xigia Beach
What is the water temperature at Xigia Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Xigia Beach averages 25.9°C (79°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Xigia Beach?
Xigia Beach is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Zakynthos, Greece.
Is Xigia Beach good for families with kids?
Xigia Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Xigia Beach?
Parking arrangements vary locally. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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