Laganas Travel Guide

Laganas is the hottest spot on Zakynthos (Zante), where sun-lovers can enjoy golden sand and warm waters along one of the Mediterranean's longest beaches. It's the most busy and developed area of Zakynthos, and is the party capital of the island. Laganas is the most popular beach, with loads of restaurants, bars and activities available. Nearby Kalamaki Beach is family-friendly, with warm, shallow waters and pedalo and surf boards available for hire. Turtles do lay eggs on this beach so areas are sectioned off. A trip to Dafni Beach is worth it for the amazing views alone; there's a welcoming taverna for those who make the dramatic drive down to the beach.

Shopping

Visitors will find everything from grocery stores to hundreds of souvenir shops. Good buys include jewellery, leather goods, designer clothing and local crafts. The fresh bread and sweet pastries from local bakeries are particularly good.

Restaurants

Laganas is awash with a huge range of restaurants, including snack bars and fast food outlets. Cuisine ranges from Greek dishes at local tavernas, to curry and pizza.

Nightlife

Laganas is packed with party people on summer nights. Reputable DJs are frequent visitors and play through to the small hours and beyond. Dance clubs, pubs, cocktail bars and karaoke bars are all part of the experience.

Holiday activities

Though Laganas is mainly about fun, sun and partying, it has some very worthwhile scenic and cultural excursions, including boat cruises to turtle-viewing sites, the absolutely stunning Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) and Zakynthos' extraordinary sea caves. Zakynthos town is home to fascinating museums, historic sites, churches and shopping opportunities, while nearby Agios Niklaos Beach offers watersports.

Any negatives?

Laganas is one of the biggest and busiest resorts in Greece and is complete change of pace from the quiet, traditional Greek island experience. The beach is always jam-packed in the height of the season and the resort is continually full of noise and commotion. Many visitors have complained about over-insistent touts outside clubs and restaurants, and some have reportedly been misled on the quality of their accommodation. The resort doesn't offer watersports because of the nesting loggerhead turtles on the beach.