Zakynthos, or Zante, is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its stunning beaches, such as Navagio, where a shipwreck lies on the white sand surrounded by turquoise waters. But Zakynthos is not only a paradise for nature lovers and sun seekers. It is also a hotspot for partying and nightlife, especially among British tourists who flock to the island every summer to enjoy its vibrant clubs, bars and events. How did Zakynthos become such a popular destination for partying and nightlife? And where are the best spots to have fun on the island? Let’s find out!
The rise of Laganas
The main reason why Zakynthos became a popular destination for partying and nightlife is Laganas, a coastal resort on the southern side of the island. Laganas is home to hundreds of clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants that cater to the young and energetic crowd who want to dance, drink and have fun all night long. Laganas is also known for its wild events, such as paint parties, glow parties, boat parties and champagne sprays, that attract thousands of people every week.
Laganas started to develop as a tourist resort in the 1980s, when cheap package holidays became available for British tourists who wanted to escape the cold and rainy weather of their homeland. Laganas offered them an affordable and sunny destination with a lively atmosphere and a friendly local culture. As more and more tourists arrived, more and more businesses opened to meet their needs and preferences. Laganas soon became the most popular and crowded resort on the island, with a reputation for its solid partying scene.
The best nightclubs in Zakynthos
If you are looking for the best nightclubs in Zakynthos, you will find most of them in Laganas. Here are some of the most famous ones:
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Barrage Club
: Opened since 1991, Barrage Club is one of the island’s veteran nightclubs. It has hosted DJs from across the globe, including Black Coffee, Anane Vega, DJ Yellow, Sharam Jay and Technasia (among others). The club features a garden, a VIP section and a stage where you can watch your favorite DJs on decks and have the time of your life. -
Sizzle Club
: A huge venue in Laganas, Sizzle Club opened in 2006. It features two stages that can accommodate over 1000 people. A major name in the clubbing scene in Zakynthos, Sizzle Club has hosted DJs from around the world for nights of endless dance and music. With a few weekly events that attract hundreds–such as the Ultimate Party or the Dancing in Colors–Sizzle has succeeded in establishing itself among the best clubs on the islands. -
Rescue Club
: Another big name, Rescue Club is home to a series of events during the summer. The popular Paint Party and Glow Party, with its tons of glitter paint, are among the most-attended weekly events. Line-ups include top DJs from the UK. Split between three spaces with six bars, Rescue Club has made a name for itself as one of the top place to party in Laganas. -
Ghetto Club
: In operation since 1992, Ghetto Club (on the popular Laganas main road) plays a wide variety of music genres, including hip hop and R&B, as well as club and dance music. Delicious and refreshing drinks, expert bartenders and diverse DJ sets complete the atmosphere, which has been a favorite for several years. -
Pure Beach Club
: The first pool venue in Greece, Pure Beach Club is located in vibrant Laganas. Offering a “champagne experience on a lemonade wage”, Pure features a few weekly events, such as Addicted, Champagne Spray and Tidal Boat Parties, with a world-class DJ line-up.
Other places to have fun in Zakynthos
If you want to explore other places to have fun in Zakynthos besides Laganas, you have plenty of options. You can find more lounge bars in Zakynthos Town and also in Tsilivi, Alykes, Argassi and other tourist places. These lounge bars usually stay open until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning and play more relaxed music genres.
For a more peaceful night out, you can also try a long dinner in the many restaurants all around the island. In Zakynthos, you can find from ethnic restaurants to traditional taverns by the sea and in the mountainous villages. You can enjoy the delicious Greek cuisine, such as moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki and baklava, accompanied by local wine or ouzo.
Another way to have fun in Zakynthos is to join one of the many excursions and activities that are available on the island. You can go on a boat trip to see the shipwreck at Navagio beach, the blue caves and the turtle island. You can also try water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat and flyboard. Or you can go hiking, biking, horse riding or even base jumping on the island’s scenic landscapes.
Conclusion
Zakynthos is a popular destination for partying and nightlife, especially among British tourists, because of its lively resort of Laganas, where hundreds of clubs, bars and events offer endless entertainment options. But Zakynthos is also a beautiful island with many other places to have fun, such as lounge bars, restaurants, beaches and activities. Whether you are looking for a wild or a relaxing holiday, Zakynthos has something for everyone.
