Laganas...
Laganas is the lively resort... and this is no understatement, so if you don't like to party, steer clear!
The quieter resort of Kalamaki is not too far away if you fancy a change. It's also reasonably close to Zakynthos Town, so you can pop in & have a browse round the shops & a coffee in the square.
'Zakynthos International Airport' - the name of the place is a joke in itself! Though not exactly a shed, the place is not Gatwick, so do be prepared... There is smoking allowed throughout & it can get a little claustraphobic around the baggage carousel. However, it is situated between Kalamaki & Laganas, therefore transfer times to these resorts are minimal.
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Laganas beach is nice, but it can get a little more crowded than neighbouring Kalamaki beach. Also, due to the high quantity of the younger generation and the fact that vehicles are allowed to use it as a cut-through at night, it can get a little dirtier than other beaches on the Island. However, the left hand side tends to be quieter than the right and most hotels and appartments have lovely pools and free sunbeds. In fact, if you try Cactus Pool opposite Ciello's Bar there's even underwater music! You can hire Pedaloes and Canoes most places along the beach. You can also hire motor boats for the day from Laganas beach - try the Golden Sands beach bar. There are turtle trips also available here, so you can go and have a look at the Caretta-Caretta turtles which nest on the beach during nightfall in summer. Also, if you go on a turtle trip with Golden Sands you get your money back if you don't get to see a turtle... you can't get fairer than that! Where should I start... Laganas is full of bars! Well, we'll start big with the clubs... On the main street there's Rescues & Zeros (map ref 1), Cherry Bay (map ref 2) & Ocean Inn (map ref 3). Rescues & Zeros are the two main ones. You can't really miss them and they are usually busy all night. Cherry Bay is on the beach and is done out like a baywatch style joint. all the barmen wear wetsuits and the DJ booth is a speedboat! Ocean Inn tends to kick off a bit later with a great laser show and dance tunes to take you into the morning. Bar-wise, there's plenty of those too... Strings Bar (map ref 4) is a 'Black Country' bar just off the main street. You can't miss it, as Festus the P.R. will be wearing his wizard's hat and dragging you in there... Saloon Bar (map ref 5) & Banana Bar (map ref 6) can also be found off the main strip. If you venture round the corner from Saloon you'll find Croc's Bar (map ref 7) who have their own live crocodile! If you're a party animal then a bit further along this road is Chiellos Bar (map ref 8). This place tends to stay open past even my bedtime! It has been know to not close... On the main strip there are two bars I would recommend, mainly because I perform there! that's Relax Bar (map ref 9) and right nextdoor, the Pink Panther. Also, if you head right down towards the bottom you'll find Waikiki & Bad Boys (map ref 10). Whereas round the corner to your right Las Palmas (map ref 11) tends to be a bit more relaxed and away from the pounding beats of the main strip if you want a rest. I don't really eat out that much in Laganas, as I find most of the restaurants on the main strip over-priced and low quality - sorry guys! However, there are one or two exceptional eateries that I do know of and can inform you about... and to all the other restaurants, if you think I am being unjust and would like to invite me round for a bite, then just send me an e-mail and I'll see you next summer... My best recommendation for Laganas is Georgio's (map ref A). It's a Greek/Canadian Restaurant and my friends & I take a trip up there at least every two weeks if not more. They have a wide and varied selection of excellent dishes from traditional Greek through to Tex-Mex. Try the Mushroom Neptunes for a starter or the Taco El-Bowlo. The Maui Ribs are absolutely gorgeous for a main course... but I won't tell you what I prefer to do with the sauce...! Mmmmmmmmmmm! Leon's (map ref B) isn't much to look at from the outside, but the foods fab and it is very reasonably priced. You'll get a delicious traditional meal for next to nothing, with great Zakynthian hospitality. What more can you ask for? Parrot's (map ref C) is another good one. The ribs here are fab and it's enough out of the way to make your meal peaceful and enjoyable, while still being only a short walk from the main drag. For a great chinese, try The Bee Garden (map ref D). Although it's a little bit more expensive than the English Chinese Restaurants, this is Zakynthos, so what would you expect? It's a lot harder to get the ingredients here, you know! The quality of the food is outstanding though. I would recommend it every time.
Beaches...
Bars (& clubs)...
Restaurants...
Map...
