Laganas vacation packages

How to Reach Laganas

• Transfer Time: Taking a taxi from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) to Laganas takes about 10 minutes.

• Price: A taxi ride from the airport to Laganas will cost about $21.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Laganas

The best time for your Laganas vacation depends on the experience you have in mind: beach days and late-night fun or something more relaxed. Be prepared; Laganas is famously vibrant in the summer.

• May to September: Enjoy summer sunshine as temperatures rise from 77°F in May to a hot 90°F by August, before cooling to 82°F in September. With sea temperatures in the low- to mid-70s, these are ideal months for beach vacations. For party-goers, the scene kicks off in June, peaks in July/August, and winds down in early September.

• October to November: Experience comfortable temperatures between 75°F and 66°F, 7 to 5 hours of sunshine a day, with 3.3–6.5 inches of rain. Schools and colleges are back in session, making it a quieter time to explore Laganas.

• December to February: It’s mild, with average temperatures around 57°F, a high chance of rain, only 4 hours of sunshine daily, and February tends to be windy. Laganas is almost like a ghost town, with most resorts, restaurants, bars, and clubs closed until spring.

• March to April: Less bustling but still peaceful, with temperatures between 61°F and 66°F, decreasing rainfall (2.3–1.5 inches), and 6 to 8 hours of sunshine daily, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the area's natural beauty. The loggerhead turtle breeding season begins in April, too.

Practical Information

• Spoken Languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Laganas.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro (€).

• Getting Around: Laganas is centered around its main street and easily navigable on foot or by bike. KTEL buses are the only form of public transportation on Zakynthos (single tickets start at $2). Taxis are available, but renting a car or bike is worth considering if you plan to explore the island more extensively.

• Electricity and Plug Types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time Zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time.

• Required Travel Documentation: U.S. citizens need a valid passport for entry but do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Laganas

Laganas is one of the most popular destinations in Zakynthos, offering miles of sandy shores, vibrant nightlife, and marine life (hello, loggerhead turtles). It's also conveniently close to several museums, historical sites, and some of the island’s most famous beauty spots.

Spectacular viewpoints

• Cameo Island: Connected to Laganas via a wooden footbridge, this small, picturesque island provides breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline.

The best districts

• Laganas Strip: A kilometer-long stretch packed with bars, clubs, and neon lights near Laganas Bay, it's the pulsating heart of Zakynthos's party scene.

Parks and gardens

• National Marine Park of Zakynthos: Part of Laganas Bay, this park is dedicated to protecting endangered loggerhead sea turtles. It features beautiful natural landscapes and offers insights into local wildlife conservation efforts.

Museums

• History War Museum: Located in the Galaxy Beach Resort, this unexpected little museum focuses on World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, with numerous full-size military-themed dioramas.

Historical monuments

• Bohali Castle: Set on the hillside above Zakynthos Town, about 6 miles from Laganas, this Venetian castle is mostly ruins, but the woodland site offers a lovely walk with fabulous views.

• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa: Situated on Mount Skopos, this historic monastery provides not only a spiritual experience but also stunning views of the island.

Day trips in the area

• Blue Caves: These caves are a must-see, brilliantly illuminated by ethereal blue light (best viewed before noon). Situated on the northernmost part of the island, boat tours to the caves typically include a stop at the powder-white Navagio Beach with its famous shipwreck. However, you’ll have to admire the shipwreck from afar, as it’s off-limits for the 2024 season.

• Keri: With its timeless village vibe, clifftop Keri on Zakynthos’s southwest coast offers a striking contrast to Laganas. Known for its sweeping Ionian Sea views, including the majestic Mizithres, the village boasts a unique claim to fame: it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest Greek flag in the world.

Family activities in Laganas

Laganas is primarily a party resort, attracting crowds of 18- to 30-year-olds for a summer of fun, so you’ll need to plan your vacation timing carefully. Neighboring Kalamaki may be a better fit for families.

• Water parks: Zante Water Village in Sarakinado and Caretta's Fun Park Center in Kalamaki offer exciting water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pools.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Little Farm petting zoo is sure to be a hit with animal lovers. It features all the usual suspects plus a few exotic species, such as tortoises.

• Interactive museums: Showcasing the island's flora and fauna, Helmi’s Natural History Museum, roughly 9 miles inland, is worth a visit. Just a heads-up: some of the taxidermy may be a bit unusual.

• Go-karting: Sure to spark some family-friendly competition, Formula Zante Go Kart in Kalamaki is a fun choice. Suitable for kids ages 5 and up.

Free activities in Laganas

Enjoying Laganas doesn’t have to be expensive, whether it’s a day at the beach or late-night music and dancing.

• Annual festivals: A legacy of Venetian rule, Zakynthos’s Carnival starts five Sundays before Lent - two weeks of parades, street theater, eating, and dancing. The Malliari Festival, held on July 31st in Zakynthos Town, is worth checking out for its unique charm, including a midnight swim where locals dive for “hairy” stones believed to bring luck for the coming year.

• Nightclubs: Unless there's a big-name DJ or another special event, you won’t have to pay to enter any of Laganas’ clubs - though what you'll spend inside is another story.

• Free beaches: Stretching nearly 6 miles between Kalamaki and Agios Sostis, the sandy, partially organized Laganas Beach is free to use, as long as you can resist the sun loungers, restaurants, and bars.

• Explore Laganas via public transport: Free shuttle buses run from Laganas to Agios Nikolaos and Banana beaches.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The trails around Laganas and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are perfect for hiking, offering beautiful views and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the scenic routes around Laganas. The flat terrain and beautiful landscapes make it a great area for cycling enthusiasts.

• Horseback riding: Laganas Horse Riding offers 1- to 3-hour guided rides, including rides that involve swimming. These rides are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

• Water sports: Water sports are restricted off Laganas Beach due to loggerhead turtle preservation. However, thrill-seekers can find plenty to enjoy at Agios Nikolaos, from flyboarding and wakeboarding to jet skiing and water skiing. St Nicholas Water Sports offers a free bus service from Laganas to Vasilikos.

Local dishes in Laganas

When enjoying your vacation in Laganas, you can expect to savor a mix of traditional Greek dishes, island specialties, and international favorites. The menu includes everything from heartwarming Zakynthian vegetable stews to a full English breakfast to help recover from the previous night's festivities.

Some typical dishes

• Boutridia: A Zante original, this oven-baked stew features an assortment of sautéed vegetables like beans, beetroot, eggplant, zucchini, okra, and potatoes.

• Skordostoumbi: A specialty of the Ionian Islands, this dish consists of garlicky eggplants with a signature sweet and sour flavor.

Meze dishes

• Bekri Meze: Literally translating to “Drunkard’s” meze, these are tomatoey, cheesy bite-size pieces of pork shoulder, flavored with red wine, ouzo, or tsipouro and spices.

• Keftedes: These Greek fried meatballs, usually made from beef, pork, or a combination, are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. They pair perfectly with tzatziki.

Meat dishes

• Stifado: One-pot cooking at its finest. While the meat varies (traditionally rabbit, but also beef, chicken, goat, or venison), it always includes small onions, tomatoes, wine or vinegar.

• Moussaka: A must-try on vacations in Greece, this dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, eggplant, and minced meat topped with creamy béchamel sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Tsipoura (Sea Bream): This popular fish is often grilled whole and served with herbs, lemon, and olive oil.

• Kalamarakia Tiganita: Battered fried calamari rings, perfect with a squeeze of lemon.

Street food

• Gyros: A pita filled with rotisserie-cooked, thinly sliced meat (usually pork or chicken), along with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.

• Souvlaki: A fast-food staple, consisting of skewers of marinated meat (typically pork or chicken), charcoal-grilled and served with pita, salad, and tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Frigania: Greek rusks soaked in sugary syrup, topped with vanilla cream, whipped cream, and garnished with almonds or ground walnuts.

• Mandolato: The Ionian version of Italian nougat, this is a nutty, chewy take on a meringue.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: Known for its strong aniseed flavor, Ouzo is similar to French pastis or Italian sambuca. It’s best enjoyed diluted with water, which turns it cloudy, and is meant to be sipped slowly.

• Verdea: This multi-varietal dry white wine is named for the color of the grapes used, and it is the island's most famous wine, pairing well with fish and white meats.