It’s that time of year again so assemble the troops, inform your significant others and start planning for a week of mayhem on the ultimate lads’ holiday. There are loads of great options, but this year I reckon that Zante (Zakynthos) is the place to be – particularly if the boys like clubbing!
Zante is a Greek island which is bursting at the seams with lively bars, cool clubs and amazing beaches (the weather is scorching in the summer, so remember your sun cream!). It is, essentially, a party island and each summer it attracts hoards of party animals looking to enjoy themselves to the max and soak up plenty of sun.
One of my favourite things about this great island is the fact that everything quite close together. This means that you are always in the thick of it and there is a cracking atmosphere throughout the island.
Read our guide to non-booze related activities in Zante here!
You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to let loose, but here are a few of Zante’s highlights and places that the lads will love.
Bars
Laganas Strip and the surrounding area is where you will want to be and it’s a complete feast for the senses. You will be in awe of the sea of neon lights, massive tunes pumping out of clubs and the never ending stream of party animals having the time of their lives! There are over 100 bars to choose from and loads of great deals to take advantage of – just remember to pace yourself! These are a few of my personal favourites:
Plus – You may well find yourself getting the party started here every single night as it always has a cracking atmosphere and is right in the heart of Zante. If you play your cards right, you could get up on the raised VIP area where you can get a great view of the top DJs that play every night.
Zeros Front Bar – Make sure you have at least one drink in here as the bartenders are absolutely fantastic and always put on a show by juggling bottles, glasses, ice cubes and anything else they can get their hands on!
G-Spot Bar – If you are searching for somewhere slightly away from the madness then head to G-Spot Bar just off the main strip. They have great cocktails and a chilled out atmosphere which can be a refreshing change of pace.
Clubs
Again it is Laganas Strip where you will want to be as there are some of the best clubs in all of Europe here. You are sure to stagger into your own favourite, but be sure to rally the troops and head to any of these top venues for a memorable night (or perhaps not memorable, depending on how wild it gets!):
Cocktails & Dreams – You can’t miss this club with the awesome neon stairs out the front and huge stars overhead. Inside you will find girls dancing on the table in their underwear, crazy lasers everywhere and brilliant DJs making sure that the party never stops. It is also a good place for cocktails, unsurprisingly!
Rescue – You can’t come to Zante and miss Rescue, which many clubbers state is one of the best clubs in the entire world! A gigantic super club, Rescue pulls some huge DJs who fill the enormous dance floors each night. There are loads of areas to explore inside and a stylish rooftop bar which is a brilliant spot to escape the madness below.
Cherry Bay Beach Club – This is one of the most popular clubs on the island and for good reason. They blast out huge anthems every night, the drinks are cheap and there is always a cracking atmosphere. It is also right by the beach, so chill out on the sand when you fancy some fresh air or head out for a splash in the sea – be careful though!
How to Get to Zante
Getting to Zante is simple and easy, so just make sure that you get all your mates to the airport on time and you should be good to go! Flights from London to Zante airport (ZTH) take a little over 3 hours and there are plenty of budget carriers making the flight throughout the week. As one of Europe’s top party destinations, there will be plenty of other party animals on board so prepare yourselves for plenty of banter and a few in-flight beverages!
Upon arrival you definitely don’t want to be standing around waiting for a cab, so be the hero of the group and pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer which you can all jump into. You are just 10 minutes down the road from all the hotels and clubs in Laganas, so before you know it you will be on the beach with a few cold ones.
Where to Stay:
Garden Palace Hotel – Slap bang in the middle of Laganas Village, this hotel is just a short stumble from all the top bars, clubs and restaurants in the area. The fantastic Laganas Beach is just 150 metres from the door. All the rooms have air-con (needed!), satellite TV and balconies with garden views. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, bar, snack bar and restaurant – this means that you can always start the party here before hitting the town.
Dennis Studios – You can’t beat a beachfront hotel as you simply fall onto the beach each morning – the best place to survive a hangover. One of the greatest things about Dennis Studios is the fact that the apartments have a kitchenette, so you can save loads by eating in. There are plenty of shops within a few steps, plus you also have access to the neighbouring property’s swimming pool.
Vossos Hotel Apartments – 100 metres from the beach and just 3 minutes from the town centre, Vossos is another hotel in a superb central location. You will find yourself spending plenty of time onsite too as there is a fantastic outdoor pool and poolside bar perfect for snacks and daytime beers. The apartments also have their own kitchenette and a furnished balcony overlooking the pool area.
About Shuttle Direct:
Organising a group of lads can be a complete nightmare and particularly in a different country. Make sure that you all get to your hotel and avoid the queues for cabs by booking a Shuttle Direct transfer in advance – this guarantees quick, easy and comfortable passage straight to the door of your hotel.
Use their online booking form today and they will handle the rest.
