Laganas Tourist Resort

The popular seaside resort of Laganas is located roughly in the middle of the vast Laganas Bay, between the other popular tourist resorts of Kalamaki and Agios Sostis. It is also close to the capital Zante (about 9 km southwest) and to Zakynthos airport.

The original small village of Laganas has gradually become a cosmopolitan resort and a place where not only tourists, but also islanders meet in large numbers. Laganas is today one of the most famous resorts on Zakynthos. It is a popular destination for young people, mainly due to its lively nightlife and beautiful long sandy beach.

The holiday resort of Laganas has excellent tourist facilities. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, discos, sports bars, as well as a number of supermarkets, souvenir shops and several car rental and travel agencies offering tours around the island. A large number of them are located around the main access road, the so-called Laganas Road, which is also the centre of the resort. Laganas Road runs the length of the resort and ends at the coast, and the closer you get to the coast, the more different shops, tavernas and bars surround the road.

Just beyond the shops and restaurants are a variety of accommodation options, from smaller apartments and family-run hotels to luxury hotels with private pools and superior service that will meet the expectations of even the most discerning guests. Smaller hotels surrounded by picturesque gardens and vineyards, which are mainly sought after by families and couples, are usually located away from the noisy centre.

Laganas Beach and the protection of Caretta Caretta turtles

The sandy beach of Laganas is about 9 km long, making it one of the longest beaches on Zakynthos. It is very well organized and also very busy. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for visitors, and there is also a wide range of water sports and other activities, including a diving school. The entrance to the sea is shallow and shallow, making it suitable for children. Restaurants, taverns, bars and discos can be found along the beach, and there are also many grocery and souvenir shops.

Laganas Beach and its surroundings are also special because it forms part of the organisation that protects the natural heritage of the island and the unique species of animals that live here, the so-called Zakynthos National Marine Park. Specifically, Laganas Beach is the site for the protection of the endangered Caretta Caretta turtle population, which comes here during the mating season and then lays its eggs in the sand on the beach. Protecting the turtles thus entails certain restrictions - e.g. the beach is closed at night, umbrellas may not be stuck in the sand, or motorised water sports may be restricted, etc.

Even stricter protection is given to the neighbouring Kalamaki beach and then to the beaches further to the east where turtle nests are more numerous, especially Gerakas and Dafni beaches. The area around the southern coast of the island is also home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, which has chosen as its refuge, for example, one of the small islands in the bay, Pelouzo Island.

Tips for trips in the surroundings

There is a regular bus service to Zakynthos from Laganas. The capital of Zakynthos is a beautiful harbour town, very picturesque and welcoming. The cathedral of St. Dionysius or St. Mark's Square are particularly famous. In the capital you can also enjoy a wealth of shopping and entertainment opportunities.

However, we definitely recommend renting a car or other means of transport for a few days to explore the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos more thoroughly - tips for Zakynthos excursions and sightseeing. There are several car rental companies in the resort.

There are also daily boat trips from Laganas beach to the surrounding islands and resorts. The nearby island of Marathonisi is famous for its sea turtles and its shape, and is called "turtle island". In the bay of Laganas, there are three interesting islands jutting out of the sea, in addition to Marathonisi Island, there is also Pelouzo Island and Cameo Island (Agios Sostis). The small forest island of Cameo can also be reached on foot via a wooden footbridge leading from the beach of Agios Sostis. It's a very photogenic spot, so it's not surprising that newlyweds often choose it for their wedding photos.

The breathtaking blue caves or the iconic Navagio beach are also popular destinations for boat trips.

For whom is Laganas suitable

Basically, tourists of all ages come to the Laganas tourist resort, because everyone can find something for themselves. However, younger guests and lovers of a lively social life are the most popular. The English clientele in particular is very large here, which is reflected in the style of entertainment and, for example, the menus of some of the restaurants. However, the range of restaurants and tavernas in Laganas is of a very good standard and the food is very tasty, we recommend trying especially traditional Greek specialities and delicacies.

The nights are long and busy in Laganas and it is the lively nightlife that attracts visitors from the various resorts on the island. Due to the nature of Laganas, the choice of accommodation must be taken into account. Those who want to sleep at night should choose a hotel that is not in close proximity to the main road.

The great advantage of Laganas is clearly the long sandy beach, which provides visitors with very good tourist facilities. The entrance to the sea in this area is gradual and the water is clear and warm, which attracts families with small children.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Close resorts: Agios Sostis, Kalamaki, Lithakia, Porto Koukla

Most favourite resorts of Zakynthos: Agios Nikolaos, Agios Sostis, Alykes, Argassi, Kalamaki, Laganas, Limni Keri, Zakynthos Town (Chora), Tsilivi, Vassilikos

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.