Laganas Bay, Zante

Went to Laganas in June 2005 for two weeks. The flight took a little less then expected, just under three hours, which was good as it was an evening flight. Arrived at Zante airport and even though it was the evening the heat hit me as soon as i stepped off the plane.

Airport

Well what can i say, this was the worst part of the holiday. It was a shed with one very small belt for luggage. Three flights arrived almost at the same time and with only a handful of staff it was very unorganised. All luggage from each flight was buddled together and then someone had to stand there and chuck the suit cases on. This took us about 1.30hrs to get our luggage so as you can imagine it was a nightmare. Going home was even worse. Had to queue outside and only 5 people at a time can check in. The departure lounge was so over crowded and very stuffy. Im sure it was against regulations to have that many people in one small place.

Our appartment

The journey only took us about 30 minutes to get there which was a relief as it was gone midnight by the time we had sorted everything. The appartment looked very nice with a nice size swimming pool and bar area. The owners were very helpful and polite showing us around and showing us how things worked. The room its self was very basic but clean. A nice balcony to sit outside, a shower with a curtain which is very unusual in Greece. I was also pleased as it was very quiet where we were. It was about 5mins form the beach and 20mins from the main strip

Beach

Was very clean and nice. No water sports as there are turtles which are protected, this is why the beach is usually closed in the evening and no night flights into Zante. Pedlos and speed boats can be hired. We hired a pedlo to see the turtles and i could not believe the size of them. Only bad thing is part of the beach seems to be used as a car park. Lots of bars and taverns all along the beach which served a wide range of foods from many greek and english dishes.

Food

I can honestly say i never had a bad meal. The food was always hot and non greasy as there is nothing worse then getting a plate of grease. Beef stifado was a favourite of mine which is a typical greek dish. Very tender pieces of beef which just melt in your mouth, no fatty bits at all. Served with a rich gravy and tender vegtables and baby oninons. Lots of restuarants to choose from including KFC, Macdonalds and all the other popular fast food chains. Make sure you take a trip to the Haagen Daz cafe lots of yummy treats of milkshakes, ice-cream and cakes.

Nightlife

Is very busy with the whole stip full of clubs and bars catering for all tastes of music. The whole stip is just a mass of lights. The Pr's outside can be a bit full on trying to grab you and pull you into the clubs. Lots of bar crawls going on. You'll love this place if you like lots of free booze. Never actually saw any trouble out there and everyone seems very friendly.

Excursions

So many touts out there trying to get you on the trips. Shop around first before excepting the first offer as they are all priced differently. I went to St Nicholas Bay which is so beautiful. Lots of activities to do. Scuba diving is a must and you get a dvd to show all your family. Lots of boat trips which show you the whole island. Blue Lagoon shipwreck island is recommended as well..The sea is amazingly blue. Turtle island seems a favourite too. So many things to do i can't remember them all.

Weather

Was well into the 30's for the whole two weeks we were there. Not even a drop of rain. It seems to be like this for the whole season.

Overall

Excellent holiday that i would highly recommend. If you like a lively atomsphere and a party feel this is the place to be. If you fancy a quiet night stay away from the strip. Not really suitable for famlies as there is not much for them to do in the evenings.