Away from the noisy two-mile strip of Laganas, Zante’s nightlife scene is much more relaxed. Cafes and bars spread out from Solomas square in the town of Zante, attracting locals who sit in large groups to greet their friends, eat traditional mandoles with honey and almonds, and play backgammon tavli. A string of stylish bars on the Venetian castle-crowned hill of Bochali, just outside the city, attract a popular crowd who come here to sip cocktails and admire the panoramic views. This Ionian island also has a traditional music scene, and it’s worth seeking out the local bars that still host atmospheric and traditional kandathes nights.
For more Zante inspiration, check out our guides to the islands’ best hotels, restaurants and things to do. Plan an extended visit with our ultimate guide to planning a holiday around the Greek islands.
Paradise Cocktail Bar
There’s always something going on at this quirky little bar in the modest resort town of Tsilivi. Away from the rowdy crowds of Laganas, this family-run venue, which has been operating for over 23 years, proudly promotes itself as a place to have a ‘good old-fashioned night out’ with a variety of entertainment from reggae nights and the occasional game. and exams at night for smashing plates and dragging them. It’s easy to find, with banners on the lampposts declaring it ‘the best bar in Greece’ and a wrecked pink motorbike parked outside with a sign reading ‘Elvis’s mother’s car’.
To contact: paradisecocktailleri.gr
Price: ££
Enter: Dress code is casual; Get there early as it’s hard to find a seat on theme nights.
Jungle Bar
Named after the salt flats abandoned in the 1980s and now a magnet for migratory birds, the seaside resort of Alykes has one of the island’s best low-key nightlife venues, and the family-run Jungle Bar is set in a lively setting. The road in the city center is one of the best places to enjoy. Kids are welcome on this bar’s lounge-like terrace (great for people-watching); It serves a wide range of (competitively priced) mocktails and mocktails, along with Guinness and draft beer, set to the hits of the 1980s and ’90s.
To contact: forestbaralykes.com
Price: £
Enter: Casual wear; There is no need for reservation.
Varkarola
This family-run local hangout, whose whitewashed walls are covered with traditional instruments and photographs of popular Greek musicians, is the best place in town to catch some of Zante’s traditional kandathe. Traditional folk songs with strong Italian influence, said to originate from the neighboring island of Kefalonia, are usually performed by two or three male singers who play mandolin or acoustic guitar and sing (manly or mournfully) improvised arekia lines. The food here is as satisfying as the music: try the stifado rabbit stew with koune in garlic tomato and wine sauce.
To contact: varkarola.gr
Price: ££
Enter: Dress code is casual, but it’s best to make a reservation.
Movida Club
Moonlight works magic at this sky bar, perched atop the fragrant, pine-covered Bochali hill near the ruined walls of the Venetian castle, where the city’s hip crowd comes to sip craft cocktails. Trees lined with twinkling lights surround a wood-floored terrace with amphitheatre-like views of the inky Ionian Sea below and the glittering landscape of the town of Zante beyond. In summer, drinkers (perched on high-backed wooden chairs) are serenaded by the shrill hoots of Scottish owls and local and international DJs playing mostly soothing hits. There’s also a limited menu: try the handcrafted burgers and large fries.
To contact: movida.gr
Price: ££
Enter: Dress code is smart/casual.
Cebu Club
Although just down the road from Laganas, nightlife is much cooler in Argassi, just a few kilometers from the town of Zante. Early evening is the time to hang out with the locals, who flock here to dine at a number of taverns and fast food joints, before heading to one of the cozy clubs. Shaded by palm trees behind high walls, Cebu’s garden is the perfect place to gaze at the stars through waving palm fronds while sipping cocktails. There is also a dance area the size of a football field where local and guest DJs perform their sets.
To contact: cebuzakynthos.gr
Price: ££
Enter: No shorts or flip-flops.
Zakanthi Bar Restaurant
Located in a tall ocher building with olive green shutters along a quiet street in the cool seaside resort of Kalamaki, this cozy bar is surrounded by a beautiful garden including cut grass, palm trees and potted plants, making it feel very special. The interiors are cozy in rustic style – ticked stone floors, thick wooden tables and candles – but the best seats are outdoors; Here, friendly waiters serve handcrafted cocktails by a resident mixologist while the sweet sounds of classical and jazz music float from speakers hidden among the bartenders. Trees. Live music nights are also held regularly during the summer months.
To contact: 00 30 26950 43586; facebook.com/Zakanthi
Price: ££
Enter: The dress code is elegant and casual; It is best to make a reservation on weekends.
Cotton Club Zakynthos
When the Norwegian owners of Ibiza’s celebrity-favorite Cotton Club, beret-wearing Christian Marstander and his wife Merete, first came ashore in Zakynthos, they were captivated by the Ionian island’s pristine seascapes and lush greenery and vowed to establish a second Cotton Club there. An ideal escape from the beach crowds, this sophisticated lifestyle club is located on a pine-covered hill with breathtaking views of Laganas Bay. Come here during the day to sip cocktails and cool off by the pool, or stay later to enjoy live DJs and plant-based menus at the club’s open-air restaurant; For those who prefer to linger, they rent villas as well as a stylish hotel. luxury yachts series.
To contact: cottonlifestyle.com
Price: £££
Enter: No reservations required, but you’ll probably look out of place if you don’t wear white.
Porto Azzuro
In the seaside resort of Vasilikos, beach bars cost a dime a dozen, but Porto Azurro’s location – just steps away from the warm shallow waters and soft sands of its eponymous beach – combines with a creative range of cocktails (try the Greek Collins, made with a grappa-like cocktail that replaces gin). tsipouro) making it a popular lunch option. You can order drinks from the bamboo-shaded terrace of the bar or from the comfort of a sun lounger that you will never want to leave. Mediterranean snacks are also served: choriatiki salads with olive oil, souvlaki with freshly grilled meat and seafood.
To contact: portoazzuro.gr
Price: £££
Enter: Stylish beachwear is often a must here.
Villa Rossa Wine bar
Although the best grapes were once exported as currants, these days Zante produces excellent wines from a wide range of local varieties as well as the ubiquitous white wine Verdea. Located on the Vassilikos peninsula, in an atmospheric villa with creaky wooden floors and ornate antique furniture that once belonged to the powerful Romani family (who also own the Archontiko Roma in the town of Zante), Villa Rossa has plenty to offer. Sit at picnic tables (with plenty of cushions) under citrus-scented cypress trees and choose from an extensive list of spicy ladotyri cheese and other snacks.
To contact: belvederezante.com
Price: £££
Enter: The dress code is rural casual.
orange
Located on a side street in the popular seaside resort of Argassi, Portokali (meaning ‘orange’ in Greek) really rocks the amber vibe with its carrot-colored decoration that extends from lampshades to seating. But surprisingly, the all-things-orange theme isn’t overwhelming because this quirky live music bar restaurant is set within beautiful lush gardens: there are huge palm trees stretching their palm fronds into the velvet, star-studded sky, and ancient olive trees lined up (it’s a cozy place to play here most nights, orange) hammocks where you can laze around and listen to live music, including everything from jazz to live rock ‘n’ roll. There is also a restaurant serving traditional local delicacies, including – as you might expect – portokalopita (orange cake).
To contact: 00 30 26950 45730; facebook.com/portokalirestaurant
Price: ££
Enter: It’s casual, but get there early; This place is popular.