Laganas Is situated on the south coast, just 15 minutes from the airport and is the largest resort on Zakynthos (Zante), it is a lively resort and is very popular with tourists, the resort is very spread out over quite a large area and has a lot to offer everyone; the bay which is 5kms long has fine sandy beaches and gently slopes in to the clear blue sea and is ideal for sunbathing. This beach is part of the National Marine Park; it has been set up to protect the endangered loggerhead turtles which breed there. There are free buses which run from Laganas to St Nikolaos Beach everyday to enable you to participate in the water sports. The lively town which is a haven for bars, nightclubs and tavernas is set with a background of vineyards, orchards and olive groves, and is very easy to explore. Daytime: Beaches: The beach in Laganas is very impressive, a 5km stretch of golden sand, (it will take you an hour to walk from one end to the other) which slopes down in to the warm crystal blue water of the Ionian Sea and is ideal for children. You will find plenty of sun beds and umbrellas along the beach, if you don’t like to be surrounded by lots of people a few minutes walk will take you to a quieter part of this fine beach. Water sports are restricted on this beach, due to it being part of the National Marine Park which was set up to protect the Loggerhead turtles which breed here, however there are shuttle busses which will take you to the next bay for all kinds of water sports. Along the beach are you will find lots of places for refreshments from beach bars, tavernas and restaurants. There are three islands in the bay, the largest one, which can be reached by boat, is Marathonis and has a secluded beach. Ayios Sostis, is located opposite the beach and has its own small beach, can be reached by a lovely wooden, the last island is Pelouzo and is a large rock at the end of the bay. Water Sports: Apart from pedaloes, water sports are banned in the Laganas Bay, the loggerhead turtles take priority as they use this area as their breeding ground during the summer months. So for water sports you have to head to St Nikolaos Bay, there is a free shuttle bus service from Laganas beach. Diving: Explore the underwater delights of this beautiful island, there are many Diving Centres in Zakynthos for you to choose from all of them cater for the novice to the experienced diver. Boat trips: There are many boat trips available that you can take, the most popular ones are: Go out in a glass bottom boat in Laganas Bay and see the turtles in their own environment, swimming gracefully around in the clear blue waters. On a longer trip there are boats which go around the island, giving a different perspective of the natural beauty of this wonderful island, stopping off at secluded beaches only accessible from the sea. One of the most popular boat trips is to Shipwreck Cove or Navaigo to give it its Greek name. The beach is only accessibly by boat and is surrounded by cliffs. It is one of the most stunning sights in Zakynthos – a shipwreck lying in the middle of the white sandy bay surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Take a trip in one of the smaller boats to the Blue Caves which is another popular place to see; here you will see arches and domes cut out of the imposing cliffs by the sea, leaving behind caves and grottos, with the sun shining on the waters within them the water becomes a glorious deep blue in colour giving them their name. There are three islands in Laganas bay, the largest one, Marathonisi, is accessible from Laganas by boat and has a secluded beach where you can lay looking out over the amazing Ionian Sea. Trips to other islands such as Kephallonia and Ithaca are also available. Water Park: Water Village, the only water park on Zakynthos, is 9km away from Laganas in the village of Sarakinado. Open from 10am until 5.30pm, you will find everything you need here for a full day out, with attractions and slides suitable for everyone including families with small children. In Water Village you will find the following attractions: Boomer Bowl, Boomerango, Superbowl, Open Air, Turbo Tube, Kamikazi, Free Fall, Family Rafting, Multi Racing, and a Black Hole. For the Children you will find the following: Multiracing, Childrens Turbotube, Childrens Open Air, Octapus Slides, Slippery Rabbit, Water Mushrooms, Aqua Spray Games, Lazy River and a Jacuzzi. There are also lots of other things for you to do: Mini Cars, Mini Golf, Trampolines and a Bungee Castle, you can even get a henna tattoo done if you so wish; there is food and drink available throughout the park, plus a gift shop and a photo shop. The sun beds and umbrellas are free and there are also lockers available for you to leave you personal property in. Horse Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horse or pony trek through the hills and olive groves of Zakynthos, you will see some amazing views and parts of the island that very few people get to see, these treks go out in the morning or early in the evening so to avoid mid day sun and high temperatures. They cater for the novice to the experienced rider and will supply all the equipment that is needed. Cycling: Cycling is another way of seeing this wonderful island; Cycle through the hills and olive groves and see some of the unspoilt villages, find secluded, deserted beaches along the coast and discover the quiet relaxing side of Zakynthos. Jeep Safari: Land Rovers with up to 8 people go out daily driving on dirt tracks through the olive groves, vineyards and picturesque mountain villages, see some amazing scenery and beautiful views, take a dip in the sea to cool off, the drivers are very informative and will explain about local culture, plants, and will answer all your questions. The Jeep Safaris are a full day trip and lunch is included normally at a small taverna. Go Karts: The Go Kart track is just outside Laganas on the way to Kalamaki, it caters for all age groups from 5 up and from beginners to advanced drivers. It is open all year round and in all weathers. There is a snack bar which over looks the track giving you a bird’s eye view, it serves light meals and snacks and all kinds of refreshments. All equipment is provided. Golf: There are no golf courses on Zante, however there are two very large Mini Golf Courses in Argassi and Tsilivi; both spread over 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, rivers, waterfalls and fountains. You can chose between different courses depending on your ability, but they are suitable for all ages. Open during the day and into the evening, there is a café which over looks the course and a children’s play area. Bowling: Fed up with sunbathing? Need to get out of the sun? There is a bowling alley in Tsilivi where you can send hours of fun. Facilities include; 4 lane bowling alley, pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, amusements, children’s play area and a snack bar. Food: Every type of food is available in Laganas, from takeaway to expensive restaurants, from traditional local food to international dishes; there is a wide range of restaurants to cater for everyone’s taste. Move away from the English, Chinese and Indian restaurants and try one of the many traditional Greek Tavernas, which serve some amazing food, based on fresh home grown (in many cases) ingredients. Try a meze which is small plates of different food, placed in the centre of the table for everyone to share; Tzatziki, Kolokithakia, Saganaki, Cheese Pies, Kalamari, Greek salad, Meatballs and even snails are all there to be tried, or if you prefer a main meal try Papoutsaki, Stifado, Moussaka or the ever popular Kleftiko, fish which is caught locally, is simply cooked and is amazing, for dessert fresh fruit, water melon, apples, pears, bananas and grapes all grown locally. Accommodation: Laganas has a wide range of hotels and self catering apartments, studios and villas accommodating most budgets, there are also several campsites. Shopping: There are many shops in Laganas selling everything a visitor may need; Supermarkets which sell all kinds of food, Gift shops, Clothes shops and local craft shops which sell jewellery and leather goods at reasonable prices. A lot of the souvenirs are based around the turtles which the island is famous for. For the serious shopper there is a regular bus between Laganas and Zante Town, where you will find everything you could possibly need. Nightlife: Laganas renowned for its nightlife has a multitude of bars and clubs, which cater for every individuals need, whether you want quiz nights, karaoke, live music, theme nights or just loud music you will find everything you need along the main road. This lively resort comes alive at night the bars open around 6.30pm and stay open until 4am every night Sightseeing: Whilst you are in Laganas you must venture away from the beach and go in land to see some of the pretty villages, which will give you an insight in to the traditional way of life. Visit other bays and coves around the island and see the amazing views and scenery from the cliff tops. Shipwreck Cove or the Blue Caves are very popular places to visit. (See boat trips for more details) Zakynthos Town: Solomou Square – is popular on warm summer evenings for locals and tourist, take a stroll or stop for a drink in one of the cafes. The square is surrounded by some important buildings; the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the Byzantine Museum and the Cultural centre of Zakynthos The Church of Agios Nikolaos on the Mole is the oldest building in Solomou Square, built in 1561 and the only Venetian building that survived the earthquake of 1953. The Museum of Byzantine Art, houses an impressive collection of hagiographic’s, Byzantine sculptures and icons and paintings from the 17th and 18th century. Next to the church is an impressive building which contains the cultural Centre of Zakynthos and the Public library which holds over 50,000 books. There is also a display of photographs showing Zakynthos through the years. The Venetian Castle – just out side of Zakynthos town was built around 1480, it is in ruins now but still well worth a visit it has amazing views over the town and across the sea to Greece, it is a wonderful place to visit at night and see the lower lying areas lit up. Porto Skiza: Visit this beautiful part of the island and watch the most amazing sunset, Sarakina Mansion: Is located 10km outside of Laganas, it took its name from the Saracen Pirates who used this areas as a hide out, the mansion was severely damaged during the earthquake in 1953 but still remains ones of the best examples of Venetian architecture.