The best bars and nightclubs in Zakynthos

Telegraph

12 hours ago

Away from Laganas' rowdy three-kilometre-long strip, Zakynthos' (also known as Zante) nightlife scene is far more laid back.
Cafés and bars radiating out from Solomas square in Zante town attract locals who sit out in boisterous clusters greeting friends, eating traditional honey and almond mandoles and playing backgammon tavli. A string of chic bars on Bochali's Venetian castle-crowned hill just outside of town attracts a hip crowd who come here to sip cocktails and admire panoramic views. This Ionian island has a traditional music scene, too and it's well worth seeking out the local bars where they still host atmospheric and traditional kandathes nights.
For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants and things to do. Plan an extended visit with our ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday.
Paradise Cocktail Bar
There's always something going on at this funky little bar in the low key resort of Tsilivi. Far from Laganas' rowdy crowds this family-run venue, which has been around for more than 23 years, proudly promotes itself as the place to have 'an old fashioned good night out' with plenty of fun and occasional games, ranging from reggae nights and quizzes, to plate smashing and drag nights. With banners on street lamps proclaiming it to be 'the best bar in Greece' and a wrecked pink motor parked outside with a sign that reads 'Elvis' mothers car', this one is easy to find.
Jungle Bar
Named for its salt flats, which were abandoned in the 1980s and are now a magnet for migrating birds, the seaside resort of Alykes has one of the island's best low-key nightlife scenes – and the family-run Jungle Bar, set on a busy road in the centre of town, is one of the best places to enjoy it. Children are welcome at this bar's saloon-like terrace (great for people watching) where they serve an extensive range of (competitively priced) cocktails and mocktails, along with Guinness and beer on tap, to the tune of Eighties and Nineties hits.
Movida Club
Moonlight works magic on this sky bar sat atop the sweet-scented, pine-studded Bochali hill, close to the Venetian castle's crumbled walls, where the city's hip crowd come to sip handcrafted cocktails. Trees strung with glittering lights surround a wood-decked terrace with amphitheatre-like views of the inky black Ionian Sea way below and Zante town's sparkle way beyond. In summer, drinkers (perched on high-backed wooden chairs) are serenaded by the high-pitched toot of Scops owls, and local and international DJs who play mainly chill-out hits. There's also a limited menu: try the handmade burgers with chunky fries.
Website: movida.gr
Price: ££
Getting in: Dress code is hip/casual.
Cebu Club
Although it's just down the road from Laganas, the nightlife in Argassi, just a few kilometres from Zante town, is far more chilled. Early evening is the time to hangout with locals – who flock here to eat in a string of taverns and fast food joints – before heading to one of the laidback clubs. Cebu's palm tree-shaded garden behind high walls is the perfect place to gaze at the stars through waving palm fronds, whilst sipping cocktails. There's also a football-pitch-sized dance space inside where local and guest DJs do their sets.
Zakanthi Bar Restaurant
Housed in a tall ochre building with olive green shutters along a quiet street in chilled seaside resort Kalamaki, this laidback bar is surrounded by a pretty garden – clipped lawns, palm trees and plants in pots – which makes it feel very private. Interiors are rustic-cosy (think flagged stone floors, chunky wooden tables and candles) but the best seats are outdoors, where friendly waiters serve cocktails handcrafted by a resident mixologist, as the sweet sounds of classic and jazz music filter out from speakers concealed amongst the trees. In summer they also have regular live music nights.
Contact: 0030 26950 43586; facebook.com/Zakanthi
Price: ££
Getting in: Dress code is elegant casual; it's best to book on weekends.
Cotton Club Zakynthos
When beret-clad Christian Marstrander and wife Merete, the Norwegian owners of Ibiza's celebrity-loved Cotton Club, first stepped ashore in Zakynthos they were captivated by the Ionian island's pristine seascapes and lush greenery, and vowed to create a second Cotton Club here. An ideal place to escape the coastal crowds, this sophisticated lifestyle club sits on a pine-clad hill with breathtaking views over Laganas bay. Come here during the daytime to sip cocktails and chill by the pool, or stay later to enjoy live DJ's and plant-based menus in the club's al fresco restaurant - for those who choose to linger, they also rent out villas, along with a sleek line of luxury yachts.
Porto Azzuro
Beach bars are ten a penny in the beach resort of Vasilikos, but Porto Azurro's location – just steps from the warm shallow waters and soft sand of its eponymous beach – combine with an imaginative range of cocktails (try the Greek Collins made with grappa-like tsipouro, instead of gin) makes it a popular lunchtime choice. Drinks can be ordered on the bamboo-shaded terrace of the bar, or from the never-want-to-leave comfort of a sunbed. They also serve Mediterranean snacks: olive oil-drizzled choriatiki salads, fresh grilled meat souvlaki and seafood.
Villa Rossa Wine bar
Although the best grapes were once exported as currants, these days Zante produces some excellent wines from a wide range of local varietals – and not just the ubiquitous white wine Verdea, either. Housed along the Vassilikos peninsula in an atmospheric villa, with creaking wooden floors and ornate antique furnishings – and which once belonged to the powerful Roma family (who also owned Archontiko Roma in Zante town) – Villa Rossa has plenty of choice. Sit at picnic tables (with plenty of cushions) beneath citrus-scented cypress trees and choose from an extensive list served with spicy ladotyri cheese and other snacks.
Portokali
Along a side street in the popular seaside resort of Argassi, Portokali (Greek for 'orange') really rocks that amber vibe with carrot-coloured deco ranging from lampshades to seating. Surprisingly, however, the orange-with-everything theme is not oppressive because this quirky live music bar restaurant nestles in lovely lush gardens. There are immense palm trees thrusting palm fronds to the velvet, star-spangled sky and ancient olive trees strung with (orange) hammocks where you can laze and listen to live music which plays most nights here and can be anything from laidback jazz to lively rock 'n' roll. There's also a restaurant serving traditional local treats, including – you guessed it – portokalopita (orange cake).
Contact: 0030 26950 45730;
Price: ££
Getting in: Casual, but get there early – this place is popular.
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Heidi Fuller-Love
I'm a fan of traditional music, and have spent many summers listening to kanthades in Zante's kafeneions and hiking the island's remotest goat trails.