Nights on the Laganas strip
When the sun goes down, Zante turns it up. The Laganas strip is exactly what a hen night deserves: wall-to-wall bars, buzzing clubs, and an atmosphere where everyone is there to have the best time possible. Cherry Bay has been a fixture on the strip for over 30 years, Rescue Club holds over 2,000 people and goes absolutely off, and Ikon Club brings in proper headliners with a VIP terrace to match. Boat parties are a Zante institution too; an evening cruise on the Ionian with DJs, drinks, and the whole group together is the kind of thing you simply can't replicate back home. Book ahead for the big events because they do sell out, especially in peak summer.
Getting there
Zante has its own airport (Zakynthos International, ZTH) with direct flights from airports across the UK throughout the summer season. The island is easy to get around once you're there, with taxis and local buses connecting the main resorts, though hiring a car or scooter is worth it if the group wants to explore beyond Laganas.
When to go
May through October is the window, with July and August being peak season for weather, nightlife, and the full Laganas experience. June and September are brilliant if you want the sunshine and the parties without the absolute peak-summer crowds. May and October are quieter and better suited to a group more focused on the beaches and boat trips than the club scene.
Where to stay
Laganas is the obvious choice for a hen weekend focused on nightlife: you're right on the strip and a short walk from the beach. Tsilivi on the east coast is a good alternative if the group wants a slightly more relaxed base while still having a good selection of bars and restaurants on the doorstep. For something quieter with gorgeous scenery, the Vasilikos area in the south has some beautiful beaches and a more chilled-out vibe.
Boat trips and water activities
Getting out on the water is non-negotiable in Zante. A combined boat trip taking in Navagio Beach viewpoint, the Blue Caves, and swimming stops is a classic and makes for an incredible day out. Turtle spotting tours around Marathonisi Island in Laganas Bay give you the chance to see Caretta caretta loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat; just make sure you book with a responsible operator that follows the marine park guidelines. Jet skis, paddleboarding, and parasailing are all easy to arrange at the main beaches too.
Food and drink
Zante does a brilliant line in beachside tavernas serving fresh Greek food: think grilled fish, proper tzatziki, huge salads, and cold local wine. The Laganas strip is mostly geared towards tourists, but wander slightly off the main drag and you'll find more authentic spots that the locals actually eat at. Greek breakfasts with strong coffee are the perfect recovery plan after a big night.
Shopping
Zakynthos Town (the island's capital) is worth a visit for a wander and some shopping. The waterfront is lovely, with a good selection of boutiques, jewellery shops, and places to pick up Greek food products to take home. It's a nice contrast to the Laganas party scene if the group fancies a slightly more relaxed afternoon mid-trip.
FAQs
Is Zante good for a hen weekend?
It's one of the best in Europe. Zante has the perfect combination of stunning beaches by day and proper nightlife by night, and the atmosphere on the Laganas strip is genuinely made for groups celebrating. It's also a brilliant choice if the group has a mix of people, since there's enough variety across the island to keep everyone happy, from the party animals to the ones who just want to swim in crystal-clear water and eat good food.
When is the best time to go to Zante for a hen do?
June through September is the sweet spot. July and August are the peak months with the biggest events and the liveliest strip, but they're also the busiest and hottest. June and September offer almost identical weather with a slightly less frenetic pace, which can actually make for a better group experience. If your priority is the nightlife and big club events, aim for July or August.
How many nights do you need in Zante for a hen weekend?
Three to four nights works well and gives you enough time for a proper beach day, a boat trip, a couple of nights out on the strip, and still have time to recover before the flight home. If the group wants to explore more of the island beyond Laganas, five nights gives you proper breathing room.
What are the best clubs in Zante for a hen do?
The Laganas strip has a brilliant lineup. Rescue Club is one of the biggest on the island and consistently delivers massive nights. Cherry Bay is an absolute classic with over 30 years on the strip. Ikon Club is the newer, slicker option and brings in well-known DJs with a VIP terrace. Boat parties are also highly recommended: a sunset cruise with DJs and the whole group together is one of those Zante experiences that's hard to top.
Do we need to book events and activities in advance for a Zante hen weekend?
Yes, especially for July and August. The big club events and boat parties sell out well in advance, and popular boat trips to Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves also fill up quickly in peak season. Sort your nightlife and boat trip early and leave the beach days flexible; that's the ideal Zante formula.
