The Best Hotels to Book in Laganas, Zakynthos
If you want to experience everything the Greek island of Zakynthos has to offer, make your way to the southern coast of the island where you’ll find the vibrant resort town of Laganas. Here’s our guide to the area’s best hotels.
Laganas in Zaknythos is home to the largest beach on the island and is part of the National Maritime Park of Zakynthos, thanks to the Caretta-Caretta turtles (loggerhead turtles) who lay their eggs here. While natural beauty abounds, most visitors come for the town’s vibrant clubbing scene that is at its height on hot summer nights. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly resorts that will keep adults just as entertained as the kids, an affordable guesthouse, or even a romantic farmstay, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Laganas.
Zante Plaza Hotel
Budget Hotel
Looking for a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort in Laganas? Zante Plaza Hotel is a dynamic resort just outside the centre of town, with a selection of rooms and self-catering apartments with kitchenettes. There are three swimming pools and a children’s pool – and if you fancy a dip in the ocean, the beach is located less than 100m (328ft) away. The all-inclusive package includes meals at the hotel’s two restaurants – one of which is a buffet-style venue serving everything from shrimp cocktail to pasta dishes – and two snack bars. Alternatively, if you fancy cooking yourself, there are also BBQ facilities available.
Cactus Hotel
Budget Hotel
This bright and homely hotel, located just a short walk from the beach and within walking distance to the nightlife of Lagana, is ideal for families and couples in search of affordable accommodation on Zakynthos. Rooms range from a budget three-bed studio in a separate building a short walk from the main hotel to a deluxe one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchenette. There are also two swimming pools – one for adults surrounded by the cocktail and snack bar, and a separate one for children. The breakfast here is a lavish offering of freshly baked breads and cakes, fresh fruit, eggs, cold cuts, cereals and yoghurts.
Litore Luxury Living
Hotel
This new complex, set on the hilltops overlooking the bay of Laganas and Kalamaki, comprises 10 luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool surrounded by olive trees and sun loungers, and a pretty landscaped garden. The triple rooms can comfortably sleep up to three adults, and a baby cot can also be set up for families. The best thing about staying here, however, is the hotel’s collection of sailing and motor yachts, which can be booked for day or multi-day luxury cruise trips. The available itineraries include highlights such as swimming at a private beach on Marathonisi Island, discovering loggerhead sea turtles in the gulf of Laganas and exploring shipwrecks.
Garden Palace Hotel
Hotel
This secluded retreat is located just 150m (492ft) from the seafront in Laganas and has been designed for fun-filled family holidays and romantic getaways. There are 53 rooms, with a choice of double, triple and quadruple beds, all of which have views of the garden, pool or surrounding mountains. Couples will love the Junior Suites, which feature private hot tubs and luxurious decor – think gold and silver feature walls and sculptural lighting. At the heart of the four-star resort is an enormous pool with intricate mosaic tiling. The pool is divided into two parts – one of which is shallow and secure for children to allow the whole family to enjoy a relaxing day poolside.
White Olive Premium Laganas
Hotel, Luxury
The soaring double-height, marble-clad lobby sets the scene at this new five-star, all-inclusive hotel. There are 195 luxe rooms, with three different configurations that can sleep up to four guests. The setting is ideal for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty around Laganas – the hotel is surrounded by the National Marine Park and Natura 2000 area and there’s a Sandy Blue Flag beach just 300m (984ft) away. From the beach, you can even see Marathonisi, known as Turtle Island. You don’t need to venture that far to enjoy a day in the sun, though – there are two large swimming pools, and a children’s paddling pool at the hotel, as well as a vibrant pool bar.
Denise Beach Hotel
Hotel
This hotel complex, set on a sandy beach just 200m (656ft) from the centre of Laganas Beach, celebrates the colours of the Mediterranean. The vibrant blue water, whitewashed local architecture and local vegetation is reflected in the decor of the studios and apartments, with a palette of bright azure, white and olive green. Prettily patterned floral wallpapers add a touch of whimsy. The rooms are set across three buildings and each one has a private balcony or terrace. There’s also a traditional seaside tavern, a pool with sun loungers and a bar, and the opportunity to organise horse riding and diving excursions.
Zante Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Resort
Planning a business trip to Laganas? The stylish Zante Park Hotel – part of the BW Premier Collection – is an excellent base that combines all the conveniences of a business hotel with the luxuries of a holiday resort. It features conference facilities, car rental and free parking, a business centre and secretarial services, alongside more leisurely amenities such as a pool with a snack bar, cocktail lounge, gym, sauna and restaurant serving Greek-inspired fare. As if that isn’t enough, it’s conveniently located just 200m (656ft) s from the beach at Laganas Bay.
Zante Beach Resort
Resort, Hotel
This all-inclusive resort, set away from the hubbub of the main stretch of Laganas Beach, caters to everyone from families seeking adventure to couples looking for a relaxed getaway. The resort has a manicured lawn that fronts a long stretch of sand – which is a protected nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtles – dotted with an abundance of white sun loungers. There are three restaurants inspired by the traditional food markets of Thessaloniki. Travelling with little ones? One of the restaurants boasts an enormous international buffet with cooking demonstrations for kids.
Mediterranean Beach Resort
Hotel
This elegant complex combines the character of a traditional island village with the glamour of a five-star resort. There are eight different buildings, each named after a different Greek island, situated in the centre of Laganas beach. The rooms range from Executive Rooms and spacious two-bedroom family apartments to luxurious suites such as Thalassa and Princess Lalla Asmaa, which can sleep up to six guests. Each room has an artfully painted feature wall, depicting playful scenes such as cityscapes and circus performers. Another highlight is the spa, which offers massage treatments using coconut oil blends rich in actives and aromatics.
Castelli Hotel Laganas
Hotel, Boutique Hotel
Experience a different side to Laganas – away from the lively bars and tavernas that line Laganas Bay – at this adults only, four-star boutique hotel set on its own farm. The award-winning hotel has 54 guest rooms, the best of which is the swim-up junior suite that offers private access to the shared pool, a private terrace and a luxurious bathroom with a hydromassage shower. The restaurant is named after the 250-year-old eucalyptus tree and the chefs create innovative dishes using vegetables, fruits and herbs from the farm – think egg-lemon soup made using an old family recipe, and lamb liver cooked the Zakynthian way. The food isn’t the only way to immerse yourself in life on the farm – there’s also olive picking, tours of the botanical garden, hiking, and piano evenings.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Ethel Dilouambaka.
Looking for more? Make a weekend of it and book a stay at one of the best hotels in Zakynthos. Too pricey? These great budget hotels are a more affordable option. Best of all, you can make your booking right here on Culture Trip. There’s plenty to keep you busy during the day too, from discovering the best things to do in Zakynthos to taking it easy and relaxing on one of the best beaches around. To top it all off, you can end your night with a delicious feast at one of these great restaurants.