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If a calm, tranquil holiday is what you’re looking for Laganas on the generally peaceful island of Zakynthos may not be the place for you.
The resort has become a popular attraction for young Brits looking to let their hair down.
Low-cost holiday packages boasting cheap drink, guaranteed hot weather and adequate accommodation leads to thousands of clubbers heading out to the island every year.
Party resort Laganas is often portrayed as a location full of young people out to have a good time fuelled by alcohol and that’s what it is.
However, the maturity of many of the young holidaymakers should not be underestimated.
I was there on my first ‘lads’ holiday – where the main objective is to survive the week and make it back home in one piece.
Setting off from Gatwick Airport with three friends we were apprehensive about what would await us when we stepped off the four-hour flight.
Upon arriving we were packed into a bus with around 30 other holidaymakers stopping off at various hotels.
We stayed in the Illios Aparthotel, a 15 minute walk from the strip of clubs and restaurants, a good enough distance to escape the hysteria of the nightlife and lie by the pool during the day.
The resort has a great range of restaurants, bars and clubs, offering low-cost food and drink.
The locals are very welcoming and have great respect for British holidaymakers.
It’s the early hours of the morning when the party comes into full swing. The 300 metre-long strip of neon nightlife is swarmed with excitable Brits stumbling between bars and clubs.
While clubbers can easily see the merits of a holiday here– this is just one element of Zante. We found it easier to seek out other less frenetic places.
The once sleepy Ionian island, also favoured by the milder sort of tourist, has 70 miles of coastline and golden beaches home to a high population of turtles and, away from the more brash resorts, is still a place to sit back, unwind and soak up the sun.
We spent an evening at a seafood restaurant overlooking the port in nearby island capital Zante Town, just eight miles from the party resort, but the two seemed like worlds apart.
Despite its reputation as a party island families shouldn’t write it off. The hot weather and historic culture makes it a great place for a family holiday. However do be prepared for a noisy flight.
The party season runs from May to October and locals have to make enough money during the summer months to survive the winter.
But personally after seven days of drinking and eating fast food I had a great time, but was looking forward to getting home. I was exhausted and wanted my bed.