Zante student guide

01Getting there

Flights land at Zante International Airport (ZTH). From London Heathrow the flight is just under four hours.^[1] The airport is about 7 km from Laganas, roughly a 9 to 15 minute transfer depending on traffic.^[3][9] Your Trick Zante package includes airport transfers, so there is nothing to arrange on landing. Flights themselves are not included, so book your own from your nearest UK airport.

02Passport and entry

UK citizens can visit Greece without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and must have at least 3 months left after you plan to leave. Check the issue date, because passports renewed before 1 October 2018 can be refused even if they have not expired. You may also be asked to register at the Entry/Exit System kiosks, which is free.^[2] Rules change, so check the official GOV.UK page before you travel.

03Weather in late May

Expect highs of around 23°C, lows of around 14°C, about 10 hours of sun a day and very little rain. The sea is still cool at about 18°C.^[4] Pack for hot days and cooler nights, and bring a light layer for evenings and the boat.

04The Laganas strip

The strip is in Laganas, on the east of the island, and is also known as Dimokratias Street or Beach Road. It has over 40 bars and clubs covering dance, pop, hip-hop, indie and themed nights. Things usually start around 10pm and wind down about 6am. Walking the strip is free, and you pay only for large organised nights or special guest DJs.^[5]

05Where the opening parties happen

Pure Zante is a pool venue about a 3 minute walk from the strip, with a big DJ stage, a pool and cabanas. It is known for hosting ABODE and Champagne Spray, and ABODE afterparties are usually held at CherryBay.^[9] CherryBay is a beachside club at the end of the strip.^[8] Karma is a VIP beach club with a large pool, day beds, cabanas and a restaurant, billed as the home of The White Party. It is 18+.^[10] Read more: ABODE, The White Party and the VVIP Boat Party.

06Staying safe on a night out

• Keep your drink in your hand, buy from the bar, and leave any drink that tastes wrong. Be wary of very cheap spirits.^[6]
• Street promoters can be pushy. Ask what is included and walk away if the answers change.^[6]
• Stay with your group, agree a meeting point and share your live location with someone you trust.^[6]
• Use the taxi rank and agree the fare before you go. Skip street-sold nitrous oxide balloons.^[6]
• Do not ride a quad or moped after drinking. Quad biking is often excluded from standard travel insurance, helmets are required, and a UK provisional licence is not valid.^[2][6]
• Rowdy or indecent behaviour can lead to arrest or heavy fines, and drug penalties are severe.^[2]
• Emergency numbers: 112 for emergencies, 100 for police, 166 for an ambulance.^[6]

07On a boat party

Drink more slowly than you would on land, follow crew instructions for boarding and swim stops, keep your group together, and wear flat, secure shoes. Take sun cream and a light layer for the evening. Meeting points vary between boats, so confirm yours with your rep.^[7]

08Money

Greece uses the euro. Prices on the strip change by venue and night, so ask for the total, and whether a cover includes a drink, before you pay. Set a spending limit that leaves enough for a taxi home.^[6]