After dark: A guide to nightlife in Zante

You may find yourself spending more than a few nights on the harbour side at Madisons. The chic terrace delivers on those all-important sunset views, while the drinks menu offers up some rare – and sought after, wines. The curated list features international vintages you’ll be keen to sip on – but do spend a while lingering over the Greek wines too. If you’d rather swerve the viticulture – the cocktail menu adopts the same ethos as the wine list. Rare spirits are used across the board – from the classics to in house creations. And, to round the evening off, the kitchen pairs Greek flavours with the drinks menu to great effect.

There’s a lot to unpack at The Mill Bar. Part bar, part beach club, part restaurant and part entertainment venue, it can be all things to all people. Families drop in by day for a splash in the pool and some bar-side shade. In the evenings, couples pop in for a romantic meal in front of stunning sunset views. Unless it’s ABBA night, Greek night – or indeed any evening when there’s a good old knees up planned. So, if you’re looking for a quiet one – with perhaps some traditional Greek food and wine, pick any other night than Friday. For the last 30 years, the evening has been dedicated to plate smashing, fire dancing, Mediterranean barbecue flavours and Greek music.

You’ll find a few sky bars taking advantage of lofty outcrops on the island. And, taking advantage is the key phrase. For the most part – a great view, comes at great expense. And while Movida won’t be making an appearance on our best restaurants in Zante list, it does hit the mark for best bar. Refined, elegant and moody – in THE best possible way, this bar is the balance Zante needs to offset the neon-lit pubs in Laganas. Great cocktails, gorgeous views and the quiet Bochali location ticks all the night out boxes for couples that don’t want to end the night full of regret after a few too many fishbowl cocktails.

When it opened 2020, Bitters had one goal: to become the number one venue in Zante’s nightlife scene. And, slowly but surely, it’s ticking off those bar goals. Summers see patrons spilling out onto the pavements, quaffing drinks from Bitters eclectic cellar. Rare wines, fine champagnes, signature cocktails and a stellar spritz menu hint at something luxe and exclusive. But, the ambience at Bitters is far from pretentious or haughty. Here, everyone’s welcome to enjoy the finer sips in life. Which, presumably is what’s making this newcomer so successful.