The Greek island of Zante is a go-to spot for UK holidaymakers, but the sun-soaked isle also has a darker side, from allegations of worker exploitation to crime and drugs
Zante, or Zakynthos, a sun-drenched European destination with beautiful beaches and budget-friendly hotels, is a top choice for UK holidaymakers. However, beneath the surface, it’s not all sunshine and cocktails.
The Greek island, known for its vibrant nightlife, was once Europe’s most popular youth destination for five years running, according to Holiday Box Office. It’s also a hit for stag and hen parties.
But amidst the partying, there’s a darker side to this sunny paradise. Allegations of worker exploitation, substandard accommodation, excessive drinking, drug use, and brawls have marred its reputation.
This comes after a horrifying incident involving a UK tourist, believed to be in his 50s, who tripped and impaled himself on a metal fence while holidaying on the island. The accident reportedly happened around 11pm on Monday, September 23rd.
A group of men and firefighters cut the bars in an attempt to free the man, who had fallen onto a spike near his carotid artery. His current condition remains unknown as he recovers in hospital, reports the Express.
Boozy fights and serious injuries
Boozy brawls and serious injuries are sadly not uncommon. Ruby, a former rep in Zante, shared some of her “traumatising” experiences with The Sun.
In one shocking episode, she remembered how her male friend was “told to break up a fight”.
However, the incident resulted in him being “seriously injured” and left with a “smashed up skull”. She further revealed that he’d been thrust into a “mass brawl on the docks” following a booze cruise.
Ruby also alleged that she was expected to continue working despite receiving “no support” for the horrifying scenes they had witnessed.
Avoidable accidents
Earlier this year, a tragic event unfolded in Zante when a British tourist tragically lost his life after losing his balance while climbing on a balcony, as reported by the Mirror.
Local authorities investigated an incident where a 23-year-old man stepped onto a handrail, before falling approximately four feet headfirst. He was rushed to hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries, according to Parapoloitika.
This followed a similar incident in the same area just hours before, which involved another British man falling from a balcony and being hospitalised with severe injuries.
Drinking culture
In 2023, Janis Hopkins wrote on Tripadvisor that Zante was “trash” and “full of sex shops and pubs”, while Alison G added: “Dirty, seedy, strip clubs, gentleman’s club, hardly any restaurants or bars open.”
“I imagine it is jumping with clubbers in high season but I’m afraid they are welcome to it..”
Nick Channing described it as teeming with “rather inebriated tourists”, a sentiment echoed by another reviewer, who pointed out the “drunk, semi-naked young Brits” in search of “cheap drinks”.
Worker exploitation
The Guardian dropped a bombshell last month with allegations of exploitative employment practices in several party destinations favoured by Brits, including Ayia Napa, Zante, Ibiza, and Magaluf.
One particularly troubling account from Zante revealed that a young worker was misled about the necessity of a visa for their stint, being told they didn’t require one for the first 90 days but was not informed of the need for a proper visa and contract.
Sharing her insights, Brenna Cunningham highlighted the often “looks-based” nature of summer job hiring. She recalled an occasion where a hopeful bar promoter was turned away after being assessed, revealing they simply “looked her up and down and said no”.
Crime and drugs
When it comes to crime and drugs, The Mail was privy to a harrowing story from a mum whose 19-year-old son saw violence firsthand, as bouncers were reportedly seen routinely donning knuckle dusters to assault UK teens “all day, every day”.
Additionally, she lamented the distressing level of drug-related issues on the island, with claims of rampant drug pushing and dealers brazenly peddling to youngsters, insinuating that drugs were accessible even within bars.
Theft and scams
As far as theft and scams go, TikTok user Lydia Jasmine opened up about the nightmare of having around £12,000 swiped from her bank account while holidaying in Zante.
Lydia’s troubles began with what seemed like an innocent swim in the sea. Upon returning, though, she found her phone had vanished into thin air.
However, the lost phone would soon become the least of her worries.
She had inadvertently tucked her driving licence into the back of her phone and had set her birthday as the password for her online banking.
Despite promptly freezing her cards, Lydia returned home to the dreadful discovery that a hefty sum of £12,242 had been transferred from her account to an unknown one.
Her cautionary words were clear: “If you’re due to go on a girls’ holiday or a lads’ holiday this summer, do not make the same mistake as me.”
