Can You Smoke or Vape in Clubs in Zante? Complete Guide to Greek Smoking Laws 2026

Planning a night out in Zante's legendary club scene but wondering about smoking and vaping rules? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about smoking and vaping laws in Greek nightclubs, the reality of enforcement in Zante, and where to buy vaping products on the island.

Smoking and Vaping in Zante Clubs

Smoking: Technically illegal indoors throughout Greece since 2010, but enforcement in Zante clubs is inconsistent, especially during peak party season.

Vaping: Legal and widely tolerated in most venues. Disposable vapes available throughout Laganas Strip for €10-20.

Health Warning: We strongly advise against smoking or vaping, especially when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, dehydration from heat, and physical exertion from dancing.

The Legal Reality: Greece's Complex Smoking Laws

Official Smoking Legislation

Since September 1, 2010, Greece has banned smoking and the consumption of tobacco products in all workplaces, transport stations, taxis, and all enclosed public places including restaurants, night clubs, without any exception. The law includes particularly heavy fines for smokers ranging from €50 to €500, and for establishments ranging from €500 to €10,000.

The legislation was further strengthened in 2019 to include stricter enforcement mechanisms and expanded coverage. For smokers, the fines range from €50 to €500, with the heaviest fines imposed on serial offenders. Meanwhile, people in charge of establishments face more severe penalties, ranging from €500 to €10,000.

The Reality of Enforcement

Despite strict laws on paper, the reality in Greece—and particularly in tourist areas like Zante—tells a different story. Even 15 years after Greece banned smoking in indoor public places, it is not uncommon to see people light up in bars and clubs.

Restaurant and club owners are afraid of losing smoking customers, and politicians are afraid of losing votes, leading to inconsistent enforcement. Many Greeks still view the ban on smoking in a bar or a taverna as dictatorial, contributing to widespread non-compliance.

Smoking in Zante's Club Scene

What You'll Actually Experience

In Zante's club scene, particularly on the famous Laganas Strip, smoking enforcement varies significantly:

Peak Season Reality: During busy summer months, many venues prioritize customer satisfaction over strict law enforcement. Most owners prefer to risk it and flout the law rather than alienate their predominantly smoking European clientele.

Venue Variations:

• Cherry Bay: Mixed enforcement depending on night and crowd

• Rescue Club: Generally more tolerant during peak hours

• Zeros Club: Enforcement varies by management on duty

• Ikon Club: Typically follows official no-smoking policy more strictly

Tourist Area Tolerance

In open air spaces smoking is allowed everywhere and there's no ferry, restaurant or hotel that can prohibit it since it is against the law. However, most owners prefer to risk it and flout the law in enclosed spaces, especially in tourist-heavy areas where enforcement is often overlooked during peak season.

Vaping: The More Accepted Alternative

Legal Status of Vaping

In October 2019, the law was further amended to expressly include a ban on all "equivalent" products, such as vaping devices, e-cigarettes and other inhaled products in the aforementioned enclosed spaces. However, vaping faces significantly more tolerance than traditional smoking.

Practical Vaping Experience in Zante

Club Tolerance: Most Zante venues treat vaping much more leniently than smoking. Greece has a more relaxed attitude towards vaping in public than many European countries. Vaping is permitted in some restaurants and cafes at the owner's discretion.

Why Vaping is More Accepted:

• Less odor and visible smoke

• Doesn't affect non-vapers as significantly

• Many staff and owners vape themselves

• Easier to be discreet

Purchasing Vapes in Zante

Laganas Strip Availability: Vape Shop Zante is your one-stop shop for all things vaping located in the heart of Laganas. They've got a huge selection of devices, disposables, and refills.

Pricing: Disposables in every flavour you can think of are available throughout the strip, typically ranging from €10-20 for disposable devices.

What's Available:

• Disposable vapes (most popular with tourists)

• Refillable devices and e-liquids

• Various nicotine strengths up to 20mg/ml (EU limit)

• Wide range of flavors

Where to Buy:

• Dedicated vape shops on Laganas Strip

• Corner shops and supermarkets

• Some bars and beach clubs

• Tourist shops throughout the resort areas

Legal Requirements and Restrictions

Age Requirements

To legally purchase and use e-cigarettes and e-liquids in Greece, individuals must be at least 18 years old. This is strictly enforced, especially after recent legislation changes.

Product Regulations

Refillable vape tanks and disposable vapes are limited to a total vape juice capacity of 2ml and a tax on e-cigarettes came into effect in January 2017 (at €0.10 per ml).

Current Legal Status

As of 2024, Greece has not instituted any regulations or restrictions specifically targeting disposable vapes, making them widely available and legal to purchase.

Health and Safety Considerations

Serious Health Warning

We strongly discourage smoking or vaping, especially in party environments. Here's why it's particularly dangerous in Zante's club scene:

Alcohol Interaction

• Increased toxicity: Nicotine and alcohol create a dangerous combination that amplifies negative effects

• Impaired judgment: Both substances affect decision-making abilities

• Cardiovascular stress: Combined strain on heart and circulatory system

Heat and Dehydration Risks

• Greek summer temperatures: Often reaching 35°C+ (95°F+)

• Club environments: Poor ventilation and high humidity increase dehydration risk

• Reduced awareness: Nicotine can mask dehydration symptoms

Physical Exertion Concerns

• Dancing and activity: Increased heart rate combined with nicotine creates cardiovascular stress

• Reduced oxygen: Both smoking/vaping and physical activity compete for oxygen

• Recovery impact: Slower recovery from physical exertion

Hydration and Recovery

• Disrupted sleep: Nicotine affects sleep quality after long nights out

• Impaired recovery: Slower healing and energy restoration

• Increased hangover severity: Combined dehydration effects

Practical Advice for Club-Goers

If You Choose to Smoke/Vape Despite Health Risks

Timing Strategy:

• Smoke/vape during outdoor breaks between venues

• Use designated outdoor areas when available

• Be discreet and respectful of staff requests

Venue Selection:

• Ask staff about venue policies before lighting up

• Choose less crowded times for better tolerance

• Respect venues that strictly enforce no-smoking policies

Health Precautions:

• Dramatically increase water intake

• Take regular breaks in cooler areas

• Monitor yourself for signs of dehydration or overheating

• Have a sober friend monitor your wellbeing

Better Alternatives

Nicotine Replacement:

• Nicotine gum or lozenges for cravings

• Nicotine patches for longer-term management

• Available at pharmacies throughout Zante

Behavioral Alternatives:

• Use smoking breaks as cooling-off periods

• Replace hand-to-mouth habit with drinks or snacks

• Focus on dancing and socializing instead

Regional Variations in Enforcement

Laganas Strip

The main party area tends to have the most relaxed enforcement, with many venues prioritizing customer experience over strict rule compliance during peak season.

Tsilivi and Other Resorts

More family-oriented areas typically have stricter enforcement, with venues more likely to follow official smoking bans.

Zakynthos Town

Local establishments serving primarily Greek clientele may have different standards, often more tolerant of smoking traditions.

Tips for International Visitors

Know Your Rights

• You cannot be arrested for smoking in a club (only fined)

• Venue staff have the right to ask you to stop or leave

• Respect local customs and staff requests

Cultural Sensitivity

• Greece still has one of the world's highest smoking rates

• Many locals and tourists smoke, creating a culture of tolerance

• However, show respect for those who prefer smoke-free environments

Practical Considerations

• Carry hand sanitizer for post-smoking hygiene

• Keep drinks covered to avoid contamination

• Be mindful of non-smoking friends and other patrons

Future Trends and Changes

Increasing Enforcement

The authorities conducted 3,376 inspections on enclosed public spaces in the first 11 months of this year, issuing 659 fines totaling €529,400, indicating increased enforcement efforts.

Vaping Regulations

While currently more tolerated, expect potential future restrictions as EU regulations evolve and health awareness increases.

Final Recommendations

Our Strong Advice

Don't smoke or vape in Zante clubs. The combination of alcohol, heat, dehydration, and physical exertion creates serious health risks that far outweigh any perceived benefits.

If You Must Use Nicotine

1. Use outdoor areas only

2. Choose safer alternatives like gum or patches

3. Dramatically increase water intake

4. Have friends monitor your wellbeing

5. Take regular cooling breaks

Enjoy Zante Safely

Focus on what makes Zante special: incredible music, amazing people, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable experiences. Your health and safety should always come first.

Remember: The legendary Zante nightlife experience is about the music, the people, and the atmosphere—not about smoking or vaping. Make memories that won't compromise your health or vacation enjoyment.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Laws and enforcement can change rapidly. Always prioritize your health and safety, and be aware that smoking and vaping pose serious health risks that are amplified in party environments with alcohol, heat, and physical exertion.