Beauty of the Beaches

It’s impossible to play down the beauty of the beaches. Clear turquoise waters lap powdery white sand; coconut palms are silhouetted against pastel-hued skies; and shoals of fish, dolphins, and whales swim in the ocean (the diving here is, obviously, exceptional). Each beach has its own character, whether it’s laidback Matemwe or energetic Paje (which is popular with kite surfers).

Beaches, Zanzibar

Culture and History

If you’re looking for culture and history, there’s plenty of that here too. In the island’s capital, Zanzibar Town, you’ll find the historic Stone Town, where you can lose yourself in the labyrinth of spice-scented alleys, learn about the island’s dark slaving history in museums, wander through the lively beachfront Forodhani Gardens, and people-watch over a cup of rich Arabic coffee.

Culture, Zanzibar