Made famous for its spices and the slave trade of the 19th century, Zanzibar Island is much more than a stopping point on an itinerary, and can be seen as a destination in itself. What the island offers is a unique combination of outstanding beaches, along its eastern edge, interesting activities, such as visiting a working spice farm, and the cultural delights of Stone Town, with Arabian fortresses and minarets.

Roughly speaking, the island is a fairly undeveloped affair with only around 5 main roads, all leading back to the main town, Zanzibar, on its western edge. This simplicity makes it the perfect destination for those that are looking to explore a little as, should you reach the beach, you know you have gone wrong!

Geographically, the island is only around 40mks across and 100kms from north to south at its widest points. Featuring outstanding, powder white beaches along its eastern shores, flanked by barrier reefs, and the UNESCO World heritage site of Stone Town on its western edge, the island itself (Unguja in Swahili) is fairly narrow, with a ridge running through its middle from north to south. Along its eastern coastline runs a protective barrier reef and then the Indian Ocean. This is where the best beaches are located, all with coral white sand and gently lapping waters.

Along the western side of the island runs the Zanzibar Channel and is where the main town (Zanzibar Town) and where the famous UNESCO World heritage site of Stone Town are located. While there are a few pockets of good beach along this western edge (namely around Kendwa), this side of the island is not really seen as being the place to go for the beach-bound.

With its location, barrier reef and outstanding beaches Zanzibar can offer all of the attractions that most crave such as scuba diving, glorious beaches, fresh seafood and much more. For those that are a little restless there is a small forest in the interior called Jozani that has indigenous red colobus monkeys, and the spice tours in one of the small farms just outside Zanzibar Town are a fascinating glimpse into why this island has become so famous.

Zanzibar Beaches – The best beaches in Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach & Kendwa, North Zanzibar

Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are truly beautiful; they are on the only side of the island which is consistently crystal clear water lapping brilliant white sands. The northern beaches really are where to stay in Zanzibar if you are looking for that idyllic Indian Ocean beach experience. The rest of Zanzibar’s beaches (east coast, as the west coast really doesn’t give you anything!) are tidal which means whilst you may be able to sink your toes in to the powdery sand, the sea may be a bit of a trek away, depending on the time of day. Nungwi & Kendwa are home to some big chains and a backpacker culture, but the beaches are exceptional here, and there are fantastic accommodation options if you know where to look.

Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches – Where to stay

Our favourite hotels include the new exciting addition to Zanzibar’s beach resorts, Zuri Zanzibar, as well as the classics Diamonds La Gemma & Essque Zalu. These are all absolutely fantastic value for money and suit those who like to be around a bustling environment and on a stunning beach – staying in either these options means you get your own slice of privacy in a really fun part of the island.

Matemwe, North East Zanzibar

Matemwe beach can be found slightly to the east of Nungwi and Kendwa. As such, contrary to the more northern beaches, it can be tidal here. The area has been relatively untouched by tourism until recent years, and it can now get a bit busy. However, when the tide is in some beach lodges offer a pocket of Indian Ocean paradise for an unbelievable price.

Matemwe Beach – Where to stay

There are a few really well established boutique options here far from the madding crowd such as Sunshine Hotel, Matemwe Lodge and Kasha. Sunshineis our favourite to recommend and is a slightly more intimate version of Pongwe Beach Hotel(below), with some fantastic rooms and villas to choose from for a great price. However, when choosing between Sunshine and Pongwe, you must consider the plus of Pongwe’s consistently pristine beach…

Pongwe, East Zanzibar

Pongwe has one of the only east coast beaches which isn’t tidal as it sits neatly in a concave break in the coastline. As such, if you like long beach walks, it is maybe not for you as you don’t get a sweeping beach picture, but it does give you a certain little slice of luxury in as much privacy as you can get on the island. If you don’t have a huge budget, then Pongwe is hands down the best place to stay in Zanzibar.

Pongwe Beach – Where to stay

Pongwe for the beach and incredible value for money rooms is the only place to consider in this area. It is quirky and not uber-luxury, but does have added bonuses like private pools in the sea view rooms at an absolutely incredible price. At Pongwe, there is no worry of a low tide that some Zanzibar beaches suffer from, instead white sand beaches and turquoise waters are at your beck and call.

Paje & Dongwe, South East Zanzibar

Paje has more accommodation options which we like to recommend than in the Northern parts. Situated on the mid-east coast of the island, Paje and Dongwe’s beaches are long and sweeping giving that classic Indian Ocean feel, but again, it can be tidal. You get some super luxury and intimate options though, and as such, some of our absolute favourites are in this area for a very spoiling Indian Ocean paradise.

Paje and Dongwe Beaches – Where to stay

White Sands Villas in Paje is a real glossy luxury find. It’s name pretty much says it all – Its sumptuously vast villas provide clean, simple and yet brilliantly appointed respite, privately swathed in fab sandy gardens. Dongwe is home to Breezes – and contrastingly to White Sands, it is bigger and mid-range but ideal for families with all the mod cons you could need from a relaxed Indian Ocean family holiday.

For a similarly relaxed environment to Breezes, look no further than Echo Beach– the opposite of pretentious Indian Ocean luxury and ideal for some. Luxuriantly Arabic style, the sister properties of Baraza and The Palms are also amongst the finest hotels on the island. Baraza has 36 bungalows each with a private plunge pool; this is our favourite pick for families wanting the best the island can offer. The Palms next door has only six rooms and offers a more intimate experience that fits very well with couples wanting to keep to themselves. Any of these would be perfect for luxury Zanzibar holidays or a Zanzibar honeymoon.

Jambiani, South (South!) East & West Zanzibar

Jiambani is a great place to visit for the best kite surfing on the island as there are consistently good winds. However, our favourite hotels are admittedly up the road towards Paje and Dongwe. As you get further south, the beaches disappear and then up the west coast, apart from the attraction of Stone Town, beach wise, it really isn’t anything compared to the west.