Which Zanzibar beach to choose depending on what you want: the north without the tides, the east for kitesurfing, and what to see between Stone Town and the spice farms.
What are the best beaches in Zanzibar? The best beaches in Zanzibar depend on what you are looking for: in the north, Nungwi and Kendwa have almost no tides and you can swim all day; in the east, Paje and Jambiani have the most turquoise water and the best kitesurfing, but the sea goes out hundreds of metres at low tide; Pingwe is home to the famous restaurant The Rock. Below we explain each area and how to choose. The right question in Zanzibar is not "which is the best beach" — it is "which is the best beach for me". The island has two coasts that behave completely differently, mainly because of the tides, and choosing badly means spending half your stay looking at the sea five hundred metres away. This guide explains the difference.
The factor that decides everything: the tides
On the east coast the tidal range is large: at low tide the sea goes out hundreds of metres, leaving a vast stretch of sand with pools, seaweed and women working the seaweed farms — beautiful to see, impossible to swim. On the north coast the effect is much smaller and you can get into the water at any time of day. It is neither better nor worse: it is the difference between those who want a swim whenever they like and those who prefer sand, wind and scenery.
Best beaches in northern Zanzibar: Nungwi and Kendwa
Nungwi is the busiest beach on the island: a lighthouse, a turtle aquarium, traditional dhow building and the widest choice of restaurants and nightlife. Kendwa, right next door, has the widest sand and is where the famous Full Moon Party takes place. Both have swimmable water all day — this is where most beach resorts are, including Meliá Zanzibar.
East coast: Paje and Jambiani
Paje is Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital: steady wind, a sheltered lagoon and schools everywhere. Even if you don't kite, you will find the island's youngest, most laid-back atmosphere here. Jambiani, to the south, is the quiet version: a fishing village, few big hotels and the slow pace many people are looking for. It is also the most practical base for Jozani Forest, home to the red colobus, a monkey found only on this island.
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South-east: Pingwe and The Rock restaurant
Pingwe is known for a single image: The Rock, the restaurant built on a rock in the sea, reached on foot at low tide and by boat at high tide. It is worth booking ahead and going more for the experience than the food.
Stone Town and the spice route
Zanzibar is not just beaches. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets, carved doors, the old sultan's palace and Darajani market. And the spice route — cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla — explains why the island was for centuries one of the trading hubs of the Indian Ocean. Allow at least a day and a night for the town.
Best time to go
The best windows are June to October, the dry, cooler season, and December to February, hot with calm seas. The long rains fall mainly between March and May. On costs, see is Zanzibar expensive? How much a trip costs, and if you want to add a safari, Tanzania and Zanzibar: itinerary.
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We have a Zanzibar holiday with flights from Lisbon and all-inclusive: Zanzibar — Riu Jambo, 10 days / 7 nights. To compare with other beach destinations, see all-inclusive holiday packages.
FAQ
What is the best beach area in Zanzibar?
To swim at any time, the north, at Nungwi and Kendwa. For kitesurfing and wide beaches with turquoise water, the east, at Paje and Jambiani.
When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?
From June to October, in the dry season, and from December to February, with heat and warm seas. Avoid April and May, the months of the long rains.
Where should I stay in Zanzibar?
In the north if you want beaches without tides; in the east if you want kitesurfing and peace and quiet; and one or two nights in Stone Town for the culture.
Zanzibar or the Maldives?
Zanzibar combines beaches, Swahili culture, spices and safari in Tanzania at a lower price; the Maldives are just overwater resorts.
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We are a travel agency licensed by Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT no. 4155). We also have a whole website dedicated to the destination at zanzibar.pt (in Portuguese). See all our trips and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
