Hotels in Zanzibar

Zanzibar pairs a genuinely historic port with proper Indian Ocean beaches. Stone Town's alleys — carved doors, spice markets, rooftop terraces — reward a slow day or two, and its Swahili, Arab and colonial layers include a sobering slave-trade memorial worth your time. Spice farm tours are touristy but good fun.

Then choose your coast carefully: Nungwi and Kendwa in the north swim well all day, while the east side around Paje has huge tidal swings — the sea can retreat hundreds of metres — which suits kitesurfers more than swimmers. Stay a night or two in Stone Town first, then head to Nungwi or Kendwa for classic beach time, or Paje for kitesurfing and a younger, cheaper scene.