Where to Stay in Zanzibar

The car-free historic core of Zanzibar City, packed with carved doors, markets, rooftop restaurants and the ferry terminal. Best for first-time visitors who want culture, food and a practical first or last night before beach areas.

The island's most popular beach town at the north tip, with a broad swimmable beach, reliable sunsets and the most concentrated resort and restaurant scene. Suits first-timers who want an easy, lively beach holiday with excursions on tap.

A long east-coast beach with tidal flats, steady trade winds and a relaxed social scene of kite schools, cafés and boutique stays. Good for active first-timers and returning visitors who want a more grounded, walkable village.

On the north-west tip just south of Nungwi, with a sandy, west-facing beach that stays swimmable and a famous sunset/full-moon party scene. Better for couples and groups who want a lively but slightly less chaotic alternative to Nungwi.

A string of low-rise guesthouses and seafood cafés along a tidal east-coast beach, south of Paje. Appeals to returning visitors and budget travellers who want a slower village rhythm and local life.

A low-key north-east coast stretch with upmarket lodges and a long beach facing Mnemba Atoll. Best for honeymooners and returning visitors who want seclusion and easy boat access to snorkelling trips.

A broad north-east beach with a mix of mid-range family resorts and smaller guesthouses, less developed than Nungwi. Works for families and budget-to-mid travellers who want a quiet all-inclusive or guesthouse stay.

A remote southern peninsula with two distinct beaches, one for sunsets and one for lagoon views, mostly small boutique lodges. Suits returning visitors who want isolation, romance and a break from package resorts.