Stone Town – Culture, History and Evenings Worth Staying Out For
Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar. Even if you are planning a beach holiday, it is well worth spending one night here before or after your beach stay.
A guided walking tour usually takes around two to three hours, leading through narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, old merchant houses, markets and small squares. Stone Town has a unique mix of African, Arab, Indian and European influences.
The evenings in Stone Town are particularly special. As the sun goes down you can hear the call of the muezzin from the mosques, church bells ringing and sounds from the Indian temples almost at the same time. Few places in the world show such a close coexistence of different cultures and religions.
Nungwi and Kendwa – Lively Beaches and All-Day Swimming
The beaches in the north of Zanzibar, especially Nungwi and Kendwa, are famous for their white sand and swimming conditions. Unlike most of the east coast, the tide here in the north does not pull the water far away, so you can swim at almost any time of the day.
Kendwa is especially known for its sunset beach parties and events during full moon weekends, while Nungwi has a long stretch of beach restaurants and diving centres.
These areas are lively, especially during high season. You will find:
- beach bars
- sunset cruises
- diving centres
- restaurants directly on the sand
- watersports activities
Paje and Jambiani – Zanzibar’s Lifestyle Coast
If Zanzibar has a lifestyle hub, it is Paje.
Over the past years the village has grown quickly and today it is one of the most dynamic beach areas on the island. What used to be a quiet fishing village has developed into a lively mix of kitesurfers, travellers, entrepreneurs, great restaurants, beach cafés and cocktail bars.
The area attracts people who enjoy the beach during the day and bars and music in the evenings. It is also considered the kitesurfing capital of Zanzibar, with several schools offering lessons for beginners and advanced riders. During the windy seasons – roughly June to September and again from December to February – kitesurfers from around the world arrive, and the whole village becomes even more lively.
Matemwe – Quiet Luxury and Mnemba Snorkeling
On the northeast coast lies Matemwe, one of the quieter and more exclusive parts of Zanzibar.
This area is known for elegant villas and boutique hotels, peaceful beaches and excellent snorkelling trips to Mnemba Atoll.
Many high-end travellers choose Matemwe because it combines privacy with access to one of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling areas.
Kiwengwa – Resort Area with Italian Influence
Further down the east coast lies Kiwengwa, an area known mainly for its larger beach resorts.
Many of the hotels here historically attracted Italian travellers, and you can still notice this influence in some restaurants and beach clubs.
The atmosphere is more resort-focused than village-focused. Outside the hotels there are fewer restaurants or activities compared to places like Paje.
Kizimkazi and the Southern Coast – Dolphins and Sandbanks
The south coast around Kizimkazi is quieter and less developed. This is where many dolphin tours depart in the early morning.
From here you can also reach some beautiful islands and sandbanks such as Pungume Island and parts of the Safari Blue excursion area.
Sunset views on this side of the island can be spectacular.
Michamvi Pingwe – Quiet Water, Sandbanks and the Island’s Best Lagoon Colours
Travelers looking for a hotel in Michamvi Zanzibar often choose this area because it combines peaceful beaches, boutique hotels and some of the most beautiful lagoon views on the island.
The peninsula sits between two sides of the ocean and feels very different from the busier parts of the island. Michamvi is divided into two areas: Michamvi Pingwe on the east side, known for its lagoon and sandbanks, and Michamvi Kae on the west side, famous for its sunsets. Instead of large resorts you will mostly find small boutique hotels, small beach restaurants and quiet stretches of sand.
One of the most famous landmarks here is The Rock Restaurant, built on a coral rock just offshore and attracting visitors from all over the island. But beyond this famous spot, Michamvi has a charm that many travellers discover only after arriving.
- Blue Lagoon, one of the most beautiful snorkeling locations in this part of Zanzibar
- coral formations behind the sandbanks
Where to Stay in Zanzibar for a Honeymoon
For honeymooners, the best area to stay in Zanzibar is usually one that offers privacy, beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. While lively places such as Nungwi, Kendwa or Paje may suit some couples, many honeymooners prefer quieter areas with smaller boutique hotels in Zanzibar and a more romantic setting.
Some of the best honeymoon areas on the island include areas that offer privacy, beautiful ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ultimately it depends on the style of honeymoon you want. Some couples prefer nightlife and activities, while others simply want to relax by the ocean.
- Michamvi Pingwe – boutique hotels, beautiful sandbanks and peaceful atmosphere
- Matemwe – luxury villas and snorkeling trips to Mnemba
- quieter parts of the east coast with smaller boutique hotels
