Zanzibar’s Top 10 Beach Areas

Miles Willis
7 hours ago
4 min read

Zanzibar’s Top 10 Beach Areas: Where to Find the Island’s Most Beautiful Shores

Zanzibar has long been one of the Indian Ocean’s most alluring island destinations — a place where powder-soft white sand, warm turquoise waters and a rich cultural history come together effortlessly. But not all Zanzibar beaches are the same. Each coastal area has its own personality, tidal patterns, resort style and ideal traveller profile.

For discerning holidaymakers planning a luxury beach escape, honeymoon, family holiday or relaxed all-inclusive stay, choosing the right beach area in Zanzibar is just as important as choosing the right resort. This guide explores the Top 10 areas in Zanzibar for the best beaches, and why booking your Zanzibar holiday through IslandStays ensures a seamless, expertly curated experience.

1. Nungwi – Zanzibar’s Most Famous Beach

Located at the northern tip of the island, Nungwi Beach is widely regarded as Zanzibar’s best all-round beach. Its biggest advantage? Minimal tidal movement, meaning you can swim almost all day.

Nungwi offers a vibrant mix of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, lively beach bars and stunning sunsets. The sand is soft and bright white, and the water stays calm and clear — ideal for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, social travellers

2. Kendwa – Calm Seas and Iconic Sunsets

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa Beach offers similar swimming conditions but with a slightly more relaxed, upmarket feel. The beach is wide, flat and exceptionally scenic, making it popular with luxury travellers and honeymooners.

Kendwa is famous for its full-moon celebrations and postcard-perfect sunsets, while still offering excellent all-inclusive resort options.

Best for: Honeymoons, luxury beach holidays, sunset lovers

3. Michamvi Peninsula – Tranquil Luxury & Sunrise Views

On Zanzibar’s east coast, the Michamvi Peninsula is a favourite among travellers seeking privacy, boutique luxury and calm lagoon waters. The beaches here are sheltered, with spectacular sunrises and fewer crowds.

Many high-end resorts in Michamvi focus on wellness, romance and barefoot luxury, making it ideal for couples and slower-paced escapes.

Best for: Romantic getaways, boutique luxury, peaceful stays

4. Paje – Zanzibar’s Kite-Surfing Capital

Paje Beach combines long, powdery white sands with a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. While tides are more noticeable here, the shallow lagoon creates ideal conditions for kite-surfing and long beach walks.

Paje has become increasingly popular with younger luxury travellers, digital nomads and couples looking for a stylish but relaxed beach scene.

Best for: Active travellers, kite-surfers, trendy beach stays

5. Jambiani – Authentic, Peaceful and Unspoilt

South of Paje lies Jambiani, one of Zanzibar’s most authentic coastal villages. The beach is long and quiet, with local fishing boats, seaweed farms and small boutique resorts blending naturally into the landscape.

Jambiani appeals to travellers who value cultural connection, space and simplicity without sacrificing comfort.

Best for: Cultural travellers, peaceful beach holidays, boutique resorts

6. Matemwe – Gateway to Mnemba Atoll

Matemwe Beach sits opposite the famous Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar’s premier snorkelling and diving area. The beach is long, wild and beautiful, with luxury lodges offering panoramic ocean views.

This area is less commercial than the north, making it perfect for travellers seeking natural beauty and marine experiences.

Best for: Snorkelling, diving, luxury lodges

7. Kiwengwa – Classic All-Inclusive Beach Resorts

Kiwengwa is one of Zanzibar’s most popular areas for large, high-quality all-inclusive resorts. The beach is wide and scenic, with palm trees, white sand and excellent resort infrastructure.

While tides affect swimming at certain times, resorts compensate with large pools, water sports and organised excursions.

Best for: Families, all-inclusive holidays, resort comfort

8. Uroa – Relaxed and Great Value

A little further south on the east coast, Uroa Beach offers a quieter atmosphere and excellent value-for-money resorts. The beach remains beautiful, and the area suits travellers who prefer relaxed days and affordable luxury.

Uroa is especially popular with European travellers seeking longer stays.

Best for: Value seekers, relaxed beach holidays

9. Pongwe – Boutique Luxury & Calm Lagoons

Often described as a hidden gem, Pongwe Beach features a small, protected bay with calm waters and a very exclusive feel. Resorts here are intimate, stylish and focused on tranquillity.

This is one of Zanzibar’s most photogenic beaches, ideal for honeymooners and couples wanting privacy.

Best for: Boutique luxury, romance, seclusion

10. Stone Town Beachfront – Culture Meets the Ocean

While not known for swimming beaches, Stone Town’s waterfront offers a completely different Zanzibar experience. Staying near the sea here allows travellers to combine cultural exploration with ocean views, dhow sunsets and easy access to excursions.

It’s ideal as a short stay before or after a beach resort.

Best for: Culture lovers, history, short stays.

Why Book Your Zanzibar Holiday with IslandStays

Zanzibar offers extraordinary diversity — but that also means choosing the wrong area can completely change your experience. This is where IslandStays’ expertise makes all the difference.

IslandStays specialises in Indian Ocean island holidays, offering:

Expert guidance on which Zanzibar beach suits your travel style
Hand-picked resorts across all top beach areas
Seamless planning of flights, transfers and accommodation
Honest, experience-based advice — not generic online recommendations
Tailor-made itineraries for couples, families and luxury travellers

Rather than scrolling endlessly through booking sites, IslandStays ensures your Zanzibar holiday is perfectly matched to your expectations, travel dates and budget.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Beach in Zanzibar

There is no single “best” beach in Zanzibar — only the best beach for you. Whether you dream of calm swimming waters, lively sunsets, cultural immersion or secluded luxury, Zanzibar delivers — when chosen correctly.

With IslandStays as your trusted island specialist, you don’t just book a holiday. You book peace of mind, insider knowledge and a Zanzibar experience designed exactly the way it should be.