When it comes to escaping to a tropical paradise it doesn’t get much more fabulous than the beautiful sunshine, softly swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs of Zanzibar beach.
We couldn’t possibly decide which is the best beach in Zanzibar though because, while they each have their own unique charms, we adore all of them equally. But we can tell you about our ten favourites so that you can enjoy exploring and decide for yourself…
So let’s take a look at the top Zanzibar beaches in 2024
1. Nungwi Beach
Located on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island, Nungwi Beach is a popular spot for socialising thanks to the delightful beachfront restaurants and bars serving delicious fresh seafood and drinks, along with live music and entertainment. It’s also known for its stunning white sands, clear turquoise waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life and breathtaking sunset. And it’s this perfect combination of lively entertainment and laid-back beach vibes that means it’s long been considered one of the best beaches in north zanzibar.
Best Places to Stay around Nungwi Beach | |
1. Zuri Zanzibar | 2. Riu Palace Zanzibar |
3. Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort | 4. Essque Zalu Zanzibar |
5. Diamonds Star of the East | 6. Z Hotel |
2. Paje Beach
Located on the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, Paje Beach is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning beauty and water sports opportunities. It’s especially famous among kiteboarding enthusiasts due the perfect conditions created by the consistent winds and shallow turquoise waters. Paje Beach also features a beautiful lagoon with clear calm waters, beneath which are truly unbelievable coral formations teaming with tropical fish, making this one the best beaches in Zanzibar for snorkelling.
Best Places to Stay around Paje Beach | |
1. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux | 2. Kisiwa On The Beach |
2. Amani Boutique Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World | 4. Casa Paradis |
3. Breezes Beach Club and Spa | 6. The Palms Zanzibar |
3. Pongwe Beach
Pongwe Beach, located on the east coast of Zanzibar, is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in an untouched setting of natural beauty. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, its soft white sands and gentle waves of azure blue water make this serene sanctuary the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate as you spend blissful days sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and snoozing in the shade of the palm trees that line the shore.
Best Places to Stay around Pongwe Beach | |
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4. Kendwa Beach
Nestled on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. During the day you can relax on the soft white sands or swim out into its calm, clear-as-glass waters to investigate the captivatingly diverse marine life beneath (making it another of the best beaches in Zanzibar for snorkelling). And after you’ve watched the awe-inspiring sunset from one of the restaurants serving delectable local seafood, you can dance the night away at one of Kendwa’s famous beach parties.
Best Places to Stay around Kendwa Beach | |
1. Riu Palace Zanzibar | 2. Kilindi Zanzibar |
3. Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa | 4. Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort |
5. Essque Zalu Zanzibar | 6. Diamonds La Gemma dell’Es |
5. Bwejuu Beach
Surrounded by gently swaying palm trees and tropical vegetation, the long stretches of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters mean that the rarely busy Bwejuu Beach is known for being one of best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming. And when you’re ready to dry off you can take a leisurely stroll along the stunning shoreline, settle in for some sunbathing or head into the tranquil shade of the palms with your holiday reading.
Best Places to Stay around Bwejuu Beach | |
1. Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar | 2. Breezes Beach Club and Spa |
3. The Palms Zanzibar | 4. White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa |
5. Zanzi Resort | 6. Kisiwa On The Beach |
6. Michamvi Beach
Unwind and reconnect with nature on the wonderfully secluded shores of Michamvi Beach. This piece of paradise is the perfect place to escape to, so pack a picnic and spend a blissful day sunbathing in the glorious sunshine, swimming in the calm, crystal clear waters or simply sitting back and taking in your stunning surroundings. And it’s well worth taking a trip half way down the Michamvi Peninsula to snorkel and dive amongst the vibrant coral and marine life at Oba-Oba lagoon.
Best Places to Stay around Michamvi Beach | |
1. The Residence Zanzibar | 2. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa |
3. Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar | 4. Konokono Beach Resort |
5. The Palms Zanzibar | 6. Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa |
7. Kizimkazi Beach
If you’ve ever wanted to swim with Dolphins then Kizimkazi Beach is the place for you! In fact it’s known as one of the best places in the world to get in the water with these majestic creatures. Head out on a boat at sunrise to meet pods of Dolphins at their most playful. Then head back to the beautiful beach to relax on the powdery white sand and luxuriate in having started your day in the most incredible way.
Best Places to Stay around Kizimkazi Beach | |
1. The Residence Zanzibar | 2. Kizikula |
3. Kwanza Resort | 4. Karamba Eco Boutique Hotel |
5. Promised land Lodge | 6. Mama Root |
8. Matemwe Beach
Situated on the northeastern coast, the serene and secluded Matemwe Beach is considered by many to be the best beach in zanzibar for couples. The unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance of soft, pearlescent white sands leading down to dazzling azure waters and stunning coral reefs, make this peaceful paradise the ideal place to spend perfect days together swimming, sunbathing and revelling in each other’s company. And once you’ve watched the breathtaking sunset, Matemwe Beach’s romantic reputation will be sealed.
Best Places to Stay around Matemwe Beach | |
1. Matemwe Beach House | 2. Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spa |
3. Zanzibar Retreat Hotel | 4. Zanzibar Queen Hotel |
5. Matemwe Lodge | 6. Sunshine Marine Lodge |
9. Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda means ‘I love you’ in Swahili, and there’s no doubt that you’ll fall head over heels for this gorgeous sandbank beach and nature reserve. Situated on the western coast and reached via small, local tour boats, you’ll be in pure paradise from the moment you sink your bare feet into the soft, pure white sand. Spend your time on this stunning stretch of beach swimming and sunbathing, only pausing to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch cooked up by your guides.
Best Places to Stay around Nakupenda Beach | |
1. Zanzibar Serena Hotel | 2. Park Hyatt Zanzibar |
3. Kisiwa House | 4. Chapwani Private Island Resort |
5. Kichanga Lodge | 6. Unguja Lodge |
10. Jambiani Beach
A truly captivating stretch of coastline renowned for its pristine beauty, Jambiani Beach is one of the best Zanzibar east coast beaches. With its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, this friendly traditional fishing village is the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in real island life. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear lagoons and lounging on the soft silver sand. Then treat yourself to delicious freshly caught seafood at one of the delightful beachfront restaurants before settling in to watch the stunning sunset.
Best Places to Stay around Jambiani Beach | |
1. Zen Boutique Resort | 2. Mwezi Boutique Resort |
3. Belvedere Resort | 4. Nur Beach Hotel |
5. Sharazad Boutique Hotel | 6. Blue Oyster Hotel |
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking secluded serenity or vibrant scenes, Zanzibar is a dream destination for beach lovers. And whichever ambience you go for, you’re guaranteed powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, tropical palms and stunning coastal landscapes. Plus, the warm and welcoming culture, delicious cuisine, and luxurious range of accommodation all add to the appeal.
Read Also: Best time to visit Zanzibar | Best Hotels in Zanzibar
FAQs for Best Beaches in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is generally safe for travellers, but we always recommend consulting reliable travel resources, such as government travel advisories as well as reading up on and following local customs and laws to ensure a smooth visit.
Both of these stunning beaches have the gorgeous powder white sand and clear azure waters. And both have vibrant nightlife scenes. So our advice is to try both!