Top 5 beaches of Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago bathed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches that promise a paradisiacal escape to all visitors. Here, we take you on a tour of the five best beaches Zanzibar has to offer, each with its own unique charm and characteristics.

Each of these beaches represents the best of Zanzibar, offering visitors a slice of paradise with different flavours and experiences. If you're planning your next getaway, Zanzibar's beaches promise not only relaxation and natural beauty, but also unforgettable adventures in one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet.

Playa de Nungwi en el norte de Zanzíbar
Nungwi Beach in northern Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach, northern Zanzibar.


Located on the northern tip of the island, Nungwi is known for its stunning sunsets and vibrant nightlife. Its crystal clear waters and white sands make it a perfect destination for swimmers and divers alike.

It is considered one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Nungwi is a small fishing village famous for its lively coastline and a variety of bars, hotels and water sports centres. Thousands of tourists make the most of the beach and the ocean every year. There is also a lighthouse located on Nungwi Beach, which is a great place to watch the fishermen at work by the sea. Consider visiting the Turtle Aquarium while there.

Jambiani Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar

Jambiani Beach, east coast of Zanzibar.

Located on the east coast, Jambiani Beach is more of a hidden gem. The reason is that Jiambiani belongs to a small fishing village. You can see the locals gathering seaweed or fishing. It is a good place for snorkelling and diving, as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are definitely a lot of interesting activities compared to a typical beach.

Kendwa Beach on the north coast

Kendwa Beach, north coast of Zanzibar.


A short distance from Nungwi, Kendwa shines with a more relaxed atmosphere and the advantage of being less affected by the tides, allowing swimming at any time of the day. The beach is ideal for those seeking tranquillity without being too far away from modern conveniences.

White sandy beach, crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs. The impressive marine life attracts divers and snorkellers as well as those who just want to relax. You might spot a starfish close to shore if you look closely. Kendwa Beach is most famous for the Full Moon Party, which is usually held on the Saturday after the full moon.

Paje Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar

Paje Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar.


On the southeast coast of Zanzibar, Paje attracts water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Its strong winds make it perfect for kitesurfing, as well as offering ideal conditions for windsurfing and snorkelling on its nearby coral reefs.

This beach is located 5 km from Bwejuu, a small town famous for its friendliness. There are high tides so it is not possible to swim here all day. On the other hand, it is an ideal place for kitesurfing, diving and snorkelling. Paje is also a sort of secluded beach, which makes it a great place to relax away from the crowds.

Nakupenda Beach, near Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Nakupenda Beach

Nakupenda Beach
  • Nakupenda Beach is a stunning sandbank located near Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
  • It is a popular day trip destination, with crystal clear waters and pristine white sand.
  • Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so Nakupenda Beach is not between Tanzania and Zanzibar; it is within Tanzania.

If you are looking to compare Nakupenda Beach with a destination in Spain or enquire about a travel route from Spain, let me know. ?

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