The 16 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best beaches in zanzibar"
Named by 8 of 91. Paje BeachSoutheast coast, TanzaniaPaje is the island's main kitesurfing beach, with steady wind and a young crowd.The sea pulls back a long way at low tide on the east coast, so swimming depends on the tide.
Named by 7 of 92. Kendwa BeachNorth coast, TanzaniaKendwa sits on the northwest coast where the tide changes little, so swimming works all day.Kendwa Rocks holds a monthly full moon party on the beach.
Named by 5 of 93. Nungwi BeachNorth coast, TanzaniaNungwi is described as Zanzibar's most popular beach destination, with a lighthouse at the northern tip.Nungwi and Kendwa are on the side of the island with consistently clear water.
Named by 4 of 9
4. Michamvi Pingwe
Southeast coast, Tanzania
The Rock restaurant sits on a rock in the sea and is reached on foot or by boat depending on the tide.
Michamvi feels like one of the quietest parts of the island, with small lodges along the beach.
Named by 3 of 95. Matemwe BeachNortheast coast, TanzaniaMatemwe is a quieter east-coast beach that faces Mnemba Atoll.The sea goes a long way out at low tide, exposing reef flats and seaweed farms.
Named by 3 of 96. Jambiani BeachSoutheast coast, TanzaniaJambiani is a low-key fishing village just south of Paje, with good value places to stay.The beach is long and narrow and best for swimming at high tide.
Named by 3 of 97. Pongwe BeachEast coast, TanzaniaPongwe is a small sheltered bay, quiet and calm.Its bay shape means the tide matters less, so swimming works even at low tide.
Named by 2 of 98. Kiwengwa BeachEast coast, TanzaniaKiwengwa is one of the longer east-coast beaches, with mostly larger hotels and resorts.It is sometimes called Little Italy for its Italian restaurants and visitors.
Named by 2 of 99. Pwani MchanganiEast coast, TanzaniaPwani Mchangani is one of the longest white sand beaches and has little tourist development.Snorkelling, diving, fishing and kitesurfing are popular here.
10. Stone Town BeachStone Town, TanzaniaStone Town Beach is on the edge of the old town and suits a walk or a swim rather than a full day.
11. Mnemba IslandNortheast coast, TanzaniaMnemba is a private atoll known for snorkelling and diving.
12. Mtende BeachSouth coast, TanzaniaMtende is in the far south of the island, secluded, with an unusual cliff coast.
13. MangapwaniWest coast, TanzaniaMangapwani is a small secluded beach on the west side with abandoned fishing boats.
14. BwenjuuEast coast, TanzaniaBwenjuu is a very small, quiet east-coast town with dark skies for stargazing.
15. Dongwe BeachSoutheast coast, TanzaniaPaje and Dongwe have long sweeping beaches that are tidal.
16. KizimkaziSouth coast, TanzaniaKizimkazi suits a peaceful southern base more than a classic white-sand beach holiday.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name June to October as the best time to visit Zanzibar.
The north coast has the clearest water and the smallest tides, so swimming works all day. The east coast is tidal, and the sea can be far out at low tide.
Which beach is best to stay in Zanzibar?
Kendwa is picked for swimming at any time of day. Paje suits kitesurfing and nightlife, and Matemwe is the quieter east-coast choice.
Is Paje or Nungwi better?
Paje is the kitesurfing beach with a young crowd, and the sea retreats at low tide. Nungwi is called the island's most popular beach destination, with lots going on.
Named by 8 of 91. Paje BeachPaje is the island's main kitesurfing beach, with steady wind and a young crowd.The sea pulls back a long way at low tide on the east coast, so swimming depends on the tide.
Named by 7 of 92. Kendwa BeachKendwa sits on the northwest coast where the tide changes little, so swimming works all day.Kendwa Rocks holds a monthly full moon party on the beach.
Named by 5 of 93. Nungwi BeachNungwi is described as Zanzibar's most popular beach destination, with a lighthouse at the northern tip.Nungwi and Kendwa are on the side of the island with consistently clear water.
