Are you planning a trip to Zanzibar and wondering where to stay? I completely understand. Because Zanzibar isn’t just one place with one type of beach.
The north coast has the parties and the best sunsets, the east coast has kitesurfing and tides that completely transform the landscape, and Stone Town is a labyrinth of history, spices and culture.
Many people combine Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania – such as the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater – and use Zanzibar as the perfect wind-down after a couple of intense days in the bush. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat. But Zanzibar is also fantastic as a standalone destination, especially if you’re into beaches, diving and culture.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Zanzibar, whether you’re dreaming of lying on a white beach with a cocktail, learning to kitesurf, or immersing yourself in the island’s fascinating history.
I also recommend hotels in each area across three different price ranges, so there’s something for every travel budget.
Where to stay in Zanzibar? Let’s get started with the guide.
Best Areas in Zanzibar
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Zanzibar:
- Stone Town – Culture, history and gastronomic experiences 🏛️
- Nungwi & Kendwa – The island’s best beaches and sunsets 🏖️
- Paje – Kitesurfing, young vibes and backpacker atmosphere 🏄
- Matemwe – Peace, luxury and world-class diving 🐚
Click on the area name to see the best hotels in the area.
Before You Go: Important Things to Know About Zanzibar
Before we dive into the individual areas, there are a few things you should know about planning a trip to Zanzibar.
The tides change EVERYTHING on the east coast. This is the most important thing to understand about Zanzibar. On the north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa) you can swim all day. But on the east coast (Paje, Matemwe, Jambiani) the water recedes up to a kilometre at low tide. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – it creates a truly magical landscape – but if you want to swim whenever you like, choose the north coast.
Transport takes time. Zanzibar is bigger than you think, and the roads are… well, let’s say interesting. Expect speed bumps, potholes and the occasional goat in the middle of the road. A trip from the airport to Nungwi takes about 1.5 hours. You can use taxis, dala dalas (local minibuses – an experience in themselves) or arrange a transfer through your hotel.
Combine Stone Town with a beach. My clear recommendation is to start with 1-2 nights in Stone Town for culture, street food markets and history, and then move on to one of the beach towns for the rest of your holiday. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Avoid the rainy season. The long rains fall in April-May, when many hotels close down and the beach can be dreary. The best time to visit Zanzibar is June to October (dry and pleasant) or December to March (warm with short showers). January and February are peak season with the highest prices.
Pack wisely. You’ll need high-factor sunscreen, mosquito repellent (malaria does occur in Zanzibar, so speak to your doctor about prevention), water shoes for the coral beach and a good rain jacket if you’re travelling in the shoulder months.
1. Stone Town – Culture, History and Gastronomic Experiences 🏛️
Quick Facts – Stone Town
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 15-20 minutes by taxi
- Transport: Everything is within walking distance in Stone Town. Taxis to other areas readily available
- Nearest airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Supermarket: Darajani Market (local market with everything from spices to fruit)
- Price level: 💰💰 (cheaper than beach resorts)
- Safety: Generally safe, use common sense in the evening
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s beating heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine a labyrinthine network of narrow alleyways, massive carved wooden doors, spice markets, mosques and churches side by side, and a waterfront buzzing with life. This is where you truly feel Zanzibar’s soul – the unique blend of African, Arab, Indian and European culture that has shaped the island for centuries.
Click here to see all hotels in Stone Town.
In the evening, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a huge street food market where local chefs grill fresh fish, octopus and Zanzibar’s famous “Zanzibar pizza” (a type of stuffed pancake). This is where you eat for next to nothing and sit with views over the sea as the sun goes down. Trust me – it’s magical.
Stone Town isn’t the place for a beach holiday. There is a small beach, but it’s not the island’s best. On the other hand, it’s perfect for 1-2 nights where you explore the history, take a spice tour, visit the old slave market and simply let yourself be absorbed by the atmosphere. It’s also the logistical starting point for onward travel to the beach areas.
Best for: Culture lovers, foodie experiences, couples who want something more than just beach.
Hotels in Stone Town
Park Hyatt Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the most luxurious hotel in Stone Town – and arguably all of Zanzibar. Park Hyatt sits directly on the waterfront with a beautiful infinity pool, elegant restaurant and rooms that blend Zanzibari architecture with modern luxury. The location is perfect: a few minutes’ walk from the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, yet still an oasis of calm. This is the splurge choice for those who want the very best.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The location is fantastic. The rooms are beautiful with balconies. The terrace is wonderful. The food is excellent. And most importantly – the staff. They are incredibly friendly and helpful.”
Check prices and availability at Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Emerson Spice Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emerson Spice is a fairy-tale boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century merchant’s house. Each of the 11 rooms is uniquely decorated with inspiration from films, books and historical figures – with high ceilings, coloured glass and enormous stone bathtubs. The rooftop restaurant “Tea House” serves a fantastic five-course seafood menu with views over Stone Town’s rooftops. It’s romance and history in one.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “An absolutely magical hotel! Incredibly unique, beautifully decorated, fantastic location with attentive and welcoming staff. The best rooftop terrace in all of Stone Town.”
Check prices and availability at Emerson Spice
If you want to stay centrally without breaking the bank, Forodhani Park Hotel is an excellent choice. The hotel is located right by the famous Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens – right in the thick of things. The rooms are simple but comfortable with air conditioning and most have a balcony. The rooftop pool and cafe give you a lovely retreat after a day in Stone Town’s hectic alleyways.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Perfect location in Stone Town. The breakfast was fantastic, mainly continental with eggs made to order. Friendly and helpful staff. We also had laundry done during our stay.”
Check prices and availability at Forodhani Park Hotel
2. Nungwi & Kendwa – The Island’s Best Beaches and Sunsets 🏖️
Quick Facts – Nungwi & Kendwa
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 1-1.5 hours by taxi
- Transport: Walking distance between hotels and restaurants along the beach. Dala dala to Stone Town
- Nearest airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Supermarket: Small local shops in Nungwi village
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (the island’s most expensive beach area)
- Safety: Safe. Be prepared for beach vendors
Nungwi and Kendwa sit on Zanzibar’s northwestern tip, and this is where you’ll find the beaches you’ve seen on Instagram. Think chalk-white sand, turquoise water and sunsets that make your jaw drop. And the very best part: the tides barely affect the beaches here, so you can swim all day – a huge advantage compared to the east coast.
Click here to see all hotels in Nungwi & Kendwa
Nungwi is the livelier of the two. Here you’ll find beach bars, restaurants, nightlife and a constant buzz of activity. It’s fantastic, but it also means more beach vendors (they’re generally friendly, but it can be tiring being offered a dhow trip every 20 metres).
Kendwa is a bit more relaxed and resort-oriented with wider beaches and perhaps Zanzibar’s most spectacular sunsets. Kendwa is also home to the famous “Full Moon Party” – a monthly beach party like in Thailand‘s Koh Phangan island.
The area is perfect for the classic beach holiday. You can snorkel, dive, take a sunset dhow sailing trip, or simply lie with a book and a fresh juice. It’s also a good starting point for day trips to Prison Island or Stone Town.
Best for: Couples, families, first-time visitors to Zanzibar, the beach holiday with all the options.
Hotels in Nungwi & Kendwa
Zuri Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zuri is arguably the most beautiful resort on all of Zanzibar. 56 bungalows are spread across a fantastic tropical garden, and the beach is one of Kendwa’s very best – with guards keeping beach vendors away so you can truly relax. The resort has three restaurants, a spa and daily yoga classes. Zuri is also strongly focused on sustainability and the local community in Kendwa. It’s pure luxury with a clear conscience.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Exclusive, warm and welcoming. The food was top class, the service impeccable, and the beach is one of the most beautiful on Zanzibar with calm, crystal-clear water.”
Check prices and availability at Zuri Zanzibar
The Z Hotel Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Z Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel with 40 rooms right down to Nungwi’s beach. The design is a cool blend of modern London-inspired style and traditional Zanzibari touches – think Philippe Starck furniture meets Swahili details. The infinity pool, rooftop bar with champagne and cocktails, and beachfront restaurant “Sexy Fish” make it a perfect mid-range choice. The hotel is adults-only during parts of the season.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Beautiful, modern hotel with the best location in Nungwi. Direct access to a private beach, fantastic staff and a rooftop bar with views you’ll never forget.”
Check prices and availability at The Z Hotel
Dhow Beach is a charming boutique hotel with a fantastic location directly on Nungwi beach. The rooms are simple but cosy with air conditioning and views of the garden or the sea. It’s one of those hotels that really stands out on service – the staff remember your name and do everything to help. The breakfast is excellent, and from your sun lounger you can watch the dhow boats sailing past.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The staff were incredibly hospitable and warm. The location is fantastic with a beautiful beach right in front of the hotel. A relaxing place at a fair price.”
Check prices and availability at Dhow Beach Boutique Hotel
3. Paje – Kitesurfing, Young Vibes and Laid-Back Atmosphere 🏄
Quick Facts – Paje
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 45-60 minutes by taxi
- Transport: Walking distance along the beach. Dala dala to Stone Town and other towns
- Nearest airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Supermarket: Small local shops. Better selection than Nungwi
- Price level: 💰💰 (more budget-friendly than the north coast)
- Safety: Safe. Slightly fewer vendors than Nungwi
Paje is Zanzibar’s answer to a laid-back surfer town – there’s perhaps even a touch of Bali vibes here, if you want to stretch the comparison.
Think barefoot-in-the-sand bars, kitesurfers filling the sky, morning yoga and cold beers at sunset. The atmosphere is young, international and unpretentious – here you’ll meet backpackers, digital nomads and kitesurfers from all over the world.
Click here to see all hotels in Paje.
The beach in Paje is absolutely stunning – wide, white and with turquoise water. But here’s the big difference from the north coast: the tides. At low tide, the water retreats far out and leaves behind a surreal landscape of sandbanks and tidal pools.
It’s beautiful in its own way, but you can’t necessarily swim whenever you fancy. On the other hand, it’s precisely the powerful tides and the constant wind that make Paje one of the best places in the world to kitesurf.
Paje has a range of good restaurants and cosy bars along the beach, and prices are generally lower than in Nungwi. Jozani Forest with its rare red colobus monkeys is just a short drive away. Paje is also a great starting point for exploring Zanzibar’s more authentic east coast.
Best for: Kitesurfers, solo travellers, backpackers, couples who want more local atmosphere than a resort feel.
Hotels in Paje
Zula Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zula is Paje’s most stylish hotel – a boutique gem with a pool, private beach area and an atmosphere that screams laid-back luxury. The rooms are beautifully designed with local materials and modern comfort. The hotel sits directly on Paje beach, and from the pool you can watch the kitesurfers dancing across the waves. It’s the perfect choice if you want Paje vibes with a touch of luxury.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Beautiful location and hotel. Incredibly relaxing with lovely staff. The pool is fantastic and the beach is right outside the door.”
Check prices and availability at Zula Zanzibar
Paje By Night is the classic Paje choice and one of the east coast’s most popular hotels. 19 cosy bungalows are spread across a lush tropical garden with a pool, yoga classes three times daily and a restaurant with fantastic pizza (Thursday is pizza night – it’s an institution). The beach is just 70 metres away, and the hotel’s own kitesurf school makes it easy to get started. The atmosphere is social and warm.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Incredible value for money. Spacious and clean rooms, fantastic staff and the best breakfast with fresh fruit and lots of choices. The yoga classes were world-class.”
Check prices and availability at Paje By Night
Drifters is the perfect budget choice in Paje. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and the kitesurf area, and offers simple but clean rooms with air conditioning surrounded by a lovely garden. The atmosphere here is relaxed and social – perfect for solo travellers and backpackers. The staff are happy to help arrange trips and transport, and the prices are hard to beat.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Fantastic location, just two minutes’ walk to the beach. Large, comfortable rooms. The restaurant was a good choice for dinner, and the included breakfast was really good.”
Check prices and availability at Drifters Zanzibar
4. Matemwe – Peace, Luxury and World-Class Diving 🐚
Quick Facts – Matemwe
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 1 hour by taxi
- Transport: Limited public transport. Most hotels arrange transfers
- Nearest airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Supermarket: Very limited. Eat at your hotel
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (luxury-oriented)
- Safety: Very safe. Quiet and secluded
Matemwe is for those who truly want to get away from it all. There are no beach bars, no vendors, no parties. Just a long, beautiful beach with views of Mnemba Island – one of the world’s best diving and snorkelling spots – and a handful of boutique resorts focused on peace and luxury.
Click here to see all hotels in Matemwe
The beach in Matemwe is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful, with soft white sand and turquoise water that changes colour depending on the tide.
And yes, the tides are dramatic here – at low tide you can walk far out and explore tidal pools, while high tide brings the turquoise bathing water right up. It’s part of the charm.
Mnemba Atoll is just a short boat ride from Matemwe, and this is where you’ll find some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling. Dolphins, sea turtles, colourful corals and hundreds of tropical fish. Most hotels in Matemwe arrange snorkelling trips to Mnemba, and it’s an absolute must-do.
But be prepared that Matemwe is remote. There are very few restaurants outside the hotels, and you’re far from Stone Town and Nungwi. That’s the whole point – but it’s important to know before you book.
Best for: Couples, honeymoons, divers, those who want total peace and relaxation.
Hotels in Matemwe
Sunshine Marine Lodge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sunshine Marine Lodge is an award-winning boutique resort focused on diving and sustainability. The hotel sits on a cliff above the sea with panoramic views of the Mnemba Atoll, and they have their own PADI dive centre. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated in Zanzibari style. The food in the restaurant is excellent – fresh seafood and local specialities. It’s the ultimate choice for divers and nature lovers.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “An absolutely fantastic place. The location with views over Mnemba is unmatched. The diving was world-class, the food was delicious, and the staff were warm and professional.”
Check prices and availability at Sunshine Marine Lodge
Zanzibar House Boutique Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zanzibar House is an Italian-owned boutique hotel with its own private sandy beach and views over the Indian Ocean and Mnemba Atoll. The hotel has only a limited number of rooms, giving it an exclusive and intimate feel. The restaurant serves excellent food – a fusion of Zanzibari and international cuisine – and the bar has over 40 different whiskeys. Their own dive centre, Ocean Legacy, offers daily snorkelling and diving trips to Mnemba.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “My favourite hotel on Zanzibar. A hidden gem! The staff were fantastic, the food the best on the island, and the beach felt completely private. My children and I didn’t want to go home.”
Check prices and availability at Zanzibar House Boutique Hotel
Zanzibar Retreat is a cosy and budget-friendly option in Matemwe with a fantastic location just 10 seconds from the beach. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere with a pool, restaurant serving good local food and a personal service that makes the stay special. The rooms have air conditioning and are clean and comfortable. The staff are happy to arrange snorkelling trips, diving and cycling tours, and the hotel also offers massage. It’s the perfect place if you want to experience Matemwe’s tranquillity without paying luxury prices.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A beautiful, rustic and quiet place – a true gem in a beautiful part of Zanzibar. The food was so good that we ate all meals at the hotel. The beach is wide and white, and the staff were incredibly friendly.”
Check prices and availability at Zanzibar Retreat Hotel
Where You Should NOT Stay on Zanzibar ❗️
Just as there are great areas, there are also places you should avoid:
Kiwengwa (unless you want all-inclusive). Kiwengwa on the east coast is dominated by large all-inclusive resorts – primarily Italian chains. It feels more like being at a generic holiday resort than being on Zanzibar. If you want to experience the local culture, there are better options.
Too close to the airport. The area around Zanzibar City’s airport isn’t particularly charming. Some cheap hotels here tempt with low prices, but you’re far from the beach and experiences. Spend the extra minutes in transport and stay somewhere that’s worth it.
Only one place for your entire holiday. The biggest “mistake” people make on Zanzibar is staying in one place for the whole trip. The island has so many different facets that it’s a shame to only experience one. Combine at least two areas – for example Stone Town + Nungwi, or Stone Town + Paje.
The east coast during rainy season (April-May). Many hotels on the east coast close down entirely during the long rainy season. Sea levels can flood beaches, and it’s generally not the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Still Unsure About Where Should You Stay on Zanzibar?
Here are my recommendations based on travel type:
Visiting Zanzibar for the first time? Start with 1-2 nights in Stone Town, then move to Nungwi or Kendwa for beach time. That combination gives you the best of both worlds.
On a honeymoon or romantic getaway? Matemwe or Zuri Zanzibar in Kendwa – total relaxation and romance.
A kitesurfer or love active holidays? Paje is your spot. World-class kitesurfing and a fantastic social atmosphere.
Travelling with family? Nungwi & Kendwa is best – no tidal challenges, plenty of facilities and activities for children.
A solo traveller or on a budget? Paje has the best prices, the most social vibe and a fantastic backpacker culture.
Love diving? Matemwe with proximity to Mnemba Atoll – one of the world’s best dive spots.
Whatever area you choose, Zanzibar is one of the most magical islands in the world. White beaches, warm turquoise water, fascinating culture and an African pace of life that makes you forget all about everyday life back home.
If Zanzibar has whetted your appetite for more island destinations, Sicily and Corsica are fantastic European alternatives with a similar blend of beach, culture and incredible food. And obviously – the Maldives should be on your radar too 😎
And if you’re dreaming of combining Zanzibar with a city break, a few days in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi is an obvious option – or you can take the trip home via Dubai or Istanbul.
Enjoy your trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 🌴
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?