October 29, 2025, 10:05 am | Read time: 7 minutes
White sandy beaches and turquoise waters–Zanzibar offers paradise-like conditions. It’s no surprise that the beaches of this Tanzanian archipelago are almost too beautiful to be true. TRAVELBOOK knows where to find the best spots and showcases six of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches.
“Karibu Zanzibar”–welcome to Zanzibar. After about nine hours of travel, the plane lands in the former home of Queen singer Freddie Mercury. The late Freddie was born in Zanzibar and spent the early years of his life here. Back then, he was known as “Farrokh Bulsara” and surely visited the island’s most beautiful beaches. We’ve selected six of them and reveal a hidden gem.
Overview
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1. Nungwi Beach–the Beach of Cows
Snow-white sand and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean–some claim Nungwi Beach is Zanzibar’s most beautiful beach. It’s located in the far north, a region known for its abundance of stunning beaches. Despite growing tourism, Nungwi Beach has retained its original charm, which appeals not only to people but also to a particular animal: the cow! Small herds spend their days on the beach, lounging in the sand and chewing cud. They’ve become a real attraction, as the sight of large animals on the beach is quite unusual. But who can blame them? This place is too beautiful not to visit. In the morning, fishermen set out with their dhows, returning at sunset. Due to its proximity to the equator, this happens earlier here than in other parts of the world.
Our tip: There’s truly something for everyone at this beach. Many come simply to relax and sip cocktails at one of the beach bars. However, if you’re open to it, consider taking a diving course. The underwater world here is particularly beautiful and offers the chance for an unforgettable experience.
2. Kendwa Beach–in the North
Just south of Nungwi lies the neighboring Kendwa Beach. This beach is particularly popular with young people, not least because of the legendary full-moon parties. The coastal town of Kendwa is also known for sandy beaches that are less affected by tides than elsewhere on the island. Additionally, the beaches of northern Zanzibar are known for being especially expansive. This is true for Kendwa Beach, where there’s plenty of space to truly unwind. The sunsets here are exceptionally beautiful due to the beach’s location, perfectly rounding off a long day at the beach.
Our tip: Take a dhow ride! It’s best to book a trip on the traditional boat at sunset. Afterwards, visit one of the beachside eateries. If you like, you can order fresh kingfish here. The local beers Tusker, Kilimanjaro, or Serengeti are also highly recommended.
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3. Matemwe Beach–in the Northeast
Turquoise water and soft sand–Matemwe Beach is in the northeast and seems to stretch endlessly. The water is warm and clear, and even without snorkeling, you can often spot schools of swift fish. The water in the northeast is not only great for snorkeling but also for watersports. Kitesurfing is particularly popular due to the wind. There are several places on-site where you can rent the necessary equipment and give it a try. What better coast for this than here? The palm-lined beach stretches an incredible eight kilometers.
Our tip: For diving, Mnemba Island is a must. It’s located right off Matemwe. The Mnemba Atoll is known for colorful fish of all kinds. With a bit of luck, you can also swim with dolphins! A dive spot away is Prison Island, where the chances of encountering giant tortoises are really good.
4. East Coast–Almost One Long Beach
The east coast of Zanzibar is almost one long sandy beach. The most well-known coastal towns here are Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Dongwe, and Jambiani. If you’re mobile in Zanzibar, you should definitely visit them and make stops at all the beautiful beaches along the way. They are all quite similar. With all the many white sandy beaches, colorful fishing boats, and crystal-clear sea, you might almost speak of monotony. Fortunately, it’s nearly impossible to tire of the sights here. Additionally, the east coast of Zanzibar is much more original than the north and thus far less touristy. This means you can often find yourself completely alone on the beaches, allowing you to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Our tip: Besides the outstandingly beautiful beaches Bwejuu Beach and Paje Beach, there’s another highlight on the east coast. “The Rock” is a small restaurant located on a rock in the ocean. You can only reach the restaurant dry-footed at low tide. If you want to visit during high tide, a small boat awaits you at the shore.
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5. Kizimkazi Beach–Head South
The journey further south passes by Jozani National Park, home to the extremely rare red colobus monkeys. You don’t have to search long for them; they usually stand curiously by the roadside and are willing to be photographed. The fishing village of Kizimkazi has a beach known for a particular animal: the dolphin! Right off the coast lies a coral reef where dolphins prefer to hang out. Boats frequently head to the reef to bring curious visitors close to the animals. Twice a year, you can even spot whales here as they pass through the strait. However, out of love for the animals, it’s best to avoid such boat tours. Whales and dolphins can also be seen from the beach with a bit of luck.
Our tip: There’s a bar right on the beach. If you order coconut milk here, the nut is freshly harvested from the tree, allowing you to sip the milk directly from it!
6. Pwani Mchangani Beach–A Hidden Gem
Our hidden gem is located on Zanzibar’s northeast coast and is called Pwani Mchangani Beach. Admittedly, most of Zanzibar’s beaches are not crowded and are appreciated by most travelers for that reason. However, the small island has become relatively busier in recent years. But when visiting Pwani Mchangani Beach, you’ll likely find it completely deserted. At low tide, the walk to the water is quite long, and once there, you should definitely go snorkeling. Besides the option to take a diving course, you can also ride a horse along the beach here. It’s especially wonderful at sunset!
Our tip: Zanzibar’s cuisine should definitely be sampled during a vacation on the islands. There are several restaurants right on the beach. Highly recommended are Zanzibar pizza, biryani, and pilau. The latter is perfect for those who love rice and Indian cuisine.