If you enjoy getting to know a destination beyond its beach resorts, then Zanzibar’s historic and cultural heart, Stone Town should not be missed.

Famous for its maze of winding alleyways packed with colourful markets, decorative doorways and quirky souvenir shops, Stone Town is the perfect place to embrace the region’s unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. Music lovers can also visit the childhood home of Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar's most famous musical icon, located just a short stroll from the waterfront.

Stone Town can easily be explored on a day trip, but we highly recommend spending a few nights in this captivating city to fully appreciate its charm and atmosphere. With rooftop restaurants and lively night markets serving up some of the island’s most delicious local cuisine, a stay in Stone Town will add depth and character to your beach escape, and is a great option for what to do in Zanzibar.

One of Zanzibar’s most popular day trips, Prison Island - also known as Changuu Island - offers its visitors a fascinating glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich history. Despite its name, the island was never officially used as a functioning prison, although it once served as a detention site for rebellious slaves and later as a quarantine for yellow fever sufferers.

Today, Prison Island is best known for its population on giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over a century old. Visitors can observe these remarkable creatures up close before relaxing on postcard worthy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters or snorkelling among the island’s colourful coral reefs.

Located in the heart of Zanzibar, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar’s only national park and a must-visit for nature lovers. This lush tropical forest is best known as the home of the rare and endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else in the world.

Walking through the forest’s shaded trails, visitors can discover towering trees, mangrove swamps and a variety of butterflies as well as other animal and bird species. Guided tours of the park offer a fascinating insight into Zanzibar’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.

With exceptional visibility and an underwater world teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles and colourful coral gardens, Zanzibar is a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. Some of the best marine sites can be found within the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve, where calm, clear waters and a thriving marine ecosystem make exploring beneath the surface an unforgettable part of any island escape.

Alternatively, join a sea safari of the Menai Bay conservation area, the largest marine protected area in Zanzibar. Set sail aboard a traditional dhow to seek out sloping coral reefs and keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins, which are often spotted gliding through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

For centuries, Zanzibar has been one of the world’s most important centres for the production and trade of spices, earning it the nickname ‘Spice Island’. A visit to a local spice farm offers a fascinating insight into Zanzibar's historic spice trade, which helped shape the archipelago’s identity and remains one of its most popular experiences.

Visitors can join guided spice tours through lush plantations filled with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and pepper, learning how these prized commodities are cultivated, harvested and used in local cuisine, traditional medicine and ceremonial practices that continue to play an important role in Zanzibar today.

A great way to discover Zanzibar is by trying the local culinary delights. Typical Zanzibari dishes are full of spices, herbs and seasoning making them incredibly tasty and unique. Their dishes have Swahili, Indian and Arabian influences, and are packed with tempting aromas, flavours and colours.

As well as herbs and spices, seafood is a huge part of many dishes on the island. The local fisherman will have no doubt waded out at high tide to ensure the best 'catch of the day', which you'll later find on any restaurant or beach shack menu.

It would be impossible to list what to do in Zanzibar without giving credit to its spectacular beaches. Offering powder-soft white sand and crystal clear waters, Zanzibar’s coastline really is among the most beautiful in the world. Whether you are seeking lively beach bars and watersports, secluded stretches of sand for total relaxation or breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean, there is a beach to suit every style of traveller.

From the vibrant shores of Nungwi and Kendwa in the north to the laidback charm of Paje and Kiwengwa on the east coast, and the rugged seclusion of Kizimkazi in the South, Zanzibar’s beaches provide the perfect setting to unwind, explore and soak up the archipelago's tropical beauty.