Known as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white sandy beaches with palm trees swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together these make Zanzibar an amazing place to explore as well as a dream place to relax and unwind.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25-50 kilometers from the mainland coast, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally called Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is the city of Zanzibar, which is located on the island of Unguja. the historical center is Stone Town, which is part of the world heritage.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but the sand and surf varies depending on which side of the island you are on. On the east coast, waves crash against coral reefs and offshore sandbars, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, minnows, and stingrays. In the north, swimming in the ocean is less sensitive to the tide, and the smooth beaches and white sand make the days dazzling in the sun.

The port town of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where the slave caves are visible at low tide, and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two in the east or north is well worth the extra hour’s drive there. Still, the Chole Island Marine Park just outside Stone Town – and the nearby Jail, Grave and Snake Islands – make for a refreshing day trip and a nice break from exploring the winding passages of the old town.

Zanzibar is a place to escape from the everyday and ordinary, with world-class beaches and a rich history, culture and geography like no other in the world. It is a true tropical paradise, but it offers much more than just surface beauty.