Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located not far from the east coast of mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It consists or several small islands and two large islands, Pemba and Unguja. The later being by far being the most populated, and largest tourist destination is commonly referred to as simply Zanzibar. The capital city of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City. The historic centre of Zanzibar City is called Stone Town and is a World Heritage Site. Zanzibar was in important trading hub and the Swahili language and culture were formed from Persian, Indian, Arab, and Portuguese mixing with the native Bantu languages and cultures. The islands of Unguja and Pemba are often referred to as the "Spice Islands" due to the abundance and wide variety of spices grown on the islands.
Stone Town shows off the cultural blend of the islands with its fascinating architecture, narrow winding alleyways opening into bustling bazaars with its many small shops and restaurants. Spending a day in Stone Town is well worth the experience. But for the beaches the best locations are on the northern and eastern coasts. We recommend spending a minimum of 4 days in Zanzibar to not feel rushed while simultaniously trying to relax.
