Zanzibar divides neatly between its historic heart and its beaches, with a surprisingly rich interior in between. Stone Town is the cultural anchor — a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow lanes, carved doors, and coral-stone mansions worth at least two days on its own. But the island's real pull is its coastline: white sand, turquoise water, and a reef that circles most of the island about a kilometre offshore.
The north coast around Nungwi has the best conditions for swimming at low tide (unlike much of the east coast, where the reef keeps water shallow when the tide drops). The east coast at Paje, Jambiani, and Matemwe offers shallower, calmer water and the island's best kite-surfing. Mnemba Atoll, off the northeast tip, is a marine protected area with outstanding snorkelling and diving — green turtles, reef sharks, and dense coral gardens are routine.
In the interior, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park protects Zanzibar's last significant forest and the island's endemic red colobus monkeys. A short walk on the forest trail brings you close to troops of these rare primates, which have no fear of humans. The spice farms around Kizimbani and Kiwengwa offer half-day tours through plantations of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Dhow sailing at sunset is a Zanzibar ritual. Operators in Stone Town and at every beach resort run excursions on traditional wooden boats, with snorkelling stops at sandbanks and grilled fish served on board.