Zanzibar

Forget the glossy catalog idea: Zanzibar is much more than a tropical postcard. It’s an island that pulses with life, that smells of ocean and cinnamon, that welcomes you with swaying palms and a complex past etched into the coral-stone walls of Stone Town. Once a kingdom of sultans and a central port in the Indian Ocean trade routes, today Zanzibar is a crossroads of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences that echo everywhere: in the spiced dishes, the Swahili smiles, the intricate carvings on ancient wooden doors. Wander through the narrow alleys of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where time seems to stand still among mosques, hidden courtyards, and bustling markets. Pause for a fresh juice at Forodhani Gardens at sunset, or get lost among the colorful stalls of Darajani Market. Listen to the waves crashing at the harbor and imagine the stories of Persian merchants, Portuguese navigators, freed slaves, and British colonizers—all of whom passed through here, leaving their mark on the island’s DNA.

Zanzibar is also turquoise waters shifting with the tides, endless beaches like those of Paje and Matemwe, fishing villages where women harvest seaweed at dusk, and tropical forests like Jozani, home to the rare red colobus monkeys, native to the island. It’s also ocean-view lunches at The Rock, barefoot dinners on the sand in Nungwi, warm swims with starfish in Bwejuu, or sailing on a dhow to the Mnemba Atoll, where you might swim alongside dolphins. The vibe? A perfect mix of slow travel and salty life. Zanzibar is for those seeking something real. For those who love the ocean—but also the stories. For those who travel to connect, not just to escape. And once you’ve been, you stop wondering if you’ll return: you just start asking when.

Zanzibar is a hymn to water. Its beaches are among the most spectacular in the world. In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa are the perfect combo: beaches that are swimmable all day long (a rare treasure in Zanzibar), ideal for long dips, sunset aperitifs, and evenings of beach bars, bonfires on the sand, and icy cocktails. On the east coast, the vibes shift: Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu... the kingdom of kitesurfers, barefoot nomads, and those who love the wind on their skin and long walks among fishermen and seaweed gatherers. It’s a wilder, rougher corner—and that’s exactly what makes it irresistible. If you’re in the mood for ocean adventures, hop on a dhow, the traditional wooden boat that still sails with the grace of centuries past. From there, set out toward the Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling that feels straight out of a nature documentary: parrotfish, turtles, glowing coral reefs. Or head to Kizimkazi, where at dawn you can swim with wild dolphins—no nets, no shows, just nature, ocean, and goosebumps. Every beach here has its own rhythm, its own light, its own soundtrack. Whether you want to meditate with a view of the horizon, dance barefoot under the stars, or lose yourself among seashells and chats with locals, Zanzibar always offers you a place of your own—where the only schedule is the tide.

Zanzibar reveals its most authentic soul through intense scents, lush trails, and stories carved by time. The island’s flourishing spice plantations offer a unique sensory experience: you walk among rows of cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and vanilla, while uncovering the ancient origins of these crops and their deep ties to trade, local customs, and centuries-old traditions. In the Jozani Forest, you continue through towering trees and tangled mangroves—where the ground becomes a carpet of suspended roots and the air hangs heavy with humidity. This is home to the red colobus monkeys, an endemic species whose quick movements through the branches lend a fairytale feel to the forest. Caution and respect are essential here: keeping your distance protects both the observer and the observed. The enchantment continues in Stone Town, where every carved door, Arab-style balcony, and hidden courtyard bears witness to Zanzibar’s Swahili, Omani, Persian, and colonial past. Walking through the narrow lanes of the old city means letting time slow down: between arches, mosques, and noisy markets, you catch glimpses of a rich and layered culture. Don’t miss the Darajani evening market, when stalls of street food and spices come alive under glowing lamps. Then there are the details that blend memory, music, and history—like Freddie Mercury’s birthplace or the Old Arab Fort, where different life paths and stories intersect.

To explore the island from its very heart, hop on a quad bike: in just half a day, you’ll cross farming villages, untouched coastlines, and rural rhythms that make you feel part of the island itself.

And don’t miss a stop at the Kuza Cave, a stunning circular limestone sinkhole dating back 250,000 years. With its turquoise freshwater pool about 3 meters deep, it’s not just a natural wonder—but a true cultural hub, run by the local community.

Zanzibar’s cuisine is a living story of its millenary history, a crossroads of cultures intertwined in every aroma and flavor. Here, between the waves of the Indian Ocean and the spice plantations, a unique gastronomic tradition has developed, shaped by Arab, African, Indian, and even Portuguese influences—each imprinted in the dishes and the gestures of preparation. At the heart of the Zanzibari table is shared food: meze, a series of small, rich, and spiced dishes, offered as a sign of welcome and friendship, often served on long tables where storytelling and smiles are essential ingredients. From curries made with freshly caught fish, aromatic pilau, crispy samosas, to the famous urojo (a spicy street soup), every bite is an invitation to discover the island’s culture. Spices are the true local treasure; cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger give body and identity to the dishes, as well as to the ritual of spiced tea—sweet and steaming—which is enjoyed several times a day, accompanied by chatter and moments of pause. Taking part in a traditional festival or wedding in Zanzibar means immersing yourself in an explosion of colors, music, and flavors: the air fills with the intense scents of spices, pilau rice, grilled meat, and fragrant sweets. Islamic religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are special occasions to savor dishes that require hours of preparation and teamwork between families and neighbors, strengthening the sense of community. But the true essence of Zanzibari conviviality is discovered in the small daily moments: sitting with locals in the cafes of Stone Town, sipping a thick black coffee or a portion of mandazi—fried sweets similar to doughnuts—and listening to stories of the sea, spices, and life on the island. Here, food is not just nourishment; it is living culture, authentic hospitality, and a way to tell the identity of a people who welcome everyone with a smile and a steaming plate.