Holidays in Zanzibar

Once known as Spice Island, Zanzibar has become one of the jewels of the Indian Ocean for enjoying a paradisiacal holiday surrounded by exoticism. Its tropical vegetation, white-sand beaches and the friendliness of its people place you squarely in the life philosophy of 'Hakuna Matata'.

If you ask someone about the best beaches of Zanzibar, they'll surely tell you about Nungwi Beach, a stretch of white sand with turquoise waters that will surprise you with its beauty. The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is located in this exquisite landscape to offer you everything you need to enjoy the African experience.

Zanzibar: nature and history

The village of Nungwi is one of the most touristic areas of Zanzibar, where you will find various leisure options for an unforgettable holiday. We recommend that you stroll through its streets, visit the places where dhows, the traditional boats of the zone, are built and repaired, and enjoy a lovely sunset on the beach that will take your breath away. And if you love the sea, you can't go home without snorkelling or scuba diving and discovering the stunning coral reefs.

The island of Zanzibar has impressive natural landscapes worth seeing. If you're a nature-lover, you have to visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park on the southern part of the island. And to learn more about the history of the place, you have the option of going on the spice route, an excursion that visits different fields where the typical spices of Zanzibar, like clove and cinnamon, are grown.

Stone Town, the capital of the island, has historic places that are sure to surprise you, like the labyrinthine streets of its old quarter, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the carved wooden doors on the houses, which in the past represented the social class of the family that lived in them. Don't forget to visit the homes of the singer Freddy Mercury, Livingstone, and the House of Miracles, once the sultan's palace. And, as long as you're going to Stone Town, you can take advantage of the occasion to go on an excursion to one of the neighbouring islands, like Changuu (or Prison Island), Chapwani or Bawe.

Gastronomy

Inevitably, the gastronomy of Zanzibar stands out for being spicy and having a mixture of aromas that will captivate you. We suggest you try pilau rice, which is made with coconut, dried fruits and spices; ugali, a porridge made of cassava served with meat or fish; chips mayai, a type of potato omelette; and Zanzibar pizza, a tart made with peppers, ground meat, onion and spices. In addition, exotic fruits like mango, pineapple and passion fruit provide an explosion of flavour.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

This protected space with over 50 km2 is dedicated especially to the conservation of native plant and animal species. In its forests, you can see the red colobus, a primate species endemic to the island, gigantic water lilies and centenary trees.

Prison Island - Changuu

Very near the capital of Zanzibar, this tiny island will surprise you with its pristine landscapes and incredible beaches. If you visit it, you're sure to see huge specimens of tortoises.

House of Miracles

The former ceremonial palace of the second sultan of Zanzibar, built in 1883 in the capital, Stone Town. It's one of the main attractions of the destination as it hosts different exhibitions throughout the year. It's worth noting that it is the tallest and grandest building in the city.