The lure of the "spice islands" is legendary. From exotic Stone Town, a city with a fascinating history that invites you to explore its narrow streets, to palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, Zanzibar is a complete change of pace from mainland Tanzania.

Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, has hardly changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand houses, whose original owners competed with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings, which is reflected in the beautiful brass-studded, carved, wooden doors. You can spend many idle hours and days exploring this fascinating town, just wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.

Zanzibar’s main attractions lie along its shores - the spectacular turquoise sea, with its magnificent marine life and striking coral formations, and the fine white sand beaches. Although many places on the island have become very developed, there are still many quiet and relatively unspoiled spots left to explore.