Know as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa's east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25-50 kilometers (16-31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is stone town, which is a world heritage site.

Zanzibar's coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you're on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun. On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangers species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani forest, home to Zanzibar's rare Red colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

Why you should Visit

• Zanzibar

The word "Zanzibar" probably derives from the Persian Zangi-bar ("coast of the blacks''); ultimately from the Arabic words of the same meaning. Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, and still enjoy a high degree of autonomy within the union.

• Stone Town

The capital city, Zanzibar, is divided in two sections: Stone town, a world heritage site, and Ngambo. The buildings are predominantly white coral stone with a noticeable Arab architectural style. Narrow roads meander between buildings some over a century old, leading you to picturesque bazaars with carpenters, jewelers, hawkers, tailors and coffee sellers.

• Culture

Zanzibar is a conservative, Sunni Muslim society. Its history was influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and the African mainland. Stone Town is a place of winding lanes, circular towers, carved wooden doors, raised terraces and beautiful mosques. Important architectural features are the Livingstone house, the Guliani Bridge, and the House of wonders.