The island with infinite glistening beaches, lapping seas, and long, leisurely sunsets, is best enjoyed from a hammock. Does this ring a bell? Of course, it does, but that’s just the beginning of what this sweltering Indian Ocean island has to offer. If you delve a bit further, you’ll find a plethora of things to try your hand at. Discover the best things to do in Zanzibar. And if all you want to do is relax on the endless beaches, that’s OK too – after all, you’re on vacation.

Explore Stone Town’s streets.

Stone Town is Zanzibar’s historical and cultural core, with its magical, old-world charms and eclectic mix of Arabic, African, and European influences. The twisted alleyways are perfect for getting lost in, and there’s something interesting around every cobblestone corner: marvel at the exquisite doors and magnificent mosques, bargain for coffee with local vendors, or explore the ghosts of the past in one of the museums. If you don’t feel like navigating the maze of streets on your own, hire a local guide to show you around.

Take a sunset dhow trip.

Consider Zanzibar and the white-sailed dhows that billow across the horizon. These traditional wooden boats may be found all across the island, with personnel fishing at sea throughout the day and returning with a full net in the evening. That’s when you’ll be able to seize one! Gliding up the coast at sunset is an unrivaled way to take in the island’s palm-fringed splendor. Make your way to the island’s north-east point and float around the magnificent Mnemba Atoll with a cocktail in hand for the best views of the setting sun. This is without a doubt one of the most favored things to do in Zanzibar.

Kitesurfing is a sport that may be learned.

Why not attempt kite-surfing if the presence of some much-needed golden rays, a long white beach, and a gurgling blue ocean makes you feel like you can take on anything? Zanzibar’s east coast is a kitesurfer’s dream, with its long coastlines and shallow bathtub-warm waters, and there are various schools to select from, pleasing both novices and more expert surfer-chicks (and dudes). You’ll never want to kitesurf anywhere else after trying the dedicated Zanzibar Kite Paradise school at White Sands Resort on the desolate Paje beach.

Visit a turtle conservation Area.

Spending an afternoon with the endangered turtles at the Mnarani Project in Nungwi is one of the top things to do in Zanzibar if you’re missing the wildlife you left behind on safari. The project, which began in 1993, protects Hawksbill turtles (hunted for their patterned shells) and Green turtles (hunted for flesh) while also educating the public about the hazards of poaching these magnificent animals. Hear about the conservation efforts, swim with the turtles, and tour Nungwi beach by booking a visit from Matemwe Lodge (the employees here collect green turtle nests from their beach and give them over to the project for safekeeping).

Take a tour of the spicy islands in the world.

Most people heard of Zanzibar’s unusual appellation, but do you know anything about the island’s fragrant history? Get the inside scoop on a spice tour of the island’s unusual plantations, where nutmeg, cloves, lemon grass, and black pepper grow alongside jackfruit, mango, and the rather “fragrant” Durian fruit — we’ll let you decide! Spice tours are available from most hotels on the island, although if you want to avoid a long trek, most of the plantations are closer to Stone Town.

Dive into the Indian Ocean’s depths.

Another of Zanzibar’s must-see attractions. With scuba diving becoming increasingly popular as a vacation activity, a slew of dive schools have sprung up along Zanzibar’s beaches. While there isn’t a poor site to dive in those warm turquoise seas, we think we have a favorite, and it’s called Mnemba Island. The island, which is only one sandy mile in circle, is the ideal of beach paradise, but what makes it even better is the coral reef protection zone that surrounds it, which protects clouds of tropical fish from giant turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Grab your flippers as soon as possible!

On Kendwa Beach, there’ll be a party.

Zanzibar’s northern beaches, formerly the preserve of sarong-wearing, full-moon partying backpackers, have improved their game in recent years with a slew of new swanky hotels. And thank heavens for that, because the beaches of Kendwa and Nungwi are ideal for a classic pastel-hued sunset. Grab a Konyagi (local gin) from a grass-topped beach bar and dance until the sun rises again, or check into Kilindi for a more refined sundowner on the terrace. Everyone who has visited Kendwa will agree that it is one of Zanzibar’s top attractions.