Zanzibar is a peaceful island off the coast of Tanzania, surrounded by the Indian Ocean and filled with white sand beaches, tropical nature, and friendly local life. If you’re coming from Greece and want to unwind after a long flight or safari, this island is the perfect place to rest. Renting a car in Zanzibar gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, without crowds or strict schedules. You don’t need to pack your days with activities. Our guide focuses on the relaxing road trips in Zanzibar, how to move around easily, and where to stay or eat.
You can rent a car with a valid Greek driving license, as long as it is in English or comes with an International Driving Permit. The minimum age is usually 21, and you must have held your license for at least one year. Most rental companies ask for a passport, a credit card, and a deposit. Some roads may require a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season, so check the route before booking your car.
Driving in Zanzibar follows the British system, which is on the left side of the road. Fuel stations are common near towns like Stone Town or Paje, but rare in remote areas. Always keep your tank half full, especially when heading to the eastern or northern coast.
Start your trip in Stone Town. This area has a rich culture, historic buildings, and a relaxed pace. It’s also where most flights arrive, so you won’t need to drive far on your first day. Stone Town is best known for its narrow streets, local markets, and old buildings made of coral stone. You can visit museums, walk past Arabic-stle doors, and hear the call to prayer echo through the city.
One peaceful place to stay is Zanzibar Serena Hotel, right by the water. It’s set in one of the oldest buildings in town. Another good choice is Zanzibar Palace Hotel, located in the heart of the historic area. These spots give you easy access to calm views and walking tours. For food, stop at Ocean Grill or enjoy local flavors at the Stone Town Market. Don’t miss visiting Prison Island, where you can feed giant tortoises and relax at Nakupenda Sandbank afterward. These are peaceful escapes from town. The boat ride there feels like part of the holiday.
After your visit to Stone Town, head north. The drive to Nungwi Beach takes under 2 hours. This part of the island is perfect for swimming and has some of the least tidal beaches, meaning the water stays close all day. That makes Nungwi one of the best places to relax in Zanzibar if you want to swim, walk on soft sand, and avoid busy streets.
Nungwi is popular but still has quiet areas. Stay at Essque Zalu Zanzibar for a high-end experience that has local design with ocean views. Another option is DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Nungwi, which is close to restaurants and the turtle sanctuary. From here, you can visit Mnarani Turtle Aquarium, enjoy long beach walks, or take a quiet sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.
Greek tourists in Zanzibar will love Nungwi. You can eat dinner by the sea at Langi Langi or enjoy local drinks at Mangi’s Bar. The area around Ras Nungwi is quieter and great for travelers who want peace without too much noise. Just remember to bring cash. There are no ATMs in Nungwi, and credit card fees are often high.
Kendwa is a 10-minute drive from Nungwi. It offers a similar beach, but with fewer people. The beach stays beautiful even during full moon parties, though some tourists prefer to check the moon calendar if they want peace. Further along the east coast is Matemwe. This beach has fewer sellers and fewer crowds. The water is crystal clear during high tide and great for snorkeling trips to Mnemba Island, which is nearby.
Matemwe has upscale lodges and offers privacy, which is ideal for couples or solo travelers who want time to think and rest. If you want a bit of nature, walk through the coral flats during low tide and watch the ocean come back slowly. Both Kendwa and Matemwe are easy to reach by car. These areas are suitable for driving in Zanzibar because the roads are quiet and the views are open. Just be ready for a mix of paved and sandy roads.
Traveling further south, you’ll reach the cove beach of Pongwe. It’s small and private, making it one of the most peaceful spots in Zanzibar. Pongwe Beach Lodge is less affected by tides. While remote, this also means no beach sellers will disturb your rest. Most meals are served inside the hotel, and many visitors come here just to nap, swim, and read. If you want to relax without being interrupted, this is the place.
Next to Pongwe is Kiwengwa. This beach has more resorts, but still keeps a calm feeling. There are Italian-stle all-inclusive hotels, smaller places, and great views. Snorkeling, coral walks, and even visits to Kiwengwa Caves are possible. These beaches stretch far and give you long, open views. You’ll still get shallow waters at low tide, but there’s always something to look at or do. You’ll pass small villages and empty roads if you drive between these beaches.
You’ll find Paje and Bwejuu on the island's southeast side. These beaches are known for their soft sand, wide spaces, and warm breezes. They are also the best places for kitesurfing. But they’re still good for swimming, walking, and wellness if you don't want to be active. In Paje, stay at Paje by Night, a cozy hotel with a yoga studio and massage spa. It’s great for Greek tourists who want a quiet resting place but also access to healthy food and yoga classes. The sea here can go far during low tide, but that just means more beach to walk on.
Bwejuu is even calmer. It’s a traditional fishing village with fewer hotels. Breezes Beach Club and Echo Beach Hotel offer quiet luxury. The beach is part of a seaweed farming area, so you may see local women collecting plants in the morning. This is the daily life in Zanzibar, and it adds a nice local feel to your stay. Meals in these areas are full of spice and flavor. On a guided tour, you can visit the nearby spice farms and see how cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom are grown. These tours often end with a meal using the spices you just saw.
Michamvi is at the tip of the southeast coast and feels like a place time forgot. Here, you’ll find hidden coves, small hotels, and one of the most unique dining spots on the island, The Rock Restaurant. This small building sits on a rock in the ocean. During high tide, it’s only reachable by boat. The food is pricey, but the views are unforgettable.
Staying in Michamvi gives you access to quiet beaches like Pingwe. The area is less crowded and has fewer sellers. The sunsets are some of the best in Zanzibar, and many visitors just sit on the beach and watch the light change for hours. For relaxation, this area is hard to beat. You can pair your visit with a massage or yoga class at your hotel. Most places offer wellness services and good meals made from fresh ingredients.
Aside from beaches, Zanzibar has forests, spice farms, and quiet villages waiting to be explored. These places give you the chance to slow down, enjoy green scenery, and learn something new. If you're renting a car in Zanzibar, you’ll find the drives smooth and scenic, with wide roads and gentle views of farms and forests.
A peaceful route is the drive to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, located near the center of the island. This protected area is the only national park in Zanzibar and is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, a species found only on the island. These monkeys are often seen in groups near the trees and are used to people watching them. Along the path, you may spot the Blue Sykes Monkey, squirrels, and insects on the forest floor. After walking under tall trees, you’ll be guided to the mangrove boardwalk, a wooden path over swampy ground to learn how the trees grow in salty water and protect the shoreline.
You can drive about an hour north from the forest to visit the Jambo Spice Farm near Dole. It’s one of the most hands-on experiences on the island. A local guide will take you through the plantation and let you see, smell, and taste the spices from the trees and soil. You’ll learn about turmeric, cardamom, vanilla, cloves, and tropical fruits. The tour is lively and fun, and many travelers say it’s a highlight of their stay. At the end of the walk, you’re treated to a lunch full of flavors from the spices grown there. You might eat spiced rice, salads, and grilled fish or tuna.
Zanzibar is a place where time feels slower and the sea is always nearby. This island is a great match if you're from Greece and looking for peace, calm, and warmth. You can start in Stone Town, then drive to the beaches of Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa, or Pongwe. Each area offers something different, but all give you the space to unwind and take your mind off daily stress.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Zanzibar. With pick-up points across the island, you can book a car that fits your travel needs. When you rent a vehicle, you can move freely and comfortably. You can visit a spice farm or explore a quiet road without hidden fees or confusion.
