Magaluf has been a firm favourite with party-seeking Brits for decades but there’s a lesser known beach resort that’s been dubbed as an emerging rival
A sun-soaked island with £1.50 pints and epic beach parties is being dubbed the ‘new Magaluf’ as it draws in increasing numbers of tourists. Throw in the breathtaking shores with white sands and turquoise waters, and it’s not difficult to see the appeal.
The Tanzanian island of Zanzibar has been emerging as a holiday hotspot in recent years, in part thanks to its brilliant winter sun offering; the island boasts sunny weather with temperatures between 32C and 35C from November through to March, at which point the rainy season starts to kick in.
Back in February the island recorded a 4.9% surge in tourist arrivals, with holidaymakers drawn to the pristine shores, bustling resorts and hot weather. Stone Town, the capital’s old town, tends to be one of the more popular spots. Although it’s not quite a party capital like Magaluf, it does boast a number of beach parties, nightclubs and an impressive array of restaurants and cafes.
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For those who like a dose of culture, there are plenty of historic landmarks include the 17th century Old Fort and Sultan’s Palace museum, not to mention the plethora of street markets to explore. Meanwhile the backpacking crowd tends to head to Nungwi where you can find full moon beach parties that rival the likes of Thailand, as well as soft white sands, budget-friendly hostels and wildlife including sea turtles.
When it comes to beaches, there are heaps of Maldives-worthy shores with white sands and crystal clear waters. Nungwi is one of the most popular spots, but other beaches such as Paje Beach, Kendwa Beach and Jambiani Beach are all among some of the top-rated on TripAdvisor, and also wow with their beautiful serene settings.
Currently TUI is the only holiday operator to offer direct flights to Zanzibar, with an average flight time of 9.5hours. You can find Zanzibar holidays from £1,075pp in January and February 2027, usually on a bed and breakfast basis although there are also plenty of all-inclusive options.
Meanwhile Skyscanner has found flights from £410 each way during the winter months, although it’s worth noting these usually include a stopover in Dubai. As for hotels, TripAdvisor has a handy guide to some of the island’s best hotels based on traveller reviews.
It’s worth noting that the Foreign Office currently advises against travel to parts of Tanzania, but the advice doesn’t apply to Zanzibar or the neighbouring coastal regions. You can find out more in the FCDO’s travel advice for Tanzania.