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Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel


6°9’36.6"S 39°11’31.3"E

About Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Opened in July 2006, the Zanzibar Palace has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best boutique hotels ...

... in Stone Town. Zanzibar Palace Hotel is independently owned and the Italian management team pride themselves on great service and personal attention to guests. The hotel has been renovated with a lot of care and attention to detail. The result is a lovely friendly boutique hotel, which is highly original and has bags of character.

The Zanzibar Palace Hotel tries hard to make a good impression – the rooms are beautiful and the service is excellent. One thing that sticks in our minds is the quality of the furniture in the rooms; it definitely made a good impression on us!

However the hotel has already become a very popular choice. With only nine rooms, it might be difficult to get space here during the peak months of July and August unless you book quite far in advance.

Our view

The Zanzibar Palace Hotel tries hard to make a good impression – the rooms are beautiful and the service is excellent. One thing that sticks in our minds is the quality of the furniture in the rooms; it definitely made a good impression on us!

However the hotel has already become a very popular choice. With only nine rooms, it might be difficult to get space here during the peak months of July and August unless you book quite far in advance.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Accommodation

9 rooms

Children

Good for all ages

Open

May 1st to 31st March

Activities

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Zanzibar Palace Hotel

51 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


89%
51 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
29
Good
18
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
CarofromBucks

Arrived 5 Aug 2024, 1 nights

"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"

"We weren't sure what to expect, coming to Stonetown from Impala Camp. Huge …" Read Caro’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Jenny fromFaversham

Arrived 4 Feb 2024, 1 nights

"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"

"A quirky hotel in an historically interesting building and in a good location. …" Read Jenny ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs H.fromSurrey

Arrived 31 Jul 2023, 2 nights

"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"

"Great location, easy to find and the staff are all very friendly and professiona …" Read Mr & Mrs H.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs FfromSussex

Arrived 23 Oct 2022, 1 nights

"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"

"Perfect location with quirky rooms …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Jenny fromFaversham

Arrived 15 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"

"A good location and, amidst the myriad windy streets, relatively easy to find …" Read Jenny ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Dr & Dr S.fromKnutsford

Arrived 11 Nov 2019, 2 nights

"Unique hotel with central location"

"characterful rooms, quite unlike anything we'd stayed in before …" Read Dr & Dr S.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr W.fromCheshire

Arrived 10 Aug 2019, 4 nights

"A unique, luxury Stone Town experience"

"A unique, luxury Stone Town experience …" Read Mr W.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

DGJMfromLondon

Arrived 19 Jul 2019, 2 nights

"Pleasant centrally-located stay in Stone Town"

"The staff was very friendly & made conversation each day, remembering our names …" Read DGJM’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss RfromBarnsley

Arrived 5 Aug 2017, 2 nights

"Perfect beginning to our honeymoon"

"Fantastic location within the historic maze of Stone Town.. Breakfast was superb …" Read Miss R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

F, N & IfromUK

Arrived 6 Aug 2017, 2 nights

"Quirky/old fashioned stay at Zanzibar Palace"

"Accommodation more scruffy and basic than we'd become used to at the safaris, …" Read F, N & I’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Zanzibar Palace Hotel reviews

Trips visiting Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Turmeric Beach Holiday

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.

Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, Stone Town

US$2,510 - US$3,750 per person

Read more about the Turmeric Beach Holiday

Zanzibar Palace Hotel: Our full report

Opened in July 2006, the Zanzibar Palace has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best boutique hotels ...

... in Stone Town. Zanzibar Palace Hotel is independently owned and the Italian management team pride themselves on great service and personal attention to guests. The hotel has been renovated with a lot of care and attention to detail. The result is a lovely friendly boutique hotel, which is highly original and has bags of character.

The entire hotel has a strong Zanzibarian flavour and handcrafted furniture is used throughout. All of the furniture has been sourced locally, and years were spent finding the perfect pieces for each little nook and cranny. The furniture is of a very high quality, and each piece is unique - giving the Zanzibar Palace Hotel a wonderfully traditional feel.

Each of the bedrooms is Zanzibari in style, though all have their own unique interior décor. There are nine rooms altogether, two of which are relatively small Luxury Rooms, and the remaning seven are the larger and more opulent Suites.

There are two particularly amazing suites at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel – the Palace Suite Sherali and Palace Suite Dunia ; both are on the top floor of the hotel, with fantastic views – and both are amongst the best and most original rooms in Stone Town!

The style continues in the communal areas. You enter the hotel through grand Zanzibari doors, where the small reception (with beautiful carved desk), lounge and dining area are all in one open-plan room. A second lounge area, set up on a step, is an inviting place to play a board game or two, while adjacent is a long, thin dining area.

Zanzibar Palace Hotel has a small in-house spa, a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day out exploring Stone Town. There are two massage tables and a pedicure chair as well as showers and a bathroom. There are a variety of treatments available including couples massages, so please enquire at reception if this is something that interests you.

Geographics

Location
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay
One or two nights to explore this fascinating town full of culture.
Directions
It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it is a further 10 minutes to Stone Town and the Zanzibar Palace Hotel.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
On our last visit we didn't eat here. However the food at the Zanzibar Palace on previous visits has been of high quality. The breakfast reflects the owners European heritage, so there are plenty of cheeses, meats, breads and cakes on offer. This is certainly different from the more cursory fruit and bacon & eggs which most other hotels provide. It’s a very welcome change.

For dinner we had an enjoyable and tasty meal, combining local herbs, spices and produce. For starters, there was a choice of shrimp platter or leek and potato soup with warm spices. The main course was pork chops with a selection of side vegetables, or fragrant grilled sea bream fillet. The dessert was pancakes filled with ice-cream covered with chocolate sauce.

As the kitchen normally caters for low numbers, and is not open to outside guests, the hotel requests that you indicate you will be taking dinner by 4pm on the day. There will always be a choice of meat or fish for the main course, and a vegetarian option if requested.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes, the Zanzibar Palace Hotel offers room service free of charge and there is also a 24 hour bar.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included.

Special interests

Honeymoons
This is a fantastic hotel for your honeymoon to Zanzibar. It is luxurious, small and personal, and the suites are spectacular. The service is excellent and you’ll be made to feel very special! It’s a romantic hotel with a central Stone Town location.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
Cultural Experiences
Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a characterful property with beautiful rooms and antique furniture. It is located in the heart of Sone Town from where you can easily go on a guided tour to explore the old town and discover Zanzibar's history and culture.
See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel.
Property’s age restrictions
When we were last there, there were no age restrictions at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel.
Special activities & services
No
Equipment
There is one cot available on request. There is also a games corner in reception, where children will find a few board games to play with.
Generally recommended for children
Yes
Notes
Though this hotel is not particularly geared towards children, they are welcome at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel and the Shaba Suite can easily be made into a triple or a quadruple.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24 hour electricity.
Communications
There is free access to WiFi throughout the hotel, and people are also welcome to use the hotels’ own laptop in the lounge.
TV & radio
There is a TV with satellite channels and a DVD player in all of the rooms, as well as a large flat-screen television in a lounge area on the second floor.
Water supply notes
Water is filtered 3 times before it comes out of the taps but we would still recommend drinking the bottled water that is provided.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a private clinic next door to the Zanzibar Palace Hotel, where guests can see a doctor.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There are security guards at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel and a night receptionist and a well locked door.
Fire safety
There are fire-extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire escapes in every room.

Activities

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
The laundry is an extra charge, though when we were last there it was only $1.00 per item.
Money
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel are not able to offer any currency exchange, though there are lots of nearby bureaus and the staff will be happy to show you where.
Accepted payment on location
You can pay for any extras at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel in cash only. They accept US dollars, euro, and Tanzanian shillings. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners and Amex) are accepted with a 5% surcharge.

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Zanzibar Palace Hotel's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Zanzibar Palace Hotel.


Excursions from Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Zanzibar Palace Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour
100% (1 reviews)
Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
70% (6 reviews)
Princess Salme Spice Tour

Princess Salme Spice Tour

Half-day

Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Join a knowledgeable local guide to follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade on a working plantation.

More about Princess Spice Tour
91% (7 reviews)
Prison Island Tour

Prison Island Tour

Half-day

Escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town on a 30-minute boat ride to Changuu Island, now commonly known as Prison Island. This is your chance to find out about the darker side of Zanzibar history, as well as to get up close with the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, and to engage in a spot of coastal snorkelling.

More about Prison Island
100% (1 reviews)
Stone Town Discovery Tour

Stone Town Discovery Tour

Half-day

Spend a morning wandering through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.

More about Stone Town Tour
90% (23 reviews)
Swahili Cooking Workshop

Swahili Cooking Workshop

Half-day or combine with other tours

Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself. This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.

More about Swahili Cookery
92% (5 reviews)
Zanzibar Dhow Safari

Zanzibar Dhow Safari

Full day - approx. eight hours

Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.

More about Zanzibar Dhow Safari
90% (2 reviews)

Other lodges in Stone Town

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Tembo Hotel

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Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.


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Maru Maru Hotel

Maru Maru Hotel

In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.


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Park Hyatt

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The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.


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Kisiwa House

Kisiwa House

Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.


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The Seyyida Hotel

Seyyida Hotel

The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.


No reviews yet

When to go to Stone Town

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Zanzibar Palace Hotel in Stone Town


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zanzibar in January

As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.

New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.

  • Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
  • High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
  • Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
  • Quieter and better value later in the month.
  • Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Zanzibar in February

The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.

At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.

  • Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
  • Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
  • Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
  • North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
  • ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Zanzibar in March

March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.

Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.

  • Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
  • Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
  • Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
  • The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zanzibar in April

April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.

Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.

  • Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
  • Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
  • Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
  • Low prices and few other tourists.
  • Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Zanzibar in May

The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.

Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.

  • Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
  • Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Zanzibar in June

June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.

The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
  • Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
  • Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
  • Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Zanzibar in July

July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.

The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.

  • Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
  • Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
  • Great beach weather result in high prices.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zanzibar in August

August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.

High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.

  • Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
  • Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
  • High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
  • With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zanzibar in September

September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.

September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.

  • Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
  • Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
  • Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
  • Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zanzibar in October

October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.

With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.

  • End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
  • Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
  • Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
  • High demand means prices remain high.
  • Northeast coast generally more sheltered.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zanzibar in November

The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.

Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
  • Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
  • Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zanzibar in December

December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.

The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.

  • Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
  • High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
  • Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
  • Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
  • Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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