Across the water from Tanga on Tanzania's mainland is the sizeable Indian Ocean island of Pemba. It is about 70km north of Zanzibar, and much quieter and less-visited than its more famous, but similarly-sized neighbour. Visitors come to enjoy the pristine white sand beaches, fantastic coral reef diving, sailing and fishing.
Unlike Zanzibar, Pemba is formed from a land mass rather than coral reefs and sand banks. Its landscape is therefore more rolling, with green hills and fertile valleys, and it has a very jagged coastline.
The main produce of Pemba is cloves of which it produces more than Zanzibar. Other produce includes rice, beans and a small amount of coffee. The tourist industry has far less influence on Pemba than on Zanzibar, and so development its far less. The history of the island is still visible in some of the Shirazi ruined buildings and some Portuguese cultural influences.
Access to the island is by air, with regular scheduled flights from both mainland Tanga or via its sister island Zanzibar. Chake Chake is the main town and home to the airport and main hospital.
