Located on the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa, Madagascar is a dream destination for outdoors lovers and the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Madagascar is ranked among the most romantic beach destinations in Africa but also among the best destinations for a honeymoon in Africa. Want to please your sweetheart, celebrate Valentine’s Day, your honeymoon, or a wedding anniversary in the country? Here is our selection of the most romantic destinations in Madagascar.
1. Antananarivo
Are you looking for a romantic break in the capital and largest city of Madagascar? Take a stroll through the colourful and charming little streets in Antananarivo. Take inspiration from the streets lined with faded colonial architectures, visit the Lemurs’ Park, Analakely Market and the Is’Art Galerie and then end the day with a candlelight dinner.
Location: Analakely Market in Antananarivo, Madagascar
2. Nosy Be
Nosy Be is one of the most popular tourist spots in Madagascar, a perfect choice for a romantic getaway in the sun. Its Indian Ocean beaches and its many high-quality hotels with Spa & Wellness are renowned the world over. No surprise this small island attracts thousands of tourists across the world annually. The serenity, clear turquoise water and amazing seafood restaurants make this beautiful island an excellent choice for couples.
3. Antsirabe
Antsirabe is famous for its thermal springs, a romantic destination that cultivates the art of hospitality. The city became a spa town in the late 1800’s when Norwegian missionaries erected a health retreat here which amazingly still exists till this day. Enter the picturesque Antsirabe, get to know its rich history and culture, and make memories of love with your significant other.
4. Nosy Boraha
Nosy Boraha aka Ile Sainte Marie, is a destination that makes us all dream: lush vegetation, sumptuous hotels, outdoor activities in unspoiled nature. The island is also home to some local tribes and different species of lemurs, chameleons, geckos and frogs. Couples can visit Ikalalao, this is where you’ll find over 3 species of lemurs or better yet you can book a tour to explore Ampanihy, known for its lovely sand dunes and rich mangroves.
5. Morondava
Morondava is the destination of love if you fancy a romantic getaway away from the crowds. Find your love nest in the city and treat yourself to a romantic and unique adeventures. Morondava seduces lovers from all over the world for its extraordinary nature, Avenue of the Baobabs. Here, you and your sweetheart can take romantic walks where these tall baobab trees are neatly lined on a dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. These amazing and unique trees, known as ‘Renala’ locally, stand 30 metres tall and are said to be at least 1000 years old. Alley of the Baobabs is also a great place to watch romantic and unforgettable sunsets.
Location: RT 8, Morondava 619, Madagascar
6. Toliara
Toliara is Madagascar’s southern paradise. An authentic coastal town of Atsimo-Andrefana. Spending lazy afternoons on the beautiful beaches or making mini road trips to discover the town’s most beautiful viewpoints makes it one of the most romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day in Madagascar.
7. Ifaty
Ifaty normally refers to two fishing villages sharing the same beach, located on the coast of southwest Madagascar. Ifaty is actually the smaller village but somehow usurps the name of the other village Mangily. The beach is actually mostly in Mangily but it is called Ifaty Beach. Snorkeling is popular here and every once in a while, you can sight a whale. Wouldn’t you love it here?
8. Tsingy de Bemaraha
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is Madagascar’s largest natural reserve. Tsingy simply refers to the pinnacles spread across the park’s limestone plateaus. The reserve is home to a vast expanse of mangrove forest. Tsingy de Bemaraha is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is crossed by the Manambolo River. Just like in most reserves in the country, you’ll need a tour guide.
9. Nosy Mangabe
This is a small island reserve located in Antongil Bay offshore from the town of Maroantsetra in northeast Madagascar. The island used to be a notorious pirates den in the old days and if you happen to arrive by boat you’ll notice it looks very much like a pirates hangout. Nosy Mangabe was built to preserve a very rare lemur species, the aye-aye from extinction. Couple can sit at the bay whilst admiring the sea turtles, dolphins and the occasional humpback whales during mating season.
10. Antsiranana
Antsiranana, and its Mer D’Emeraude, is a hidden gem in Madagascar. Antsiranana is an enclosed bay with emerald green waters that are also visible from space. Now isn’t that just amazing? There are tour guides here who run snorkeling trips to the thrilling coral reefs and a stop to snack on a deserted island. You can also hire a local fisherman to take you on a boat ride. Hues of green, blue, turquoise to blue-black sea can be seen washing across the beaches of the various islands that surround the bay. Mer D’Emeraude, Antsiranana is also a great place for kite-surfing and windsurfing.
11. Ranomafana National Park
Blessed with a vast range of fauna and flora, Ranomafana National Park sits on a 400km sq. space. The word Ranomfana means “hot water” and visitors can enjoy warm baths in any of the waterfalls inside the park. The golden bamboo lemur which is an endangered species of lemurs can also be found here.
12. Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
The best way to really enjoy a country is to visit some of the historical sites. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has on its grounds, palaces, royal tombs and sacred areas dating back to the 17th century. Foreigners were not allowed into the royal city compound until recently. Formerly the religious capital of Madagascar in the 17th century, this hill is one of the 12 most important hills around the country’s capital Antananarivo.
Location: Ambohimanga Ambohimanga Rova, Madagascar
13. Phare de Katsepy, Mahajanga
Katsepy is a fishing village visble from the edge of Mahajanga. The island can only be accessed by sea, adding a little spice to the adventure. The 174 stairs Eiffel Lighthouse which was built in 1900 offers a panoramic view of the mouth of Betsiboka. See the colorful Cirque de Bleu, the 5 different species of the lemur and the forest in rich in biodiversity. You can also enjoy some fresh delicious seafood dishes at the restaurants on the beach.
14. Amber National Park
Apparently, there are lots of national parks in Madagascar but Amber National Park is quite unique. There are crater lakes, plush green forests, numerous waterfalls and a very serene environment. This park is the perfect escape to enjoy nature’s caress.
Location: 95M2+82J, Joffreville, Madagascar
15. Maroantsetra
Maroantsetra is the gateway to the Masoala National Park. The people of the town a very friendly and down-to-earth and you visit the ever busy local market packed with the scent of sweet fruits and a variety of vegetables. It is also the confluence point of Antainambalana River and the Indian Ocean. The river scene and the ocean view give this certain laid-back appeal and you definitely should visit.
Explore the 5 Best Restaurants to Visit in Madagascar.
