It should come as no surprise that Madagascar’s untamed coastlines are home to some of Africa’s most secluded and stunning beaches. Madagascar’s coastline, which includes numerous islands, is more than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 mi).

The beaches at some resorts can grow crowded, but that is the exception. Many of Madagascar’s beaches are shielded from the open ocean by coral reefs, there aren’t many coastal developments, and most of the beaches are at the end of long, deserted roads or tracks where nobody else is typically present. These beaches are our favorites out of the many that are available.

1. The Anakao

In the extreme southwest of Madagascar, the beach at Anakao seems to go on forever. Enough infrastructure is in place to make things comfortable and accessible, but it never obstructs the view or interferes with it.

This comprises a few laid-back resorts, a few of food-serving beach shacks, a dive-and-snorkel company, and a man with a boat who will transport you to watch humpback whales between July and September.

2. The Peninsula of Anjajavy

The Anjajavy Peninsula is as close to an exclusive paradise as you can get in western Madagascar, and it can only be reached by private aircraft or boat. Here, choose just one beach is tough. From remote coves that are only reachable by boat to broader lengths of sand backed by palm trees that resemble some Indian Ocean cliché, the peninsula is dotted with beaches to suit every taste. The elements of a deep-green forest, a deep-blue sea, and fine sand with few footprints are constants regardless of the option you select.

3. Pay

Spend a few days at Salary if you wish to experience the spirit of the long, deserted coastline in southwest Madagascar. With breathtaking views of the shore and ocean, this area’s sole resort is perched atop a headland.

This is the best place to see the vast sky in Madagascar. Boat cruises, snorkeling, and diving on the reef are just a few of the many activities available. The sand between your toes and the sea breeze in your hair on lengthy beach walks, however, can be your favorite memories of this place.

4. Nosy Nato (Île aux Nattes)

Some of Madagascar’s most stunning beaches, if not the entire Indian Ocean, can be found on this little island off the east coast. The beautiful, azure, and turquoise sea gently laps along peaceful shorelines with palm trees that, as shown in travel brochures, jut out over the sand. Forests are traversed by peaceful paths. Over an infinite horizon, the sun sets. Happiness!

5. Mangabe, Nosy

Nosy Mangabe, who is part of Masoala National Park and boasts mountains and woods as a backdrop, is much more than simply a gorgeous face. Antongil Bay’s beaches feature the typical immaculate sands, enticing waves, and striking trees—in this case, a canarium towering from enormous buttresses.

There is a shipwreck as well, and sometimes the only sound that can compete with the singing of jungle birds is the sound of waterfalls. In the jungle, listen for aye-ayes and keep an eye out for lemurs.

6. Iranja Nosy

The two islands of Nosy Iranja, off the northwest coast of Madagascar, have a certain allure. Nosy Iranja is connected to the mainland by a sandbar, and during low tide, you can stroll out to the islands. It’s simultaneously thrilling and weird, like walking on water.

7. A fake cap

When you go to Faux Cap, which is near the southernmost tip of Madagascar, you’ll think you’ve come to the end of the world. There is nothing between you and Antarctica if you stand on this sand and look south; the only sounds you will hear are the waves and the wind. Its eggshells still crunch under your toes, and Sir David Attenborough once made this place famous by searching for evidence of the long-extinct elephant bird.

8. The Itampolo

Itampolo, located at the southernmost point of the Great Reef shoreline in southwest Madagascar, has the feel of a desert island at the edge of the globe or a scene from a Robinson Crusoe story. The ocean and shoreline both extend from here and beyond into eternity, and the paved road ends around here.

9. Mitsio Nosy

Open waterways and the absence of tourist infrastructure shield the island archipelago of Nosy Mitsio off the northwest coast of Madagascar from the throngs of adjacent Nosy Be. The tiny beaches here provide a feeling of seclusion that is uncommon up in Madagascar’s north, and it’s a great place to dive and snorkel.

10. Andilana

There’s a reason why Nosy Be is the somewhat overcrowded poster child for crowded beach resorts in Madagascar: the beaches here are breathtaking. Andilana, located on the northwest tip of Nosy Be, would be our choice if we had to choose only one. It has a straightforward appeal. The pristine beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and breathtaking sunsets are the main draws.