The old capital of Portuguese East Africa, the island has a rich colonial history evident in the crumbling forts on the island. Joined to the mainland by a long bridge the area is a UNESCO heritage site.
Ilha de Mozambique was an early Arab trading port before being taken over by the Portuguese as a naval base, and then a fort in the 16th century. Much of the original architecture still stands despite the many attacks by the Dutch. Subsequently there are many shipwrecks that now are home to a great variety of coral reefs and sunken treasures!
An unusual island off the coast of Mozambique called Ilha de Mozambique has a magnificent warm water coastline, swaying palm trees, and delicious seafood, and it is mostly unexplored by tourists. It boasts a tropical environment and diverse structures where time has essentially stopped, fascinatingly various religions and civilizations coexist, and a great deal of natural beauty that is just beginning to blossom after decades of relative isolation.
There is a lot to see and do in this intriguing location, including:
Ilha de Mozambique is well worth a visit as a convenient stopover destination, or stay for a few nights to explore the unique history of one of Africa’s most interesting and utilised islands. It’s great for couples and young families.