Comoros · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Comoros
These are the beaches, old towns, volcano trails, markets and stays that make a Comoros trip, spread across Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli. Places marked unconfirmed may have changed or closed, so check locally before you go.
Places to Visit in Moroni
Arts and Culture
- Old Friday Mosque (Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi) (Moroni harbour)
The whitewashed waterfront mosque is the most famous image of the Comoros, best at sunset. - CNDRS National Museum (Moroni centre)
The national museum covers volcanoes, marine life, history and a preserved coelacanth. - Itsandra old town and fort ruins (Itsandra)
A former sultanate seat with crumbling walls and views over the bay. - Iconi (Ikoni) old town (Iconi, south of Moroni)
One of the oldest towns on the island, with ruined palace walls and a cliff steeped in legend. - Place de l'Indépendance (Moroni centre)
A central square to people watch and get your bearings in the capital. - Moroni harbour and fishing port (Port)
Fresh catch, boats and boat builders give a real picture of island life. - Friday Mosque of Moroni (new) (Moroni centre)
The large modern Friday Mosque is the focus of the city at Friday midday prayers. - Mitsoudjé old town (Mitsoudjé, south of Moroni)
A quiet historic town with old mosques and traditional houses. - Mbachilé fishing village (South of Moroni)
A small village where outrigger canoes are still built by hand on the beach. - Chiromani wrap shopping in the medina (Old town)
Pick up the colourful wrap cloth worn by Comorian women as a souvenir. - Foumbouni old town (Southeast Grande Comore)
A historic town on the far coast with old mosques and walls, rarely visited.
Things to Do
- Moroni Medina (Old town)
A maze of coral stone lanes, carved doors and small mosques behind the harbour. - Moroni Corniche at sunset (Seafront)
Watch fishermen land their outrigger canoes as the sun drops behind the Old Friday Mosque. - Shared taxi ride along the west coast (Moroni to Iconi)
The cheapest way to see villages and lava coast like a local.
Shopping and Markets
- Volo Volo Market (Volo Volo)
The capital's busiest market for spices, vanilla, fruit, fish and everyday life. - Spice and vanilla stalls at Volo Volo (Volo Volo)
Buy cloves, vanilla pods and ylang-ylang oil straight from the islands' producers.
Nature and Outdoors
- Itsandra Beach (Itsandra)
The closest sandy beach to the capital, ideal for a swim after a morning in town. - Iconi crater lake and cliffs (Iconi)
A volcanic crater by the sea where, legend says, women leapt to escape slave raiders. - Singani lava flow (Singani, south of Moroni)
Walk across the black lava that swept through the village in a recent eruption. - Bouni Beach (Hamahamet coast)
A quiet sandy bay on the northeast coast with clear water.
Restaurants
- Market food stands at Volo Volo (Volo Volo)
Try grilled fish, mkatra foutra coconut bread and samosas where locals eat. - Grilled fish on the corniche (Seafront)
Evening brochettes and grilled fish are the most authentic way to eat in Moroni.
Cafés
- Bangwe evening squares in the medina (Old town)
Stone benches where elders talk over tea or coffee in the evening, a window into local life. - Fresh juice stands in central Moroni (Moroni centre)
Fresh mango, passion fruit and tamarind juices to beat the heat. - Coffee and mkatra foutra breakfast stalls (Moroni medina)
Morning coconut bread and sweet tea at simple stalls.
Stays
- Retaj Moroni (Moroni seafront)
The capital's most comfortable hotel, with sea views and a pool.
Events
- Grand Mariage season (All of Grande Comore)
July and August weddings fill streets with music, dancing and gold-draped celebrations. - Independence Day (6 July) (Moroni)
Parades and celebrations mark the anniversary of independence in 1975. - Eid celebrations (Moroni)
The end of Ramadan brings new clothes, family visits and festive food across the city. - Mawlid celebrations (Grande Comore)
Celebrations of the Prophet's birthday with chanting and gatherings.
Places to Visit in Mitsamiouli
Nature and Outdoors
- Maloudja Beach (Near Mitsamiouli)
Soft white sand and turquoise water against black lava, the classic Comoros beach. - Galawa Beach (Near Mitsamiouli)
A sheltered bay of white sand and calm water, one of the island's best swims. - Lac Salé (Bangoi-Kouni)
A salty green lake in an old volcanic crater beside the sea. - Trou du Prophète (North coast)
A sheltered cove with a local legend, great for snorkelling and picnics. - Mitsamiouli town beach (Mitsamiouli)
A lively local beach where families gather and fishermen bring in the catch. - Chomoni Beach (East coast)
A wide quiet bay of fine sand, loved by families from Moroni on Sundays. - Bangoi-Kouni lava coast walk (Bangoi-Kouni)
Black lava, tide pools and crashing waves on a short coastal walk.
Arts and Culture
- Ntsaoueni old mosque (Ntsaoueni)
One of the oldest Islamic sites on Grande Comore, in a historic coastal town. - Hahaya village (Near the airport)
A village by the airport, handy for a last stroll before your flight. - Mitsamiouli old town (Mitsamiouli)
A historic coastal town with old mosques and bangwe squares.
Things to Do
- Snorkelling off the north coast reefs (Mitsamiouli)
Reef fish and sometimes turtles in clear water close to shore. - Sunset at Maloudja (Near Mitsamiouli)
The sun sinks over the Mozambique Channel behind the lava headlands. - Whale watching from the north coast (Mitsamiouli)
From July to October humpbacks can be spotted from shore and by boat. - Swimming and picnicking at Galawa (Near Mitsamiouli)
Calm water and shade make it an easy family day.
Shopping and Markets
- Mitsamiouli market (Mitsamiouli)
A small local market for fruit, fish and snacks on the way to the beach.
Restaurants
- Grilled fish at Mitsamiouli beach (Mitsamiouli)
Fresh fish grilled by the sand, the simplest and best beach lunch.
Events
- Sunday beach day at Chomoni (Chomoni)
Families picnic, play football and swim, a joyful slice of local life.
Cafés
- Coconut sellers on the north coast (Mitsamiouli)
Fresh green coconuts opened for you on the roadside.
Places to Visit in Mount Karthala
Nature and Outdoors
- Karthala summit caldera (Grande Comore)
One of the world's largest active volcanic craters, a vast moonscape of lava and ash. - Boboni route to Karthala (Boboni)
A longer northern approach with forest and excellent birdlife. - Karthala cloud forest (Upper slopes)
Mossy forest with giant heathers and birds found nowhere else. - Sunrise from the crater rim (Summit)
Camp overnight and watch dawn light fill the caldera. - Lower slope farms and villages (M'vouni)
Banana, cassava and fruit farms show how island families live off the volcano. - La Grille hills (North Grande Comore)
A quieter, older volcanic massif with forest walks and views.
Things to Do
- M'vouni trail to Karthala (M'vouni, above Moroni)
The main route up the volcano through farms and cloud forest. - Birdwatching for the Karthala scops owl (Upper slopes)
A rare endemic owl that draws birders from around the world. - Half-day walk to the forest edge (M'vouni)
A shorter option for those who want a taste of the mountain without the summit.
Arts and Culture
- Karthala Volcano Observatory (Moroni)
The observatory monitors the volcano and is the place to ask about current activity.
Events
- Dry season hiking window (Mount Karthala)
May to October brings the clearest skies for the climb.
Places to Visit in Mutsamudu
Arts and Culture
- Mutsamudu Citadel (Above the medina)
The sultans' fortress looks over the rooftops and harbour. - Domoni old town (East coast, Anjouan)
One of the oldest towns in the Comoros, with fine stone houses and tombs. - Bambao Palace (Bambao Mtsanga)
The old sultan's palace, a reminder of Anjouan's royal past. - Mutsamudu harbour (Mutsamudu)
Watch boats load and unload in the island's lively port. - Sima old town (West Anjouan)
A quiet historic town with one of the oldest mosques in the Comoros. - Ouani village (Near the airport)
A historic town near the airport with old mosques and lanes. - Grand Mosque of Mutsamudu (Mutsamudu)
The town's main mosque with a tall white minaret.
Things to Do
- Mutsamudu Medina (Old town)
Narrow alleys, carved doors and coral stone houses in one of the best old towns in the islands. - Ylang-ylang distillery visit (Bambao area)
See flowers turned into perfume oil in traditional stills. - Sunset from the citadel (Mutsamudu)
Golden light over the old town and harbour.
Nature and Outdoors
- Lake Dzialandzé (Anjouan highlands)
A crater lake in the forest where Livingstone's fruit bats roost. - Dziancoundré Waterfall (Southeast Anjouan)
A tall waterfall dropping towards the sea, best after rain. - Mount Ntingui (Central Anjouan)
The island's highest peak, a steep guided hike with huge views. - Moya Beach (Southwest Anjouan)
One of the best sandy beaches for swimming on the island. - Pomoni bay (South Anjouan)
A remote bay with fishing boats and steep green hills. - Shisiwani coast (South Anjouan)
Remote coast with fishing villages and wild scenery.
Shopping and Markets
- Mutsamudu market (Mutsamudu)
A busy market for fruit, spices and everyday island goods. - Clove and vanilla drying along the roads (Anjouan villages)
Fragrant spices drying on mats outside village homes. - Ylang-ylang essential oil (Anjouan)
The islands' signature perfume oil, bought near where it is made.
Restaurants
- Mutsamudu waterfront food stalls (Mutsamudu)
Grilled fish, cassava and samosas by the port in the evening.
Events
- Anjouan wedding season (All of Anjouan)
Summer weddings bring drumming, dancing and processions.
Cafés
- Tea stalls by Mutsamudu port (Mutsamudu)
Sweet spiced tea and snacks watching the harbour.
Places to Visit in Mohéli
Nature and Outdoors
- Mohéli National Park (South coast)
A marine park of reefs, seagrass and turtle beaches, at the heart of a biosphere reserve. - Itsamia turtle beach (Itsamia)
Watch green turtles nest at night with community guides. - Nioumachoua islets (Nioumachoua)
White sand islets with snorkelling and picnics by boat. - Ouénéfou islet (Off Nioumachoua)
A tiny island with a perfect beach for a day away from everything. - Lake Boundouni (Northern hills)
A peaceful crater lake ringed by forest and birds. - Miringoni coast (West Mohéli)
A quiet western village with lava coast and forest above. - Snorkelling at Nioumachoua (Nioumachoua)
Reef fish and turtles in clear water close to the village. - Mongoose lemurs in the forest (Interior)
Lemurs live in Mohéli's forests and are seen on guided walks. - Livingstone's fruit bat roosts (Interior)
One of the world's rarest and largest bats lives in Mohéli's highlands. - Mohéli mangroves (South coast)
Mangrove channels rich in birds and young fish. - Sunset on Mohéli's south coast (Nioumachoua)
Islets silhouetted against the evening sky.
Things to Do
- Whale watching from Nioumachoua (Nioumachoua)
Humpback whales pass close to shore from about July to October. - Forest walk from Ouallah (Ouallah)
Guided walks into the hills for bats, lemurs and views. - Spinner dolphin trips (South coast)
Boat trips often meet playful dolphins in the park's waters. - Boat trip around the park islets (Nioumachoua)
A day of beaches, snorkelling and seabirds.
Arts and Culture
- Fomboni market (Fomboni)
The island's small market for fruit, fish and supplies. - Fomboni harbour (Fomboni)
The island's port, where boats arrive from the other islands. - Djoiezi village (Near Fomboni)
A traditional village near the capital with an old mosque.
Events
- Turtle hatching season (Itsamia)
Watch hatchlings race for the sea on lucky nights.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Itsandra Beach Hotel (Itsandra, Moroni)
A long-running beach hotel on the sand north of town. - Golden Tulip Grande Comore Moroni Resort (Itsandra coast, Moroni)
A large resort-style hotel on the coast north of the capital. - Le Coelacanthe (Moroni seafront, Moroni)
A long-standing seafood restaurant by the water, named after the islands' famous fish. - La Grillade (Moroni centre, Moroni)
A casual grill house popular for meat and fish brochettes. - Retaj Moroni bar and terrace (Moroni seafront, Moroni)
One of the few places in the capital to relax with a drink and sea view. - Maloudja beach hotel (Maloudja, Mitsamiouli)
A beach hotel set right on one of the island's finest coves. - Chomoni beach bungalows (Chomoni, Mitsamiouli)
Simple bungalows close to the sand on the quiet east coast. - Hantsindzi lava headland (North coast, Mitsamiouli)
Dramatic black rocks and blowholes on the island's northern tip. - Dimadjou lava fields (Grande Comore, Mount Karthala)
Recent lava flows show the volcano's power close up. - Tatinga river valley (Central Anjouan, Mutsamudu)
Terraced fields, rivers and forest along the island's mountain roads. - Hôtel Al Amal (Mutsamudu, Mutsamudu)
A hotel close to the town centre and harbour. - Moya beach guesthouse (Moya, Mutsamudu)
Simple rooms near Anjouan's best beach. - Mount Trindrini (Central Anjouan, Mutsamudu)
A forested peak with endemic birds and bats. - Domoni wood carvers (Domoni, Mutsamudu)
Watch craftsmen carve the doors and chests the islands are known for. - Laka Lodge (Ouallah, Mohéli)
An eco-lodge on the coast close to the marine park. - Itsamia community ecolodge (Itsamia, Mohéli)
Simple rooms run by the village close to the turtle beach. - Nioumachoua guesthouses (Nioumachoua, Mohéli)
Basic family rooms in the park's main village. - Village fish lunches in Nioumachoua (Nioumachoua, Mohéli)
Fresh catch cooked with coconut by village families. - Wanani village (South Mohéli, Mohéli)
A quiet south coast village on the way to the park. - Hotel rooftop sunset drinks in Moroni (Moroni seafront, Moroni)
A few hotels serve drinks with views of the bay at sunset. - Moroni handicraft shops (Moroni centre, Moroni)
Wood carvings, embroidered caps and woven baskets. - Mohéli park visitor information (Nioumachoua, Mohéli)
Learn about the park's turtles, whales and community work.