Is Sainte-Marie Worth Visiting?
Sainte-Marie Island, a jewel on Madagascar’s eastern coast, is a destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Known for its paradisiacal beaches and pristine landscapes, the island has also played a fascinating role in maritime history. As early as the 16th century, the island was frequented by the English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and other Europeans, mainly in the context of the slave trade. By the late 1600s, pirates appeared, contributing to Sainte-Marie’s fame that continues to this day. These pirates came from very diverse backgrounds: nobles, former royal navy soldiers, or simple sailors. They chose the island as a strategic base to monitor ships traveling to and from India.
Why tell you all this? Because Sainte-Marie is not just a place to relax: it is an island where history comes alive. Once there, you can explore these stories in detail, with tangible evidence such as pirate cemeteries, authentic witnesses of this fascinating past. Apart from its pirate history, Sainte-Marie is also known for other tourist attractions. These are what we will present below:
Whales in Sainte-Marie:
A Memorable Sight
Many people visit Sainte-Marie between June and the end of August to fully enjoy the whale-watching spectacle. Can you imagine what it’s like? First, these are no ordinary marine animals, though that’s not to say the others aren’t important! But whales don’t make themselves easy to observe every day. So when the opportunity arises, it’s a unique moment not to be missed. And don’t you want to see just how enormous they are? It’s truly an amazing experience, we promise !
Experience Tranquillity
and Enjoy Sainte-Marie’s Beautiful Beaches
Every destination has its own unique features. And when we talk about Sainte-Marie, its beaches are at the heart of the experience: after all, it’s an island, and the beaches are inseparable from it! But are its beaches really attractive? We answer without hesitation: yes, absolutely! Every corner of the island has its own charm: some offer magnificent views of coconut trees lining the sea, while others stand out for their richer and more diverse coastal vegetation. Here, the only limit to your stay on Sainte-Marie is your own imagination! No matter how long your visit lasts, the beaches are always open to everyone, completely free of charge.
Visiting île aux Nattes
Île aux Nattes is a place full of natural beauty. It also features exceptional facilities that allow visitors to admire the landscape from above. What can you see from these breathtaking viewpoints? Waves crashing onto the sand, or hitting the rocks with force, creating a spectacle that is both calming and fascinating. Most importantly, from above, you can admire the magnificent sand islet, a small gem that is one of the island’s must-see sites. This islet is also perfect for excursions and picnics, providing an ideal setting to enjoy nature.
