This island continent covers an area of nearly 577,000 square kilometers. An area that is almost to the size of France or Kenya.
1. Antananarivo, the capital
Antananarivo, also called “the city of a thousand”, is the most populous city in the country. The city of the thousand counts 3 209 933 inhabitants. And its creation dates from the very beginning of the 17th century. The city lived under the rule of a succession of kings until the beginning of the colonization in 1895.
What to do in Antananarivo?
Antananarivo is in the center of the island. It is the economic, political, and cultural center of Madagascar. The royal hill of Ambohimanga, the palace of Manjakamiadana, and the Museum of Andafiavaratra are among the historical places not to be missed. Visit Lemur Park or Tsimbazaza Park is also a good plan to discover the fauna and flora of the region. The city also stands out for local, fresh, and organic products spread on the famous Analakely market.
2. Toamasina, tourist city par excellence
Toamasina of its meaning “what seems salty” is home to 411 933 inhabitants. This port city was created in the 17th century and began to develop a century later under the reign of King Betsimisaraka Jean Rene. This eastern part of the island is for Madagascar, the most strategic place economically.
Visit the big city of Toamasina.
But Toamasina is not limited to a robust economic activity. This city is indeed a tourist hotspot of the island — a fascinating city whose visit begins with the port, the Fort Manda, or the Ivoloina Park. The route of the city aboard a rickshaw offers a unique experience to visitors. Do not miss it too; its shores are lined with splendid beaches to swim and relax.
3. Antsirabe, the third-largest city on the island
The city of Antsirabe is home to 338,986 inhabitants, and it is in this respect that it occupies the third place in the ranking of the largest cities of Madagascar. Antsirabe meaning in Malagasy “the place where salt abounds”. The town becomes a major center from the 18th century, the date of its official creation. It takes about 160 kilometers from the capital to arrive at this industrial and cultural city.
What to do in Antsirabe?
It is a place famous for its thermal center and its legendary lakes. Relaxation is at the rendezvous during a visit to the spa center Ranomafana. Tritriva Lake is also a place to visit to discover a legendary history of the city.
4. Mahajanga, one of the liveliest cities on the island
There are 244,279 inhabitants in the city of Mahajanga. Also called the city of flowers, it has been inhabited since the 16th century. The region is experiencing significant growth in the 18th century. For several years, this northwestern section of Madagascar has been a large industrial area producing textiles, cement, oil, etc.
What to do in Mahajanga?
This city, which is called Mahajanga, Mijangaïa, or Mouzangaïe, is strongly appreciated for its dry climate and its seaside site conducive to the holidays. Its many resorts are specialized in receiving tourists from the island or from abroad. It is full of idyllic places to rest like the red circus or the beach of Amborovy.
5. Fianarantsoa, one of the largest cities in Madagascar
Fianarantsoa is a historic town built in the 19th century. It is located in the southeastern part of Madagascar and has 200,482 inhabitants. The meaning of his name is a “place to learn well”. It has always been a cultural center and a university center.
What to do in Fianarantsoa?
This high land of Madagascar forms a peaceful and favorable environment for taking pictures thanks to its traditional houses and fifty or so churches. Wine tasting is a must during a visit to Fianarantsoa.
The region is famous for its wine culture and cultural riches. To enjoy your stay, it is recommended to visit the Ranomafana Park. A famous for its warm natural pools, endemic plants, and diverse wildlife.
It should be noted that in Madagascar, 90% of the species are endemic. And that’s what makes this area such a special place in the world.
6. Antalaha
Antalaha is found in the northeastern part of the island. This global vanilla capital has about 186,500 inhabitants. The city is historically famous for its large vanilla production well before the 40s.
Visit Antalaha
It is also distinguished for its seaside site decorated by dhows, small fishing boats and large boats that dock on its port. Hiking lovers will enjoy an unforgettable walk to the Ankavanana River. This city also gives access to the famous Masoala Park.
7. Tulear
Located in the southwest of the island, Tulear is the best representative of the warm climate of Madagascar. The city has 170,194 inhabitants. The beginning of its history is marked by the arrival of the three tribes, Masikoro, Bare, and Antadavaka. But its current name was only created around 1970.
What to do and see in Tulear
To visit Toliara is to enjoy the sun at any time of the year. The visit to the village Saint-Augustin will take the visitor on a journey back in time. Historically Tulear was a place where pirates used to take refuge.
All the charm of the city lies in its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and incredible natural sites.
8. Antsiranana
Antsiranana or Diego-Suarez is a Malagasy city renowned for its unique charm. Its 125,103 inhabitants are spread over an area of 42 km2. The navigators Diego Diaz and Fernand Suarez, were at the origin of the name of the city. His story is closely related to the colonial period. This port city is the third most crucial port of Madagascar.
Points of interest in Antsiranana
Located at the extreme north of the island, Antsiranana is full of attractive and attractive places. To make the visit memorable, the passage through the beautiful beach of Ramena is a must. Nature lovers will be more than satisfied with the diversity of its fauna and flora, as well as the scenic landscapes that decorate it.
9. Morondava
One of the biggest cities in Madagascar is Morondava, the city that is the economic center of the Menabe region. A big town which has more than 70,000 inhabitants. It is necessary to make about 700 km from Antananarivo, the capital to discover this beautiful tourist place. The city has existed for more than five centuries. It is distinguished by its port and its many fishermen who define the economy of the region.
The essential places of the island
The Baobab Alley is obviously the main attraction and tourist attraction of the city. This place is internationally renowned for the unique experience it offers during sunrise or sunset. Moreover, all the pictures taken in the alley of the Baobabs are at dusk, the moment when the light is the most intense and the most interesting. The Baobab alley is about twenty kilometers in the north-east of the city Morondava.
The Baobabs are called by the Malagasy the roots of the sky. Indeed their branch offers a beautiful and gigantic show.
10. Manakara
The name Manakara comes from the big rock that borders the region. Located in the southeastern part of Madagascar, the city is home to more than 40,000 inhabitants. This is the economic capital of the Vatovavy-Fitovinany province.
What to do in Manakara?
The place is famous for its artisanal paper, says Antemoro. But Manakara is also the ideal starting point to discover the beauty of the Pangalanes Canal. Do not forget, the railroad dating from 1936, which is an excellent means of transport, as always. And to discover the natural wealth of the city during a trip by train out of time.