Ramena

Introducing Ramena

The beach in front of this poor fishing village is a tiny palm-fringed spot 18km northeast of Diego Suarez. Boats crowd the small stretch of golden sand, and you’ll find plenty of women touting massages and men selling fishing trips on the beach. Chickens and children run free on the sandy, garbage-strewn village streets that front the beach, and if you come looking for a hotel you’ll likely have a posse of advisors before you even reach the place. But your posse will be friendly, and sure they want to make a buck off you, but they’re not intimidating. In fact, there’s something appealing about the whole down-home Malagasy ­fishing-village­ vibe this place so strongly emits. Plus the water – a turquoise and cerulean sea flecked with white caps set against a pale baby-blue sky – is freaking gorgeous. And it might not be long before Ramena really cleans up its act; the place is growing quickly, and its hotels are gaining a rep as good alternatives to city sleeping.

Last updated: Oct 2, 2008