This town, also known as
Fort Dauphin, is built on a small peninsula backed by mountains. It offers excellent beaches in a beautiful setting. There's not much in the town itself (a fort built in 1643 is no longer open to the public), but an excursion can be made to the
Berenty Reserve (50 mi/80 km to the west—it has a museum and botanical and zoological gardens). The reserve is owned by the wealthy de Heaulme family and provides accommodations and food. Visits are only possible as part of an organized tour.
Other excursions include visits to the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, Baie St. Luce (a beach with comparatively safe swimming). To the west is a large area of spiny forest. There are also interesting hiking routes in the hills overlooking the town. Plan one night in the town itself, and add another if you're visiting Berenty Reserve.
420 mi/675 km south of Antananarivo.