Discovering West Africa’s Coastal Escapes

From Ghana’s sun-drenched Elmina to the ivory shores of Côte d’Ivoire’s Grand-Bassam and the mysterious Bijagós Islands of Guinea-Bissau, this region tells stories of endurance and beauty. This is not a coastline for hurried travelers. It’s for those who crave connection to the ocean, to heritage, and to communities whose lives rise and fall with the tides.

Few places capture the coastal West Africa quite like Ghana. Along the Cape Coast-Elmina corridor, centuries-old forts still stand, overlooking golden beaches. These UNESCO World Heritage castles; once centers of the transatlantic slave trade, now serve as moving symbols of remembrance and resilience. Ghana’s coast is not frozen in time; it’s evolving. The newly opened AnoMansa Beach Resort, located in Elmina, brings a new level of refinement to the region’s travel landscape. Imagine waking to the rhythm of waves, dining on fresh-caught lobster grilled with shito spice, and ending the evening under palm trees with live highlife music. AnoMansa doesn’t just offer accommodation; it curates experiences that speak to the modern traveler seeking depth, culture, and calm.

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Further west, Grand-Bassam; once the French colonial capital, beckons visitors with pastel villas and breezy boulevards. A UNESCO-listed city, it tells a story of architecture and artistry, of markets brimming with handwoven textiles and streets filled with laughter. Today, Grand-Bassam is enjoying a cultural revival. Local festivals celebrate Ivorian art, cuisine, and coastal living; making it one of the most photogenic, soulful destinations in the region.

Off the coast of Guinea-Bissau lies the Bijagós Archipelago, a world of mangroves, lagoons, and untouched beaches. Here, turtles nest undisturbed, dolphins glide beside canoes, and life moves to the rhythm of the tides. Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the islands are also home to the Bijagó people, whose matriarchal traditions and eco-friendly way of life inspire sustainable tourism. It’s a reminder that paradise is not defined by luxury, but by harmony.

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Tourism along the Atlantic coast is a vital growth engine. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), West Africa’s coastal tourism sector contributes over US$5 billion annually, with growing interest in boutique resorts, cultural heritage tours, and marine ecotourism. As the region continues to develop, travelers are seeking more meaningful experiences; ones that empower local communities, protect fragile ecosystems, and preserve historical identity.

Book your Atlantic escape today with Landtours Ghana or RSVP for exclusive offers at AnoMansa Beach Resort.