Turquoise coloured waters, stunning beaches, lush forests with mainly palm trees, Nosy Lava is a unique destination for those wishing to get away from it all. It is situated in the north-west of Madagascar, at the opening of the bay of Narinda, south of Nosy Saba and close to Analalava. Along with five other islands (Tsarabanjina, la Grande Mitsio, Nosy Lava, Nosy Ankarea, les Quatre Frères

and le Banc du Castor), this small island is part of the Mitsio Archipelago.

In addition to its natural beauty, the island is steeped in history. A penitentiary, which became one of Madagascar's most famous, was built there in the 1900s. Vestiges of the former prison have, in fact, become the destination's main attraction. The visit will take you back to the island's past, conjuring up images of the daily life and conditions experienced by the prisoners of the period. The lighthouse of Nosy Lava, overlooking the penitentiary like a surveillance tower, also remains one of the island's

attractions. It was built in 1907 by the French and is still visible today, with its houses now in ruins.

As it is a seaside resort, you can also enjoy the many activities proposed: deep-sea or surface fishing, swimming close to the famous lighthouse or simply sunbathing on the long white sandy beach.

This article was featured in Prime Magazine April 2019

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