Diego Suarez

The town of Diego Suarez is located in the north of Madagascar in the world's largest natural bay with the picturesque Nosy Lonja (sugar loaf island) in the middle. Diego Suarez is named after the two Portuguese explorers Diego Diaz and Fernando Suarez who came to the town in the early 16th century, from where they sold the locals into slavery.

Although since 1975 the real name of the town is Antsiranana, literally meaning "port" in Malagasy, many people still call it Diego Suarez. In 1885 the French Navy built a military base on location, giving the strategic importance of the deep-water harbour. During the second world war Diego Suarez was under the control of the Vichy French. In 1942 Britain and the Allies occupied Diego Suarez to prevent the Japanese warships and submarines entering the harbour. Hundreds of British soldiers fell in the Battle of Madagascar. Until 1973, Diego Suarez has served as a port to the French fleet of the Indian Ocean.

Today Diego Suarez is Madagascar's 5th largest town and after the capital Antananarivo the most modern in terms of lifestyle, shops and entertainment. The locals are a vibrant mixture of Malagasy, Indians, Arabs, Creoles, Chinese and Comorians. Most tourists discover only Colbert Street, which is framed by large, colourful colonial brick buildings with verandas. Most hotels, restaurants, tour operators and handicraft shops can be found on this street. The area south of Place Foch is more Malagasy, with local stores, street markets and the big fruit and food market.