When travellers think of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan often comes first — a city of skyscrapers, nightlife and busy streets. But beyond the economic capital lies another side of the country, shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, lagoons and long stretches of sand.
About 80 kilometres east of Abidjan, Assinie offers a slower version of Ivorian life. The coastal resort town sits between the Atlantic and a lagoon, creating an appealing setting for swimming, boating and lazy afternoons by the water.
Its beaches are part of the attraction, but Assinie is more than a place to put down a beach towel. The surrounding waterways provide opportunities for boat trips, while restaurants and small resorts offer visitors a taste of coastal Ivorian cuisine.
Further along the coast is Grand-Bassam, a former colonial capital whose old quarter has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its streets, historic buildings and beachfront give the town a character distinctly different from modern Abidjan.
For travellers interested in nature, the Ehotilé Islands offer another dimension. The archipelago, located in a lagoon environment, is known for its mangroves, waterways and birdlife.
Together, these destinations reveal a Côte d’Ivoire that can easily be missed when a visit is limited to the capital.
The appeal is the variety: history in Grand-Bassam, beaches in Assinie and nature around the Ehotilé Islands.
For travellers looking beyond the familiar African beach destinations, Côte d’Ivoire’s southern coastline offers a compelling combination of ocean, culture and history — without requiring a journey far from Abidjan.
