Nampula

Nampula is the most populous province in Mozambique, located in the northern coastal region. It is home to the country's largest city after Maputo — Nampula city — as well as the deep-water port of Nacala, the historic UNESCO World Heritage island of Ilha de Moçambique, and some of the finest beaches on the northern coast. The province's interior is a patchwork of miombo woodland, cashew and cotton plantations, and the granite outcrops of the Meconta Plateau. Nampula is Mozambique's economic powerhouse in the north, with a busy port, railway connections to the interior, and a lively cultural scene centred on the capital. The coastline offers excellent beaches, particularly around Memba, Chocas, and Mossuril.

May to October is the dry season with the best weather for beach and city exploration. November to April is hot, humid, and rainy. The historic Ilha de Moçambique is best visited in the dry season when walking is more comfortable.

The EN1 and Nacala corridor road connect Nampula's main towns. The railway from Nacala to Cuamba passes through the province. Chapas and buses serve all major routes.

• Nampula — The provincial capital, the largest city in northern Mozambique.
• Nacala — A deep-water port city with beautiful beaches and bays.
• Angoche — A historic coastal town with Swahili heritage.
• Ilha de Mozambique — A UNESCO World Heritage island with stunning Portuguese colonial architecture.
• Mossuril — A coastal village with beautiful beaches and views of Ilha de Moçambique.
• Chocas — A quiet beach destination on Memba Bay.
• Memba — A coastal district with some of the finest beaches in northern Mozambique.
• Ribaue — A town in the interior known for its granite rock formations.
• Monapo — An agricultural town in the Nampula interior.

Nampula's coastal towns are known for seafood, particularly prawns and crab. The city of Nampula has a wide range of restaurants serving Portuguese, Mozambican, and international cuisine. Cashew nuts are a local specialty.

Ilha de Moçambique has a rich Swahili and Portuguese cultural heritage, with annual cultural festivals. Nampula city has a vibrant music scene.

• Exploring Ilha de Moçambique — Wander through the UNESCO-listed Stone Town with its colonial architecture and fort.
• Nacala Bay — Enjoy the deep-water port and beautiful beaches.
• Memba beaches — Relax on pristine, undeveloped coastline.
• Nampula city market — Explore one of Mozambique's busiest markets.
• Cashew trail — Visit cashew plantations and processing facilities.