Beira City Guide - overview

Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government, from 1947 to 1975, when Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.

Garlic and peri-peri chicken or prawns are the order of the day in Beira. Biques is a festive bar (with a pool table), restaurant and campsite about 1.2 miles (2km) from the centre of Beira. The bar/restaurant terrace overlooks the sea and excellent food and drinks are on offer. Papas, close to Hotel Tivoli, is said to have the best food in town but it's also a bit expensive. Nautico serves good simple food, and has nice views of the sea and a swimming pool. Wings, inside the Macuti Housing Complex, offers Chinese and Portuguese cuisine; the chicken with cashew and pineapple, and the Bife Cremoso, are really good.

Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.

Getting around: