Grand-Popo
Benin · Mono · 4 m
Description
Grand-Popo is a long empty beach west of Ouidah near the Togolese border, backed by coconut palms and the crumbling remains of a colonial trading town that the sea has been slowly taking. The Mono river reaches the Atlantic just along the coast at the Bouche du Roy, a shifting sandbar mouth reached by pirogue through mangroves where turtles nest and terns roost. Villa Karo, a Finnish-African cultural centre, brings writers and artists to the village. The surf is strong and the beach is for walking rather than swimming.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August or November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Grand-Popo beach
- Bouche du Roy river mouth
- Mono river mangrove pirogue trip
- Villa Karo cultural centre
- Colonial ruins on the shore
- Sea turtle nesting (November - March)
- Avlo fishing village
- Coconut palm groves
- Grand-Popo birdlife & terns
- Voodoo ceremonies on the beach
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- COO