10 Best Things to Do in the Comoros Islands

Explore the Wild Beauty of Comoros: 10 Best Things to Do

The Comoros Islands, floating like emeralds off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, are the very definition of remote. This is not your average tourist hotspot. No cookie-cutter resorts. No crowds. Just wild, raw beauty, rich local culture, and an intoxicating blend of ylang-ylang, cloves, and sea air. If you're chasing solitude, authenticity, and adventure, Comoros is your escape hatch from modern life. Here's our top 10 list of unforgettable experiences across the archipelago.

Mohéli: The Wild Heart of Comoros

Mohéli, also known as Mwali, is the smallest and most untouched of the Comoros Islands. It’s a place where time slows down and nature dominates. With pristine marine reserves, dense forests, and a truly remote vibe, Mohéli offers a glimpse of island life at its most authentic. Home to rare wildlife and quiet fishing villages, it’s perfect for eco-travelers and adventurers craving solitude. If you're looking to disconnect and embrace raw beauty, Mohéli is your go-to escape.

What’s Special
Mohéli is home to Comoros’ only national park and offers rare encounters with sea turtles, humpback whales, and untouched coral reefs in total tranquility.

Must Do
Snorkel or dive in Mohéli Marine Park, where vibrant coral gardens and sea turtles await in some of the Indian Ocean’s clearest waters.
Trek through the forests of Nioumachoua and spot endangered Livingstone’s fruit bats soaring through the treetops near local village trails.
Take a sunset canoe ride with local fishermen to nearby islets and soak in golden skies and complete oceanic silence.

Local Tip
Visit during July to September for humpback whale migrations—locals offer respectful boat tours that support community conservation efforts.

Anjouan: The Pearl of the Comoros

Anjouan, or Nzwani as locals call it, is a dreamlike island that feels lifted from a storybook. Cloaked in misty mountains and rainforest, it’s known for its enchanting beauty, rich history, and old-world charm. This island breathes spice—ylang-ylang and cloves scent the air—and its winding trails and traditional villages feel both romantic and untouched. For travelers seeking unspoiled nature and cultural immersion, Anjouan is a captivating, soulful destination.

What’s Special
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Comoros,” Anjouan offers lush rainforests, Arab ruins, and spice-scented air that feels exotic and timeless.

Must Do
Hike up to Mount Ntringui and take in breathtaking views over cloud forests, waterfalls, and the glimmering coastline far below.
Explore centuries-old Arab plantations and feel the legacy of Comoros’ trading history echo through stone walls and overgrown paths.
Stroll through Mutsamudu’s medina, where Swahili-Arabic architecture and cobbled streets tell tales of sultans, sailors, and spice merchants.

Local Tip
Early mornings are best for hiking—cooler temperatures and clear skies give you stunning panoramic views and fewer people on the trails.

Grande Comore: Lava and Luxury on Ngazidja

Grande Comore, or Ngazidja, is the largest of the Comoros Islands and home to the capital, Moroni. It’s a place of volcanic drama and coastal serenity. Here, dark lava fields stretch down to white sand beaches, and the island pulses with a mix of tradition and modern rhythm. With better infrastructure and amenities, it’s the ideal base for those wanting adventure by day and comfort by night.

What’s Special
Grande Comore is a stunning mix of ancient lava flows, bustling markets, and coastal calm—perfect for balancing wild exploration and easy living.

Must Do
Climb Mount Karthala, the world’s largest active volcano, for an epic trek across eerie lava landscapes and vast, smoky calderas.
Relax on Chomoni Beach, where turquoise waters meet jet-black lava rock—one of the most striking contrasts in the Indian Ocean.
Wander the markets of Moroni and sample fresh tropical fruits, spices, and street snacks while mingling with friendly, colorfully dressed locals.

Local Tip
Check eruption history before trekking Mount Karthala—local guides know the safest and most scenic routes across the volcanic terrain.

Moroni: The Soulful Capital of Comoros

Moroni is not your typical capital city. With its crumbling architecture, narrow alleys, and Arabian influences, it feels like a slice of Zanzibar tucked into the Comoros. The city has an undeniably romantic air—mosques with carved doors, fishermen in wooden boats, and a medina full of spice and color. It’s a place to wander, get lost, and fall in love with island culture.

What’s Special
Moroni is a cultural treasure, blending Swahili, Arab, and French influences into a richly atmospheric city unlike any other in the region.

Must Do
Visit the Old Friday Mosque with its iconic white minaret and soak in the view of the sea and city from its steps.
Shop for handcrafted goods and spices at the vibrant Volo Volo Market—perfect for gifts, or just absorbing the local flavor.
Lose yourself in the medina’s winding lanes, where every turn reveals a new scent, sound, or colorful scene of daily life.

Local Tip
Dress modestly and greet locals politely—it goes a long way in Moroni, where hospitality and tradition are deeply valued.

Petite-Terre: Culture and Cuisine with a French Flair

Petite-Terre, part of the French-governed island of Mayotte, blends Comorian soul with French sophistication. It’s where you’ll find a more cosmopolitan energy—expats, polished cafes, and a stronger infrastructure—without losing the magic of the Indian Ocean. Rich with history and geological wonders, Petite-Terre is a quieter, more refined escape perfect for travelers who like their adventure served with a side of fine dining.

What’s Special
Petite-Terre offers a unique mix of Comorian heritage and French luxury, from volcanic lakes to elegant seafood restaurants and ancient archaeological sites.

Must Do
Hike the crater rim of Lake Dziani Dzaha and marvel at the electric-green water surrounded by steep cliffs and sweeping sea views.
Sample French-Comorian fusion dishes like crab curry or frog legs at one of the island’s intimate, high-quality restaurants.
Explore the ancient Shirazi settlement ruins in Bagamayo, where 10th-century history meets beautiful sea views and wild flora.

Local Tip
Dinner is served late—plan for a sunset aperitif at a waterfront café before indulging in the island’s flavorful French cuisine.

Mitsamiouli & Galawa Beach: Diving into Serenity

On the northwest coast of Grande Comore lies Mitsamiouli, home to the stunning Galawa Beach. Once the site of a bustling resort, the beach is now serene and largely untouched. It’s a paradise for divers and snorkelers with its rich marine life, coral reefs, and pristine waters. Whether you’re seeking vibrant undersea adventures or quiet beach bliss, this stretch of coastline delivers.

What’s Special
Mitsamiouli boasts some of the best scuba diving in Comoros, featuring healthy reefs, manta rays, and miles of uncrowded white-sand shoreline.

Must Do
Dive the Mitsamiouli Bank for world-class underwater exploration with coral gardens, reef sharks, and surreal visibility in clear Indian Ocean waters.
Relax under a palm at Galawa Beach and enjoy the soothing silence, interrupted only by the gentle waves and rustling leaves.
Take a guided snorkeling tour to explore offshore reef ecosystems and discover a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and sea turtles.

Local Tip
Bring your own snorkel or dive gear—rentals can be limited, especially in the quieter off-season months from May to October.

Lake Dzialandzé: A Crater Lake in the Highlands of Anjouan

Hidden high in the hills of Anjouan, Lake Dzialandzé is a mystical crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and shrouded in local legends. Remote and peaceful, it’s a place where nature whispers. The trek to the lake takes you through vibrant green trails and past tiny farms, offering a serene glimpse into Anjouan’s heart.

What’s Special
Lake Dzialandzé combines volcanic wonder with total serenity, nestled 900 meters above sea level and framed by forested peaks and quiet beauty.

Must Do
Hike from the village of Adda to the lake, passing banana groves and spice trees on a scenic, gentle uphill trail.
Have a picnic on the lakeshore and listen to birdsong echoing through the mist while enjoying a break from the world.
Photograph the lake’s mirror-like surface at sunrise when light dances across the water and reveals every curve of the crater rim.

Local Tip
Go with a local guide—they’ll share legends about the lake and help you navigate the lesser-known, more scenic trails.

Grande Comore: Land of Lava and Legend

Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is the island where natural drama and cultural depth collide. Its landscape is carved by volcanic activity, with black lava rock stretching across the coast and contrasting beautifully with white-sand beaches. The island’s villages hum with daily life, and the capital, Moroni, offers access to both local flavor and urban energy. It’s the perfect balance of raw nature and modern-day rhythm.

What’s Special
Grande Comore’s volcanic terrain, crystal beaches, and spice-laden markets offer a uniquely wild and welcoming gateway to Comorian life and landscape.

Must Do
Stroll along Chomoni Beach where jet-black lava rocks meet turquoise waters for one of the island’s most photogenic coastal scenes.
Visit the Iconi Ruins, remnants of an ancient capital with sweeping views and a powerful glimpse into Comoros' turbulent royal history.
Explore local spice farms inland, where ylang-ylang and vanilla hang thick in the air and farmers are happy to share their craft.

Local Tip
Pack sturdy shoes—the lava fields are stunning but sharp, and flip-flops won’t cut it for serious exploring.

Mount Karthala: Trek the Fire Giant

Mount Karthala dominates the skyline of Grande Comore, both in size and spirit. As the world’s largest active volcano, it’s a pilgrimage for adventurous hikers. Towering over 2,300 meters, it has shaped the island in both myth and geology. Though eruptions are rare, the otherworldly caldera and sweeping summit views offer a truly wild hiking experience.

What’s Special
Mount Karthala’s lava-sculpted summit and eerie crater make for one of the most surreal and challenging hikes in the Indian Ocean.

Must Do
Trek the southern route with a local guide for an overnight adventure into one of the planet’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Camp near the summit to catch sunrise over the clouds, with panoramic views that feel like another planet entirely.
Visit post-eruption lava fields and watch how new plant life has begun to reclaim the dark rock—nature’s quiet resilience.

Local Tip
Start your hike early and carry plenty of water—the trail is long, exposed, and offers no shade once you pass the forest line.

Mayotte: The Refined Island Escape

Mayotte stands apart from the rest of the Comoros—technically a French overseas territory, it feels more like a laid-back Riviera than a forgotten island. With modern roads, French cuisine, and a large expat community, it’s ideal for those who want comfort with their adventure. But it still has wild corners: forests, mangroves, and a massive coral lagoon that’s perfect for snorkeling and whale watching.

What’s Special
Mayotte blends European charm with island wildness, offering infrastructure, gourmet food, and an enormous coral lagoon brimming with marine life.

Must Do
Snorkel the coral lagoon, one of the largest in the world, and spot sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful reef fish.
Wander the lush Saziley Nature Reserve, where baobabs tower above and lemurs peer down from the trees.
Sail to the islet of Îlot Bandrélé for a castaway experience with postcard-perfect beaches and a coral garden just offshore.

Local Tip
French is the official language—knowing a few key phrases will earn you warm smiles and smoother interactions in shops and cafés.

Whether you're hiking across lava fields, diving coral reefs, or sipping strong coffee in a spice-scented medina, the Comoros Islands promise raw adventure and rich culture far from the beaten path. This is where you come to feel a place, not just see it.