The provincial capital of Antsiranana, formerly Diégo-Suarez, in the North of Madagascar has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' thanks to its colonial architecture and wide streets. The city lies in a large natural bay. "Diego", as the city is often lovingly referred to, also serves as the starting point for trips to the National Park "Montagne d'Ambre", which boasts attractions including two waterfalls and various species of lemur.
En route to the seaside resort of Ramena with its fine sandy beaches, visitors can see a small volcanic mountain that rises up out of the sea, the "sugar loaf". Sights include: the Montagnes des Français, Joffreville, Cap Diego, the 'holy' lake inhabited by crocodiles at Anivorano-Nord, Cap d’Ambre, the nature reserve "Forêt d'Ambre", the unspoiled sea of rocks at Ankarana, as well as Baie de Sakalava, Baie des Dunes, Windsor Castle, Mer d’Eméraude, Tsingy Rouges and Baie du Courrier.