Mayotte

Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the coast of East Africa. This Indian Ocean territory combines a tropical island setting with a vast protected lagoon, making it a distinctive destination for travellers interested in nature, marine life and a culture shaped by African, Malagasy and French influences.

The capital, Mamoudzou, sits on the main island of Grande-Terre, while Dzaoudzi, on the smaller island of Petite-Terre, is home to the international airport and was once the colonial administrative centre. Other settlements such as Sada, Mtsamboro and Bandrele provide access to beaches, fishing villages and quieter coastal areas.

Mayotte is best known for its double barrier reef and extensive lagoon, one of the largest in the world. Visitors come for snorkelling, diving and turtle-watching along shores such as N'Gouja and Moya, while inland landscapes include volcanic peaks like Mount Choungui, baobab trees and plantations of ylang-ylang, which is used in perfume. The island's culture blends Comorian, Malagasy, Swahili and French traditions.

As a French overseas department, Mayotte uses the euro and follows French administrative systems. Tourism, fishing, agriculture and public services shape daily life, and the island serves as a regional connection point in the Indian Ocean, with air links mainly through Réunion and mainland France.

Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport on Petite-Terre is the main gateway, and a frequent barge service connects Petite-Terre with Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre. Roads, taxis, rental cars and local buses support travel between the airport, ferry terminal, hotels, beaches and other destinations.