Cape Coast
Visited in January 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ghana
- Region
- Central Region
- Population
- 189,925
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Accra Kotoka International (ACC)
- Coordinates
- 5.10°N, 1.24°W
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Overview
Cape Coast is a relaxed seaside town of fishing boats, old colonial buildings and good schools, once the capital of the British Gold Coast. Its whitewashed castle on the shore is one of the most important sites of the Atlantic slave trade.
A visit to the castle and nearby Elmina is moving and unforgettable. Balance it with a walk high in the rainforest canopy at Kakum, the colourful fishing harbour at Elmina and quiet beaches along the coast.
Things to see
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Photo: Rjruiziii, CC BY-SA 3.0 Cape Coast Castle
Guided tours lead through the dungeons and the Door of No Return; a sobering but essential visit.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Damien Halleux Radermecker, CC BY-SA 2.0 Elmina Castle
The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, built by the Portuguese in 1482, 15 minutes west.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Original uploader was Chiappinik at it.wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 it Kakum National Park
A canopy walkway of rope bridges strung high between rainforest trees, about 30 minutes inland.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Anita Loshmanova, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fort William
A small fort and lighthouse on a hill above town, with views over the castle and coast.
Things to do
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Photo: Bambiwa, CC BY 4.0 Elmina fishing harbour
Watch hundreds of painted canoes unload their catch beside the castle walls.
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Photo: Kwameghana(Bright Kwame Ayisi), CC BY-SA 4.0 Fetu Afahye festival
Cape Coast's colourful harvest festival, with processions of chiefs and drumming, held in early September.
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Photo: Erik Kristensen, CC BY 2.0 Beach days
Relax on the coast between Cape Coast and Elmina, where small resorts sit by the sand.
Where to stay
Cape Coast town
Guesthouses and hotels close to the castle and restaurants.
Hotels in Cape Coast townElmina coast
Beach resorts between the two towns, good for a few relaxed days.
Hotels in Elmina coast
Getting around
Shared and private taxis are cheap and easy. Hire a driver for Kakum and Elmina.
Buses and private cars from Accra take around three to four hours along the coast road.
When to go
November to March is the drier season, though hot and sometimes hazy with harmattan dust. The heaviest rains fall from April to June.
Plan your trip to Cape Coast
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.