Places / Africa / Mozambique
Beira
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At a glance
- Country
- Mozambique
- Region
- Sofala Province
- Population
- around 530,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Beira (BEW)
- Coordinates
- 19.84°S, 34.84°E
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Overview
Beira is Mozambique's second port, a low-lying city at the mouth of the Púnguè river that was badly damaged by Cyclone Idai in 2019. It has a faded grandeur, with modernist buildings from the 1950s and 60s and a long, windswept beach.
It is a working city rather than a resort, but it is the gateway to Gorongosa National Park, and its prawns are famous across the region. A day or two here pairs well with a safari inland.
Things to see
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Macúti lighthouse and beach
A striped lighthouse stands above a long sandy beach, with a rusting shipwreck lying offshore.
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Photo: Rosino, CC BY-SA 2.0 Beira Cathedral
The city's main Catholic cathedral, a large stone church near the centre with a calm, cool interior.
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Photo: F Mira from Lisbon, Portugal, CC BY-SA 2.0 Grande Hotel
The shell of a vast 1950s luxury hotel, now home to thousands of people; view it respectfully from outside.
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Praça do Município
The central square, framed by colonial buildings and the town hall, at the heart of the old downtown.
Things to do
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Photo: Brian Dell, Public domain Gorongosa National Park
A remarkable conservation success story, with lions, elephants and birdlife returning to floodplains a few hours' drive away.
Find tours -
Eat Beira prawns
Order them grilled with piri-piri and lime at a seafront restaurant in Macúti.
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Photo: Companhia de Moçambique, Public domain Browse the central market
A busy market for fruit, dried fish and fabrics, and a good place to see everyday city life.
Where to stay
Macúti
Along the beachfront, with the more comfortable hotels and seafood restaurants.
Hotels in MacútiPonta Gêa
Central and convenient, close to the cathedral and the old downtown.
Hotels in Ponta Gêa
Getting around
Taxis are the easiest option for visitors; agree the fare in advance and avoid walking alone at night.
The airport is about 10 km from the centre; a taxi takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
When to go
May to October is dry and pleasantly warm. The wet season from November to April is hot and humid, with flooding and cyclones possible, and some Gorongosa areas close.
Plan your trip to Beira
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.