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The beach view is stunning around Grand Popo.
Martine outside one of the bungalows at Awale.
Girl cleaning fish at the beach of Grand Popo. |
Grand popo When you need some quiet days in the sun, Grand Popo is the obvious alternative in Benin. The town of Grand Popo it self is located near the Togolese border, roughly 1 hour drive from Cotonou, if the traffic is smooth. Many returning Afro-Brazilians settled also here, mainly to involve in commerce. One thus finds many buildings with colonial architecture. The main business in the region is fishing, and picturesque fishing villages line the beautiful beaches. Among the fishing villages you will find two beautiful resorts; The Auberge de Grand Popo, and the Awale Plage resort. Auberge de Grand Popo is based in a beautiful colonial building, and was featured in Lonely Planet’s TV program on the best beach resorts in the world. In spite of a fairly basic standard, the auberge has a great atmosphere and a swimming pool, great for warm days, since the currents in the ocean can be strong and often dangerous. Awale Plage is a newer establishment right on the beach, and has a number of beautiful bungalows with good standard. The restaurant is great, and the view priceless. Their swimming pool should also be ready by now. Both resorts are beautiful places to rest and relax. The most recommended activity is to stroll along the beach and watch the fishermen pull their nets, the women in colorful dresses cleaning the fish and the painted and carved boats being cleaned and prepared. If you don’t feel like eating in the hotel there are several restaurants along the road. Also here you can catch a zim (moped taxi) that can take you to one of them. Martine recommends Le Bercail, on the main road between Awale Plage and the town it self. |
Fact Sheet
| Maps and Distances | History | Shopping | Vodoun | Slavery | Proverbs
Porto Novo
| Cotonou | Ouidah | Ganvie | Abomey | Grand Popo | The North