Moroni

This capital of the Comoros sits on the western coast of Grande Comore island, where white buildings stand among palm trees along a volcanic shoreline. The center includes a compact medina with winding lanes, a small fishing harbor, and several mosques with white minarets rising against the sea.

Arab seafarers founded the settlement in the 7th century, and it grew into an important trading post in the Indian Ocean. The city became the capital of the Comoros in 1958 after serving for centuries as the seat of local sultans.

The old medina consists of narrow lanes between coral stone houses where women in colorful garments sell fish and vanilla at small markets. Men often wear the traditional white robe called kanzu and gather for conversation outside shops along the harbor promenade.

The center is easy to explore on foot because most points of interest lie within a short distance of one another. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as many streets are uneven and contain steep sections, especially toward the higher neighborhoods.

The volcano Karthala stands roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the northwest and its eruptions have spread ash across rooftops in the city on several occasions. Fishermen bring their catch directly onto the beach beside the medina, where buyers select fresh tuna and octopus each morning.