Experience the best of Cape Coast

Cape Coast grew around a fort on a rocky headland above the sea, and its streets climb the slopes behind the old harbour. Cape Coast Castle, first built by Swedish traders in the seventeenth century and later held by the British, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its dungeons and sea gate are visited by travellers from around the world.

Elmina Castle, another UNESCO-listed fort, lies a short drive west along the coast. Kakum National Park, with its canopy walkway through rainforest, lies to the north. The Fetu Afahye festival of the Oguaa people fills the streets each September, and the university brings students and a steady stream of cafés and markets to the town.

Fante cooking uses fish from the coast: grilled fish, fried fish with pepper sauce, kenkey and palm nut soup. Local markets sell fruit, yams and plantain. The heaviest rain falls from April to July, and the sea breezes keep the coast a little cooler than inland towns.