Beira is the capital and largest city of Sofala Province, where the Pungwe River meets the Indian Ocean, in the central region of Mozambique. It is a port city. It is the fourth-largest city by population in Mozambique, after Maputo, Matola and Nampula. Beira is the capital and largest city of Sofala Province, where the Pungwe River meets the Indian Ocean, in the central region of Mozambique. Originally called Chiveve after a local river, it was renamed Beira to honour the Portuguese Crown prince Dom Luís Filipe (titled Prince of Beira, itself referring to the traditional Portuguese province of Beira), who had visited Mozambique in the early 1900s. As a coastal city, it holds the regionally significant Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for both the central interior portion of the country as well as the land-locked
nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Beira is the second largest seaport for international cargo transportation to Mozambique after Maputo.
Beira features a tropical savanna climate. Average temperature in January is 28.5 °C (83 °F) and in July (the coldest month) it’s 21 °C (70 °F). The rainy season runs roughly from November to April.
When it comes to transport, there is also a ferry service in Beira, linking the city to neighboring cities, including Nova Sofala and other coastal towns. Beira is served by an airport to the northeast of the city, with both domestic and international flights. Beira International Airport is about 10km out of the town, and can be easily reached by bus and taxi. Minibuses, called chapas, are easily available for local transport and for connections to neighboring cities.
Among the places of worship, they are predominantly Christian churches and temples ; There are also Muslim mosques.
Beira’s Main Attractions
The city square (Praça) is in the heart of Beira city and is surrounded by shops, banks, supermarkets, post office, telephone, travel agency etc. On the southeast side of the square is the marble municipality building that has a tile mural of the historical Sofala Castle in its entrance hall.
The cathedral erected in 1925 is partially built of stone from the sixteenth century Fort of Sofala (which since disappeared under the sea). Situated south-east of the city centre and once a brilliant white building, it is now looking a little run down.
Casa Portugal is a house built in a typical colonial style. It is located near the Praça do Metical. Another house with superb architecture is the Casa Infante de Sagres found in the Largo Infante Sagres. The ruins of the (former) Grand Hotel are near the mouth of the Púngoè River. Goats in the lobby and trees growing on the balcony make envisaging its former grandeur difficult.
Nine kilometres from the centre of Beira north along the beach road is the red and white lighthouse, and the shipwrecked Macuti. The palm-lined Praia de Macuti is north of the lighthouse and is the most popular beach. The old part of the port contains the ship graveyard on the banks of the Púngoè River and is worth a visit.
The artists of the Makonde tribe in the north produce quite detailed and bizarre carvings known as ‘torture art’ – their wares are not cheap since their main market has been the well-paid aid worker of Beira and Maputo. Various nightclubs and cinemas provide several entertainment options – and there is a range of eating and drinking venues.
In the area surrounding the city is a resort called ‘Six Miles’ situated inland about 10 km from the city centre. There is an artificial swimming lagoon complete with islands as well as pedal boats for hire.
Places you could eat :
Grande Hotel Beira. More of an anti-attraction, this former luxury hotel, which once was known as the “pride of Africa” is since the last 30 years occupied by thousands of squatters displaced by the country’s long civil war. It serves as a living memory of better times and the horrors of war.
Biques. It’s a camping and bar/restaurant about two km out of the centre of Beira. Worth the trip but not so easy to find. Terrace overlooking the sea, excellent food and drink. Pool table. This place is popular with locals and tourists. /www.alkhaleejtours.com
Pappas, officially called Shakila snacks. Best food in town, also expensive. Close to Hotel Tivoli.
Barbeque Beach. Located on the beach strip, 2nd level, casual relaxed bar and barbecue restaurant, serves a range of soft drinks, beers, spirits and casual food including burgers, chicken, ribs and steaks cooked downstairs on the charcoal BBQ. Great value, relaxed setting.
Some of the popular hotels include :
1.Hotel Tivoli. One PC with free internet access in the lobby. Some rooms have wireless Internet – ask for it. Restaurant and bar in the hotel but expensive. A few meters from the hotel (turn right at the entry) is a large interesting food market with lots of small places to eat. Freshly grilled fish.
2. Jardim das Velas. A Mediterranean-style lodge on the beach front. There are 12 rooms in total, 6 with an ocean view, and 6 on the ground floor. Your best bet for a clean and comfortable nights rest. There is free wifi connectivity provided. It has a newly built cafe which provides a continental breakfast to clients and becomes a coffee/waffle house after 10am.
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