Moya
A village on Anjouan's southern coast with the island's best-known beach.
Updated 2 October 2026
Moya sits on Anjouan's southern coast where a valley reaches the sea, with a beach of pale sand between headlands and a village on the slope behind it. It is the beach Anjouan is known for on an island that is mostly cliff and rock, and turtles nest along the stretch. The drive over the ridge from Mutsamudu is steep and slow but the descent to the bay is the payoff.
What you'll find
- The beach - pale sand between headlands on a mostly rocky coast.
- The valley - the cut reaching the sea behind the bay.
- The turtle nesting - the animals using the beach in season.
- The ridge drive - the steep crossing over from the north coast.
When to go
May to October is the drier and cooler season. The rains run November to April. Turtles nest through much of the year.
Good to know
The road over the ridge is steep, narrow and in poor condition. Facilities are minimal, with a simple guesthouse at best. Currents off the beach can be strong.
Nearby
Domoni is northeast, and Mutsamudu is north.
What to pack for Moya
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
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