Fort Apollonia

Fort Apollonia at Beyin was built by the British between 1765 and 1770 and marks the western end of the chain of forts along the Ghanaian coast, close to the Ivorian border. It is a compact square structure with corner bastions, whitewashed and in reasonable condition, and it now houses a museum of Nzema culture established with Italian cooperation funding, covering the history, crafts and social organisation of the people of this corner of Ghana rather than only the fort's own story. The fort was briefly Dutch in the nineteenth century before returning to Britain. Beyin is also the departure point for canoe trips to the stilt village of Nzulezo, which most visitors combine with the fort.

What you actually see

• The square fort - the compact bastioned structure at Beyin.
• The Nzema museum - the displays on local culture and history.
• Whitewashed walls - the restored exterior facing the shore.
• The coastal setting - the beach and village at the fort's foot.

When to go

November to March for the dry season. The museum keeps daytime hours and may close unpredictably. Combine with a morning canoe trip to Nzulezo, which starts from the same village.

Honest expectations

The museum is small and opening is inconsistent. The fort itself takes half an hour. Beyin is a long drive from Takoradi or Cape Coast. Facilities in the village are very limited.

Nearby

Nzulezo stilt village is reached by canoe from here; Axim lies east.