The Beaches and Robertsport

Liberia's long Atlantic coastline is fringed with wild, palm-lined and often gloriously empty beaches, a little-known asset of a country only beginning to welcome travellers. Near the capital Monrovia, golden strands offer swimming and relaxation, while the coast's real gem is Robertsport, a laid-back fishing town two hours north that has become a rising surf destination. Here consistent Atlantic waves peel along the point, breaking beside a beautiful beach backed by a lagoon, palm groves and enormous, ancient cotton trees, and a small, friendly community of surfers and fishermen. Uncrowded and unspoilt, Liberia's beaches and surf are a genuine, off-the-radar coastal find.

What you actually see

• Robertsport - the laid-back surf town and its point break.
• The empty beaches - the wild, palm-fringed golden shores.
• The surfing - the consistent, uncrowded Atlantic waves.
• The cotton trees and lagoon - the giant trees and lagoon setting.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the best beach weather, as the wet season brings very heavy rain, though the surf can be good at various times; Robertsport's waves are consistent and best for surfers of different levels at different seasons. The beaches are reached by road from Monrovia, and Robertsport is a relaxed few hours north.

Honest expectations

The Atlantic here also has strong currents. For the reward of wild, empty beaches and an uncrowded, laid-back surf frontier at Robertsport, though, Liberia's coast is a genuine off-the-radar find.

Nearby

The capital Monrovia and the Sapo rainforest are within reach.