Things to Do in Costa do Sol

Costa do Sol sits 30 kilometers from Maputo along Mozambique's southeastern coast, but it feels like a different country entirely. This coastal strip has become a weekend escape for locals and a growing destination for travelers who want authentic Mozambican beach culture without resort crowds. The town moves at a wonderfully unhurried pace—dhow boats dot the horizon and fishermen bring daily catches to small beachside markets. What makes Costa do Sol appealing is its genuine character. You'll find family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood, local bars where peri-peri prawns get grilled over open flames, and stretches of beach where you might have only a few other people for company. Total authenticity.

The dining scene revolves around incredibly fresh seafood. Most restaurants source directly from local fishermen each morning, ensuring quality that would cost triple in developed beach destinations. You'll find everything from simple beach shacks grilling prawns over open flames to more refined establishments serving Portuguese-influenced Mozambican cuisine. Peri-peri dominates the flavor profile—typically less fiery than you might expect, focusing more on aromatic spices than pure heat. Many of the best meals happen at informal spots where you can watch your food being prepared and chat with other travelers. Don't miss trying matapa (a traditional dish made with cassava leaves), fresh crab curry, or the local beer 2M.

The dry season from May through October offers the most reliable weather. You'll get sunny days, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures perfect for beach activities—this period also provides the best conditions for snorkeling and boat trips. Calmer seas and better underwater visibility make the difference. April and November can be particularly pleasant. You'll get good weather with fewer crowds and often better accommodation rates—the wet season from December to March brings higher temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. But it's also when the landscape is most lush and green, and you'll have beaches largely to yourself.