 Toamasina (commonly known as Tamatave) is the major city on the east coast. It’s the country’s largest port, responsible for 70% of all cargo traffic to and from Madagascar. For travellers, it’s a pleasant place, with long, wide avenues lined with flamboyants and palm trees, a seaside promenade and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. It’s a convenient spot to break the journey between Antananarivo and Ile Sainte Marie, or to organize a trip down the Canal des Pangalanes.
Toamasina is a popular holiday destination among the Malagasy and is to Antanarivo what Brighton is to London, or Nice is to Paris. Unlike the waters off Brighton or Nice, however, the sea is not friendly - there is a beach, but it’s unwise to swim because the water is polluted and sharks are attracted the abattoir around the corner.
The origin of the Malagasy name Toamasina is disputed. One theory states that it was derived form the Portuguese name São Tornás (St Thomas), while another attributes it to King Radama I's first visit to the seaside in 1817; it is said that the king knelt to taste the water and said, 'Toa masina' ('It is salty')
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