What it is
A narrow strip of sand between the Aby Lagoon and the ocean, with hotels, private villas and beach restaurants along it. Assinie-Mafia is the main settlement. The mouth where the lagoon meets the sea is the local landmark.
Why go
It is the straightforward beach end of a trip: warm water, lagoon boat trips, jet skis, kitesurfing when the wind is right, and long stretches of sand outside the hotel strips. Nearby Assouindé and the lagoon villages are quieter.
When to go
December to March for the calmest sea and least rain. Weekends bring Abidjan out in force and prices rise; midweek is a different place. The Atlantic surf here produces strong rip currents and drownings happen, so swim where hotels have lifeguards and take local advice on the day seriously.
Most people stay 2 nights.