Malindi Town
Malindi is a town with beautiful architecture and a unique atmosphere. Not a boring long strip with only hotels and resorts, but a town with history. Like Mombasa, it is a town that has had many influences over the years, each leaving its own mark. You can do a super cool city tour here and start at the Malindi museum, where you will learn all about the rich history of this town and the surrounding waters. Upstairs, you’ll even find a collection of Italian art. For the adventurous, there is the Portuguese Chapel, where you can experience how locals used to hide from raids by enemy peoples. Of course, if you are less of a fan of history, you can always relax with a refreshing gelato in the afternoon or enjoy a lavish dinner in the evening at one of the many cozy Italian restaurants with a fantastic outdoor terrace. And don’t forget to visit Malindi’s landmark: the Vasco da Gama pillar. This white pillar of no less than 5 meters high towers high above the coastline and is an impressive sight.
The north beach of Malindi
This beach is truly a hidden gem, wonderfully deserted and not yet overrun by beach vendors you can’t avoid on other beaches. And three kilometers further north, you can take a great walk along the beach as the water slowly washes around your feet. The walk starts at two large, abandoned Japanese fishing boats that lie several meters deep in the Indian Ocean in front of the beach. This is a great spot for a photo, but be careful not to accidentally have one of the abandoned crew members in the background. Along the way, you will come to Sabiki Bridge, where you will see the hippos resting after a night of wonderful grazing.
(Non-)Italian dining out on the beach
We can’t imagine it, but if you’ve had enough of Italian food for a while, we can recommend a local and authentic beachfront restaurant: Masai Beach Restaurant. Here you will enjoy delicious seafood, a fantastic vibe and the hotspot of Malindi. Still in the mood for Italian tonight? Then Baby Marrow is the right choice. This restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes, from appetizer to dessert, on a cozy outdoor terrace. Just keep in mind that 90% of the people around you here are also Italian.
Coco Beach
If you’re looking for an unforgettable lunch experience, Coco Beach Island comes highly recommended. The name gives it away: time for bare feet! Just take off your shoes and venture through the mangrove forests to arrive at the idyllic island where a delicious lunch awaits you. The deserted beach will make you feel like you’ve landed at the end of the world.
Hell’s Kitchen
After lunch, head to a place brimming with history! Combine a visit to Coco Beach with Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa for an unforgettable day. According to legend, Hell’s Kitchen was once the beautiful Garden of Eden, maintained by Sultan Suleiman. When an evil spirit destroyed everything, the Sultan cursed it to hell, renaming the place Hell’s Kitchen. All that remains of the garden are the red, yellow and white colored rocks. The area is considered a door to Hell and is said to be inhabited by demons and ghosts, brrr! You’ll feel like you are in a small Grand Canyon in an otherworldly natural setting. Note: the afternoon heat can be quite high, so plan your visit early or wait until the afternoon when the sun is less intense.
