Nacala is said to be the finest deep-water harbour in Africa, plunging to nearly 200 metres. It serves as the main port for land-locked Malawi and was upgraded by the Finnish Government. The town, which is surprisingly neat and clean, has wide tarred boulevards, hotels, restaurants and banks and is a good base for anyone wanting to explore Mozambique Island and the coastline. Nearby is Fernal Velosa where Samora Machel once holidayed, the simple beach cottages at Chocos Mar and the superb and deserted beaches of Relanzapo. The surrounding areas are comprised mainly of scrubby thornveld, occasional baobabs, while casuarinas grow thickly along the beaches.