Unlike most of the islands in the archipelago, Grande Mitsio, often referred to as Nosy Mitsio, is permanently inhabited. Its population is estimated at around 2,500 people, spread across several coastal villages. The island holds a special place in the history of the Antankarana people. Around 1840, it notably served as a refuge for King Tsimiharo and several thousand of his followers during conflicts with the Merina Kingdom. To this day, Nosy Mitsio retains strong historica

Located northeast of Nosy Be, off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, the Mitsio Archipelago lies in the heart of the Mozambique Channel. Grande Mitsio, its main island, is around 60 kilometres from Nosy Be. Approximately 12 kilometres long, it is surrounded by sixteen islands and islets, including Nosy Ankarea, Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Lava, Nosy Toloho and the spectacular Four Brothers. Largely volcanic in origin, the archipelago is characterised by basalt formations, beac