Elmina is a little fishermen village by the ocean, just a few kilometers west from Cape Coast. It also has a white colonial castle similar to the one in Cape Coast and Osu and a very strong fishing tradition. It is said to be the first european settlement in West Africa. It is a perfect daytrip destination while staying in Cape!
Unfortunately, I had only one quick evening and saw most of it from a window of a car, but I would gladly recommend it and I wish I could spend some more time on wandering around there.
This settlement grew around Jao Jorge da Mina Castle, built by the Portuguese. This was the main trading centre between the european colonists and West Africa. Gold and other goods was shipped to Europe in ourtrageous amounts. In exchange for that, Europeans introduced the local tribes to the Christian religion.
On the streets Elmina doesn't really stand out from other Ghanian villages. However, on the day on which we visited there was a traditional fishermen festival happening. Everybody was out celebrating on the streets, and men were dressed up in traditional festival outfits, animal themed. There was live music played on drums, trumpets, guitars and other instruments, walking along the parade.
My host decided to take me to Elmina mostly to enjoy an infinity pool in one of the hotels that has a grand location up a hill and overlooking the whole village. This extravaganza was actually very nice, and not at all expensive.
When we were going back, there was still lots of life on the streets - the festival has just begun.
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