Flight Destinations

Flights to Cotonou

Destinations in Benin

Flights to Africa Flights to Asia Flights to Australia Flights to Caribbean Flights to Central America Flights to Europe Flights to Indian Ocean Flights to Middle East Flights to North America Flights to Pacific Islands Flights to South America

Cotonou is the largest city and the de facto capital of Benin, a country in West Africa. Cotonou is a coastal city and important port for the country as well as being the location for the country’s international airport.

Flights to Cotonou from the UK are served by the Cotonou International Airport (airport code: COO), also called Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Your journey to Cotonou from the UK will require indirect flights with at least one connection. Choose from airlines such as Afriqiyah Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Air France which offer travellers with one stop flights to Cotonou from the UK. Flight routes vary with the different airlines, but expect to fly via the airlines home countries.

Tourists must make sure they have had a Yellow Fever inoculation. This is not only for your own safety but is essential to be granted entry to the country. You will need to have proof available to show the authorities at the airport.

The Tourist Attractions of Cotonou

Being the largest city in Benin, Cotonou is a busy place with lots going on. It is of course the main entry point to the country for international visitors, and even if you’re only using Cotonou as a gateway to the rest of the country it is worth spending a day or two here, taking in the sights and sounds of this, the de facto capital of Benin.

Cotonou Cathedral

Cotonou Cathedral must be one of the most striking cathedrals in the world! The exterior is striped with burgundy and white tiles, and hence it’s easily recognisable. The cathedral is officially called the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Apotres.

Cotonou Central Mosque

The population of Benin as a whole follow a number of different religions. The cathedral is for the Roman Catholic population. Catholics, along with other Christian denominations make up over 40% of the population, though the second highest religion practiced is Islam. The Cotonou Central Mosque is the centre for Islamic life in Cotonou and Benin as a whole.

Shopping in Cotonou

Whilst there may be shops that Westerners are more typically used to, the major shopping area in Cotonou is in fact an open air market, called Dantokpa Market. Not only is the market hugely popular with tourists, but it’s where most of the locals shop too and is in fact very important to the economy of the country. The market covers over 20 hectares and is an excellent place to buy some local crafts.

Ancien Pont Bridge

One of Cotonou’s famous landmarks is the Ancien Pont Bridge. There are several bridges in Cotonou which cross the canal that splits the city in two. The canal was dug by the French in 1855.

When Should You Visit Cotonou?

Cotonou is located near the equator and hence has an equatorial climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 18C to 35C across the year. The rainy seasons are from April to July and September to October. December and January are reportedly not the best time to visit Cotonou as the city is affected by winds.

Flights to Cotonou