Until the end of the 19^th century, Antalaha was only a small fishing village. The introduction of vanilla in 1905, as well as the construction of a port, brought prosperity to the developing town. Even before the Second World War, the area had already become the most significant center of vanilla production on the island, exporting more than 50% of the world’s vanilla.  Today, Antalaha preserves its status as the “world capital of vanilla.”
One can climb the hills located to the west of the city for a beautiful ocean view. A stroll along the newly refurbished waterfront boulevard offers a glimpse of beach life, old “colonial” villas, and the scent of vanilla wafting on the breeze.
Along with other cities in the “Sava” region, like Sambava and Vohemar, Antlaha bustles with commercial activity during the vanilla season. Working with vanilla requires knowledge passed from generation to generation. Each phase of the preparation of vanilla beans requires special attention. Strict quality controls throughout the pollination, harvest, and curing process assures that Malagasy vanilla is the best in the world.