Antananarivo
Also known as "Tana", Antananarivo is Madagascar's capital and the place where you will first land.  The city has a lot of history, most importantly the Royal Rova on Ambohimanga, a forested hill, north of Antananarivo.  It was from this fortress that Madagascar was united into one country and Ambohimanga remains spiritually significant for the Malagasy people.  There are spectacular views to be had from the hilltop.  As for markets, Zoma Market is enormous and well worth a visit.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Analamazoatra (Perinet)
One of my most endearing travel memories is waking up to the sound of indris heralding the break of day at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.  The largest lemur in Madagascar, the trumpeting of the animals as they mark their territory is a sound you will not easily forget.  The reserve also offers the opportunity for night walks during which you may spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons and some of the colourful tree frogs.

Antsirabe
Fading, ornate colonial architecture and colourful rickshaws (known as 'pousse-pousse') mark the town of Antsirabe, long a favourite with missionaries and colonialists for it's cool climate.  Founded by Norwegians the town offers bustling street markets and is a popular spa town thanks to the hot springs and thermal baths.

Ranomafana National Park
Numerous small streams cascade down to the beautiful Namorona River in Ranomafana  Locally the name means 'hot water', thanks to the thermal baths and swimming pool you will find here.  The main reasons to visit the park are hiking and spotting some of its small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, as well as plants, including orchids and carnivorous plants.  There are three species of Bamboo lemur in the park, including the golden bamboo lemur, first reported in 1985 and the raison d'etre of the park.  Malagasy boa constrictor, chameleons, the black parrot, cuckoo roller and many other birds also live in the park.
Anja Community Reserve
Protected since 1999, Anja is a great place to observe ring-tailed lemurs.  It is a vital example of how community management can effectively protect an area and benefit a community.

Andringitra National Park
High mountains, granite outcrops and deep valleys covered in rainforest, mountain forest and high altitude meadows are hallmarks of Andringitra.  It is one of the most biodiverse areas of Madagascar with over 1000 species of plants and numerous species of bird, mammal and frog.  As the wildlife is harder to spot here, the main reasons to visit are the stunning landscapes and wonderful trekking opportunities.

Isalo National Park
Erosion by wind and water has produced some of the most fantastical landscapes at Isalo.  Discover incredible canyons and strange geological formations on walks through the park.  Don't forget to take a dip in one of the natural pools and watch the sunset at La Fenetre, a natural rock window framing the setting sun.

Ifaty Beach
Snorkelling and beach time are the order of the day at Ifaty Beach, a large sandy bay protected by a barrier reef. Traditional fishing villages are scattered along the bay and there are options for several day trips in the area.  During July and August, you can join a humpback whale-watching trip on the lagoon.

Kirindy Forest
Kirindy is home to the giant jumping rat and a good place to spot fossa, the country’s largest predator.  Endemic to Madagascar, the latter looks like a cross between a cat and a weasel.

Avenue of the Baobabs
Famous as one of the most scenic roads in the country, the Avenue of the Baobabs is a sandy road lined with these giant trees.  Sunset is a magical time to visit, when the colours of the setting sun create the perfect photo opportunity.

Tsingy de Bemaraha
Designated a Unesco World Heritage site since 1990, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a karst landscape dominated by limestone pinnacles, some of which are several hundred metres high.  A hike through this amazing landscape will take you through caves and narrow chasms and offer incredible views.  It is a highlight for many but definitely not for the faint of heart!