Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a destination for the true travel purist. It is a country of “poetic decadence”—where the faded grandeur of Portuguese colonial architecture is being slowly reclaimed by the tropical sun and salt air. Yet, just off its coast lies a world of 88 islands so pristine and culturally distinct that they have been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

From the quiet, historic streets of Bissau Velho to the remote islands where saltwater hippos bathe in the surf, Guinea-Bissau offers a raw, authentic, and profoundly moving experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Why we love Guinea-Bissau

We love Guinea-Bissau for its haunting beauty and its resilient spirit. It is one of the last places in Africa where you can feel like a true pioneer. It is the ability to wander through a ruined “ghost capital” like Bolama, the thrill of tracking rare marine wildlife, and the warmth of a people who have preserved their sacred traditions and matriarchal societies despite centuries of change. It is a destination that doesn’t just show you its heart; it demands you slow down to find it.

The Most Beautiful Places in Guinea-Bissau

From the “wooden” capital to the sacred isles:

1. The Bijagós Archipelago

A labyrinth of 88 islands and islets, only 20 of which are inhabited. This is the crown jewel of the country. The islands are home to the Bijagó people, known for their unique matriarchal culture and intricate masks. Here, the beaches are untouched, the forests are dense, and the connection to the ancestral spirit world is felt in every village.

2. Orango Island & National Park

Home to one of the most extraordinary sights in the animal kingdom: the world’s only population of saltwater-dwelling hippos. In the Anor lagoon, you can witness these giants swimming through the ocean waves and basking on the sand—a prehistoric scene that feels like something out of a dream.

3. Bissau Velho (Old Bissau)

The historic heart of the capital. While much of the city is bustling and modern, the Old Town is a Mediterranean-style time capsule. Wander through its winding streets to see the pink-washed Presidential Palace, the 17th-century Fortaleza de São José da Amura, and the colorful, crumbling villas that speak of a bygone era.

4. Bolama Island

Once the proud capital of Portuguese Guinea, Bolama is now a place of “grand ruins.” Strolling past the neoclassical Governor’s Palace and the abandoned cinema feels like walking through a film set. It is an island of incredible energy, where nature and history are locked in a slow, beautiful embrace.

5. João Vieira e Poilão Marine National Park

A vital sanctuary for the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle. Poilão is the most important nesting site for these turtles in all of Africa. Under the light of a full moon, witnessing thousands of females emerge from the Atlantic to lay their eggs is a silent, sacred spectacle of nature.

Highlights of a Tour Through Guinea-Bissau

  • The Carnival of Bissau: If you visit in February, you will witness one of Africa’s most vibrant festivals. The streets explode with papier-mâché masks, traditional dancing, and a rhythmic energy that showcases the country’s incredible ethnic diversity.
  • Sport Fishing in the Bijagós: The archipelago is world-renowned for its “all-tackle” fishing. Enthusiasts come from across the globe to challenge themselves against tarpon, barracuda, and jacks in the nutrient-rich Atlantic waters.
  • Chimpanzee Tracking in Cantanhez: Head to the deep south to the Cantanhez Forests National Park. This community-based project allows you to trek through some of the last primary forests in West Africa to spot wild chimpanzees and rare birds.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The dry season (November to April) is the best time for travel. The roads are passable, and the weather is perfect for island hopping. For turtle nesting on Poilão, visit between October and January.
  • Getting around: The archipelago is best explored via private boat or the weekly ferry to Bubaque. On the mainland, private 4×4 vehicles are essential for reaching remote parks like Cantanhez.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but Kriol (Portuguese Creole) is the language of the street. While English is rare, the gentle, shy hospitality of the Bissaueans transcends language barriers.
  • Currency: The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is used. ATMs are available in Bissau, but rare elsewhere. Credit cards are only accepted in high-end hotels in the capital; ensure you have enough cash for the islands.