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Guinea-Bissau

Like a microcosm of Africa, this tiny nation contains multitudes – of landscapes, peoples, cultures and plant and animal life. All of it within reach of the capital, Bissau. The jewel in the country's crown is the labyrinth of tropical islands that make up the Arquipélago dos Bijagós. Long white-sand beaches are lapped by waters brimming with fish. Hippos, monkeys, chimps and buffaloes thrive in protected reserves and hundreds of bird species call its vast mangroves and wetlands home.

The jokes, like the Bissau-Guineans' music, are loud but tender and that bowl of grilled oysters you ordered will be served with a sauce spicy enough to give a kick.

 

Explore Guinea-Bissau

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Guinea-Bissau.

Guidebooks

Learn more about Guinea-Bissau

Ready to go? Get to the heart of Guinea-Bissau with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.

Africa