Galinhas Island

Galinhas Island (Ilha das Galinhas) in the Bijagós Archipelago is a place where history and nature converge. The island gained prominence primarily through its colonial past; here lie the ruins of a former Portuguese prison and a governor's residence, now slowly being reclaimed by lush tropical vegetation. Exploring the island gives a fascinating glimpse into the time when it served as an important administrative center. Today, it is home to friendly fishing communities living in traditional villages. Tourists value Galinhas for its quiet beaches and the chance to experience authentic island life far from more famous destinations. The landscape is dotted with cashew trees and palms. There is no luxury infrastructure, making every visit a true journey of discovery. The island is best reached by boat from Bubaque or Bolama. The convenient time to visit is the dry season from November to April. Visitors should take the time to engage with the local residents and sample the simple but delicious seafood dishes of the local cuisine.

Nearby cities

Bolama

Bolama is the former capital of Portuguese Guinea, located on the island of the same name in the Bijagós Archipelago.

Bubaque

Bubaque is the main town in the Bijagós Islands and a center for tourism.

Formosa

Formosa is one of the largest islands in the Bijagós Archipelago with several small settlements.

Maio Island

A remote island on the eastern edge, a paradise for sea turtles and eco-researchers.

🗺️

Soga Island

A charming island near Bubaque, known for its palm oil plantations and warm hospitality.

Rubane Island

A breathtaking island known for exclusive eco-lodges, white sand beaches, and world-class sport fishing.

Eticoga

Eticoga is the largest settlement on Orango Island in the Bijagós Archipelago.

Abu

Abu is a small village in the northern Bijagós Islands.

Bruce Beach

Arguably the most beautiful beach in Guinea-Bissau on Bubaque Island, famous for its white sand and relaxed atmosphere.

🗺️

Orangozinho Island

A peaceful island within the Orango National Park, famous for flamingos and pristine mangroves.

🗺️

Carache Island

A wild and pristine island in the northern Bijagós Archipelago, known for its dense forests and traditional culture.

Orango Island

A national park paradise famous for rare saltwater hippos and a unique matriarchal culture.

🗺️

Canhabaque Island

One of the most traditional islands of the Bijagós, known for its untouched culture and dense forests.

Caravela

Caravela is an island and settlement in the northern part of the Bijagós Archipelago.

Uno

Uno is the main settlement on Uno Island in the Bijagós Archipelago.

History & landmarks

Bubaque Lighthouse

A prominent lighthouse on Bubaque Island, serving as an important navigation point for vessels in the Bijagós Archipelago.

More places

Formosa Island

Formosa is one of the larger islands of the Bijagós Archipelago.

Soga Island

Soga is an inhabited island near Bubaque.

Uno Island

Uno is an island in the western part of the Bijagós Archipelago.

🗺️

Dolphins of the Bijagós Archipelago

The shallow coastal waters around the islands are known for their populations of bottlenose and Atlantic humpback dolphins.

Bubaque Island

Bubaque is the administrative center of the Bijagós Archipelago and one of the most accessible islands.

Bubaque Coastal Rocks

The coastline of Bubaque features interesting laterite rock formations that form wide plateaus during low tide.

Bijagós Archipelago

This archipelago consists of 88 islands and islets off the coast of Guinea-Bissau.

Galinhas Island

Galinhas Island is known for its quiet atmosphere and historical significance.