- Cathedral of Santa Isabel, Malabo: a neo-Gothic Catholic church with twin spires, completed in the early 20th century and the best-known landmark in the capital. It sits in the old center, and the square around it is where locals gather in the evening.
- Plaza de España and the colonial core: pastel Spanish-era buildings, shaded benches and the old government quarter, good for a slow walk once the midday heat eases.
- Pico Basilé: the island's highest summit, at about 3,011 meters, reached by a steep road above Malabo. The top is cool and often cloudy, with views across the island when it clears.
- Moka and Lake Biao: a highland village at roughly 1,200 meters with fresh air, farms and a crater lake nearby. It feels very different from the coast.
- Gran Caldera de Luba: a forested volcanic crater in the
- Cathedral of Santa Isabel, Malabo: a neo-Gothic Catholic church with twin spires, completed in the early 20th century and the best-known landmark in the capital. It sits in the old center, and the square around it is where locals gather in the evening.
- Plaza de España and the colonial core: pastel Spanish-era buildings, shaded benches and the old government quarter, good for a slow walk once the midday heat eases.
- Pico Basilé: the island's highest summit, at about 3,011 meters, reached by a steep road above Malabo. The top is cool and often cloudy, with views across the island when it clears.
- Moka and Lake Biao: a highland village at roughly 1,200 meters with fresh air, farms and a crater lake nearby. It feels very different from the coast.
- Gran Caldera de Luba: a forested volcanic crater in the southwest, with wet trails and a good chance of seeing monkeys. Go with a guide.
- Ureca and the southern turtle beaches: remote black-sand coast where leatherback and other sea turtles nest in the season. Reaching it takes effort and arrangements.
- Playa de Arena Blanca: a quiet beach on the south coast with white sand and little development, popular with local families on weekends.
- Riaba: a small town on the west coast with a long beach, a local fishing community and an unhurried feel few visitors see.
- Luba: a port town on the southwest coast, with fishing boats landing catch and a simple waterfront where locals sell fish.
- Malabo Port and the fish market: a working waterfront where canoes unload and stalls sell grilled fish, good for watching daily life.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
v2.webp)

Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.