Bissau
Colonial pulse of the Atlantic coast
Capital of Guinea-Bissau and international gateway. Portuguese architecture, gumbé music, and our most frequent route from Bubaque.
Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau and the first route from our hub in Bubaque. Founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it still keeps Bissau Velho — a colonial old quarter with the Amura Fortress, the abandoned Presidency and a historic harbour where pirogues leave for the islands. Home to some 500,000 people, it blends over 20 ethnic groups and sounds from gumbé to djambadon. Our Bubaque–Bissau flight takes 30 minutes and connects the archipelago to the mainland several times a day.
What to see and do
The essentials of Bissau
Bissau Velho
Colonial old quarter with the Amura Fortress and the abandoned Presidency.
Bandim market
The city's biggest market. Fish, mangoes, crafts, authentic rhythm.
Fishing port
Canoes arriving at dawn, fish auction and pirogues out to the islands.
Gumbé music scene
Clubs and bars playing gumbé, kriol pop and afrofusão every weekend.
Best time to visit
November – May
Dry season = clear skies, light winds, 26-32 °C. The rainy season has its charm but more weather-related cancellation risk.
How to get there
30-minute flight from Bubaque
Direct flights from our base in Bubaque (BQE). Scheduled times + charter on demand.
Keep discovering
Other destinations
Air Bijagos Hub · BQE
Bubaque
Air Bijagos operational base. Capital of the Bijagós archipelago: unspoilt beaches, colourful markets, and the laid-back rhythm of the main island.
Discover Bubaque
Casamance, Senegal
Cap Skirring
Golden sands, palm trees and Atlantic sunsets. Beach escape 45 minutes north of Bissau.
Discover Cap SkirringSenegalese capital
Dakar
Culture, art, history and teranga. The region's cosmopolitan metropolis, 1 h 45 from Bubaque.
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