Malabo: The Oldest City in Equatorial Guinea
Formerly known as Santa Isabel, Malabo is the oldest city and the capital city of Equatorial Guinea. It is soon to be replaced by Ciudad de la Paz as the capital of the country. The city of Malabo has rich roots in history being reflected upon its preserved buildings dating back from the colonial era. It is the financial and commercial center in the country. It also specializes in fishing, with cacao and coffee as their main products in export. The nearest airport is Malabo International Airport (SSG).
Best Time to Visit
Visiting Malabo is best during fair weather to fully enjoy touring the city and nearby attractions. From September to November, the weather is very ideal but also entails higher Malabo, Equatorial Guinea hotel rates. Mid-year months also have fairly comfortable weather, which is a good choice when visiting.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Being the oldest city in Equatorial Guinea, Malabo has great historical and cultural sites to see. The Cathedral de Malabo, also called Cathedral de Santa Isabel de Malabo, is a neo gothic church built in the year 1897 and it is considered as the largest Christian church in the country. Tourists can check in at the Sofitel Malabo President Palace, located near the church, which is a luxury hotel offering exceptional services and amenities. Another site to see for its architectural uniqueness is the Estadio Internacional. It is a multi-purpose stadium but mostly caters to football matches. Hilton Malabo is only a short walk from the stadium. The hotel offers great services and amenities, from their free Wi-Fi to a fantastic outdoor pool.