Not to miss

Luba

Although there is a general air of neglect around Luba, it is a good launching pad to explore many of the island's natural attractions. Nearby are isolated beaches boasting white sand, including the beautiful Arena Blanca, as well as several small fishing villages and two hiking trails.

Ebebiyin

Ebebiyin is often the first point of contact for travellers entering Equatorial Guinea from Cameroon. The town is less than a mile from end to end, and so is easy to cover on foot. If your favourite hobby is drinking, you'll be ecstatic; there's a bar on virtually every corner.

Twenty kilometres (12.5mi) west of the town is the Museum of Biyabiyan, which features traditional Fang sculptures and other works of art. Minibuses run from Bata to Ebebiyin daily, with the 230km (140mi) trip taking about 10 hours. The town is only 2km (1.24mi) from Kye Ossi in Cameroon.

Ureca

During the dry season, turtles come ashore on the beaches at Ureca to lay their eggs. Since 1996, the Spanish conservation group Los Amigos de Donana has employed villagers as guards to patrol the beaches during nesting season, and the local market for both turtles and eggs has gradually decreased.

Although Ureca is undeservedly lacking in tourist infrastructure, there is a small guesthouse here that makes for a convenient base. When you're not sunning yourself on the beaches or watching the cycle of life unfold, there are excellent opportunities for hiking in the nearby jungle.

Monte Alen National Park

Monte Alen is one of Central Africa's best-kept secrets, and reason enough to take a trip to Equatorial Guinea. A protected area covering 1400 sq km (540 sq mi), the park is an excellent place to experience the lush rainforests and wildlife of Rio Muni. There are well-maintained and accessible trails as well as a series of accessible campements (campsites) to spend the night in.

The trails lead to lakes where it's possible to spot mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, crocodiles and a whole range of other African animals. Be aware that hiking in the park can be hot, slippery and strenuous - stock up on water, dry clothes and other supplies.

Bata

Capital of the mainland region of Rio Muni (and larger than Malabo), Bata is a clean, charming town with wide streets, colourful buildings and a bustling atmosphere. Lacking the spectacular volcanic views of Malabo, Bata is nonetheless quite lively, with busy markets and lots of restaurants, bars and hotels.

Bata has a dilapidated colonial charm that is appealing enough, though the city is used primarily as a base for day trips to the nearby islands. There are however a few attractions on the mainland, especially if you're searching for a secluded African beach experience. Just to the north and south of Bata are some of the most beautiful strips of sand on the continent, and it's fairly likely that you'll have them all to yourself.