Lobito combines the Restinga’s long coastline with a route to the lighthouse that brings together a boat trip and a walk. Historic buildings and the bay add further specific points of interest to the coastal setting for your travel planning.

Restinga, Bay and Lighthouse

The Restinga stretches for more than 10 km and is considered a landmark of Lobito. White sandy beaches with clear water line it from Colina da Saudade to the Ponto Final Lighthouse; they face either the Atlantic or the city bay. The Restinga plays a comparable role for Lobito to that of Ilha do Cabo for Luanda. The Lobito Lighthouse stands on the cliffs on the eastern side of the entrance to Lobito’s port and bay, opposite the tip of the Restinga and north of the city of the same name in Benguela Province.

A Route with a Crossing and a Change in Elevation

The route to the lighthouse begins on the Restinga do Lobito with a boat trip to the opposite shore of the bay. From there, a walk of about 40 minutes follows: it starts at sea level and leads to a rise just over 100 metres high. This time refers to the walk; the boat trip is a separate part of the route. Check the latest booking and package details before planning, as operational details may change.

Architecture and History

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida was designed by Vasco Regaleira and is inspired by traditional Portuguese architecture; its arcades give it a tropical accent. The old sea gates at the entrance to the city of Lobito are also located in Lobito Bay. A 2024 documented itinerary for tourists travelling on the Rovos train included visits to the Zaire boat and the Portas do Mar in Lobito. The collection of the Lobito Ethnographic Museum reflects Angola’s ethnocultural diversity; the museum is located in the municipality of the same name in Benguela Province.

A Broader Look at Benguela Province

The wider destination of Benguela Province offers further points of interest in the city of Benguela. Praia Morena is an Atlantic beach in Benguela. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pópulo was established in the mid-17th century and classified as a National Historic Monument; its construction is dated to the mid-18th century. Its design reflects the spirit and aesthetic atmosphere of that era, associated with a high point in Portuguese art and the splendour of overseas trade under King João V. The province’s QR code initiative provides information about historic monuments in Portuguese and English. Visitors can use a mobile phone to access information about the history, features and cultural significance of the monuments included. For travellers who wish to look beyond Lobito, these places form a distinct cultural focus in Benguela and at the provincial level.

Discover more destinations: Lobito

Return to the wider travel overview: Benguela Province.