A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Benguela: The Pearl of the Atlantic in Angola

Introduction

Located on the west coast of Angola, Benguela is a city full of charm and rich in history. Known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic", Benguela is a growing tourist destination that offers a unique mix of natural beauty, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture.

History and Culture

Benguela was founded in 1617 by the Portuguese and has played an important role in the history of Angola. The city was a key center in the slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, visitors can learn about this dark chapter of history at the Archaeology Museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts and offers a detailed insight into the history of Angola.

Tourist Attractions

One of the main attractions of Benguela is its Portuguese colonial architecture. The most emblematic building is the Benguela Cathedral, an impressive white structure dating from the 17th century. Other points of interest include the Governor's Palace, the Church of Our Lady of the Populus and the Fort of São Filipe, a 16th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

For nature lovers, Benguela offers beautiful beaches and impressive biodiversity. Morena Beach is a popular place for swimming and sunbathing, while Cangandala National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the giant antelope, which is the national animal of Angola.

Gastronomy

The cuisine in Benguela is a mix of African and Portuguese influences. Typical dishes include funge (a type of polenta), calulu (a fish stew) and cocada amarela (a coconut dessert). The city is also known for its coffee, which is considered one of the best in the world.

Conclusion

Whether you're interested in history, architecture, nature, or gastronomy, Benguela has something to offer all travelers. With its unique mix of natural beauty and vibrant culture, Benguela is a destination that should not be overlooked on any visit to Angola.

Gastronomic Products of Benguela

• Muamba de Galinha

  Muamba de Galinha is a traditional dish from Angola that can be found in Benguela. It is a chicken stew that is cooked with palm oil, garlic, onion, and okra. This dish is very tasty and is often served with funge, a kind of cassava or corn puree.

• Calulu

  Calulu is another popular dish in Benguela. It is a stew of dried or fresh fish that is cooked with vegetables, palm oil, and okra. Sometimes, other ingredients such as prawns or game meat are also added. Calulu is often served with rice or funge.

• Funge

  Funge is a staple food in the Angolan diet and is very common in Benguela. It is a thick puree that is made with cassava or corn flour. Funge can be served with a variety of stews and sauces, and is an essential part of many Angolan dishes.

• Kizaca

  Kizaca is a kind of salad made with chopped and cooked cassava leaves. This dish is often served as a side dish to fish or meat. Kizaca is very nutritious and is an important component of the diet in Benguela.

Sports Activities in Benguela, Angola

Football

Football is the most popular sport in Angola and Benguela is no exception. You can enjoy an exciting match at the National Stadium of Ombaka, one of the largest stadiums in the country.

Surfing

With its beautiful coastline, Benguela is an ideal place for surfing. The beaches of Baía Azul and Morena are especially popular among surfers.

Sport Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Benguela, both for locals and tourists. You can rent a boat and spend the day fishing in the Atlantic, or participate in one of the many fishing tournaments held in the region.

Hiking

The Benguela region offers numerous opportunities for hiking. You can explore the Namibe Natural Reserve, which boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna, or venture into the mountains of the Serra da Leba.

Places near Benguela

If you are in Benguela and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Lobito, in Angola, is a vibrant tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and historic port. The city offers a rich culinary experience with local dishes of fresh seafood and traditional Angolan cuisine.

Catumbela, in Angola, is a charming tourist destination with beautiful beaches and rich colonial history. Visitors can enjoy authentic Angolan cuisine, with dishes of fresh seafood, meats and local vegetables.

Baía Farta, in Angola, is an ideal tourist destination for fishing and gastronomy lovers. With its rich fishing culture, it offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes that will delight any palate.