Galinhas is located about 25 km southwest of Bolama town.

[3] During the colonial period a prison functioned on the island, called (in Portuguese) Colónia Penal e Agrícola da Ilha das Galinhas.

[1] Landmarks on the island include the former Portuguese prison and governor's house.

Nearby islands and islets includes Formosa to the west and Roxa to the south.

[4] José Carlos Schwarz (1949-1977), a famous Bissau-Guinean poet and musician, sang a song about the island entitled Diju di Galinha.