Sal, Cape Verde: A guide for first timers

What is Sal like?

The small, sun-drenched island of Sal, Cape Verde, sits off the west coast of Africa and is known for beautiful desert-like landscapes combined with stunning white beaches and azure waters. A laid-back atmosphere, the island is one of the most popular of the Cape Verde archipelago and has year-round warm weather. It is quite windy in parts, making it a popular spot for wind and kite surfers along the east coast. Santa Maria is the main hub of the island and is filled with vibrant beach bars and restaurants. Floating along the salt lakes, exploring the salt pans and getting to know local cultures brings adventure and fun. Languages spoken are Creole, Portuguese and English.

Top 10 things to do in Sal, Cape Verde

Explore the best things to do in Sal, Cape Verde.

1. Visit Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

A favourite with tourists, this natural salt pan occupies a dead volcanic crater. You can float in the saline water and enjoy the surreal landscape with strong buoyancy.

2. Hang out on Santa Maria Beach

This is a famous stretch of white sand with extremely shallow turquoise waters, which makes it ideal for swimming. The laid-back restaurants and bars make it a lively setting to enjoy beach life.

3. See sharks at Shark Bay

Observe lemon sharks in their natural environment from the shallow water’s edge and see them glide below.

4. Watch colourful kites on Kite Beach

Enjoy the colourful kites cruising across the water at one of the most consistent kite surfing locations in the world.

5. Experience local maritime life at Palmeira fishing village

Visit the small harbour village and watch the colourful fishing boats come and go with their catch. A great way to observe the locals’ culture, too.

6. Buracona and the Blue Eye

See the wonderful coastal rock formation which forms a famous blue “eye” effect in a sea cave, surrounded by rugged and dramatic coastline.

7. Visit Espargos town

Take a look at everyday life in Sal when visiting the main town of Espargos. With local markets, a school and a buzzing Creole culture, it offers an opportunity to see the grounded side of the island.

8. Ponta Preta

A far quieter beach with exposed areas and powerful waves, it is underdeveloped and raw, offering a different view of the Sal coastline.

9. Viveiro Botanical Garden and Zoo di Terra

Also known as Pachamama Eco Park, here native tropical plants are showcased with a focus on conservation and the local ecology, showing the greener, quieter side of this otherwise arid landscape.

10. Visit Murdeira Bay

A crescent-shaped bay with calm waters and good shelter, it makes for calm swimming with great coastal views.

What to know before you go

Holidays to Sal, Cape Verde, will be dry most of the year, with steady sunshine. While Atlantic winds do occur, they are not problematic for beach days. If anything, they regulate the temperatures that reach approximately 30 degrees Celsius. The local currency is the escudo, but euros are widely accepted in the tourist spots, and card payments are no problem. However, smaller vendors, taxis and those receiving tips would appreciate the local currency. Getting around the island is simple, with taxis being the main option. Your hotel can arrange shuttles and car hire if you would prefer to be more independent. The food is fresh and simple, with fish and fruit being staples. Traditional stews like cachupa are well worth a try. Expect a laid-back pace with a strong focus on the beaches, nature and outdoor activities, as there is no heavy infrastructure or shopping focus. Select restaurants and bars in Santa Maria offer socialising.

Top 5 resorts in Sal, Cape Verde

• Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria: A 5-star, all-inclusive, blissful getaway on the beach of Santa Maria.
• Royal Horizon Ponta Sino: A 5-star, idyllic beachfront paradise nestled right on the famous Kite Beach.
• Riu Palace Boavista: A 5-star Sal, Cape Verde all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Praia das Dunas.
• Melia Laguna Beach Resort: A 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on the sun-drenched shores of Algodoeiro Beach.
• Riu Karamboa: An adults-only, all-inclusive resort on the stunning Praia das Dunas beach, near the sister resort Riu Palace Boavista.

Package holidays to Sal, Cape Verde

Explore Sal Cape Verde holidays with the expertise of Blue Bay Travel, your friendly, knowledgeable connection to holidays of a lifetime. Whether adults-only, all-inclusive or exclusive packages, our team will put together the most idyllic package for you and your partner, family or friends.

Explore our latest Cape Verde holiday deals.

FAQs about Sal, Cape Verde

What is Sal, Cape Verde best known for?

The weather in Sal, Cape Verde, is definitely one of the most attractive parts of the holiday, with year-round sunshine and warm temperatures.

Is Sal worth visiting?

Holidays to Sal, Cape Verde, will be a refreshing change from European or South American holidays, offering a dynamic and unconventional landscape that is centred on stunning natural beauty, as well as perfect weather and a host of wonderful outdoor activities.

Is Sal good for couples?

Sal is wonderful for couples as there are many Sal hotels offering romantic seclusion, perfect for privacy and relaxation. With wide-open spaces and wondrous landscapes, it makes for a great honeymoon destination.

Is Sal windy all year?

Sal gets the north-easterly trade winds, a key feature of the island’s climate. The winds are most noticeable between November and June, when conditions are drier.

Can you swim in the sea in Sal?

The seas in Sal are one of the main attractions, with many coastlines offering shallow waters and warm waters.

How many days do you need in Sal?

Five days is ideal to get a good balance of seeing natural attractions, relaxing and getting to enjoy the local culture.

What is the best beach in Sal?

Santa Maria Beach on the south coast is the best choice of Sal beach, with a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and sheltered swimming conditions. It also has great amenities nearby.

What’s a must-do activity in Sal if you’re visiting for the first time?

Visit the Pedra de Lume and float in the salt crater lagoon.