Sal
Sal, Cabo Verde - Complete Travel Guide
Sal is Cabo Verde's most developed tourist island, renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class windsurfing conditions, and busy nightlife. The island's main town, Espargos, serves as the gateway through Amílcar Cabral International Airport, while the resort town of Santa Maria on the southern tip offers impressive white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that rival any Caribbean destination. Beyond its postcard-perfect coastline, Sal captivates visitors with its unique desert landscape, salt flats that give the island its name, and authentic Cape Verdean culture. The island easyly blends relaxation with adventure, offering everything from lazy beach days and spa treatments to kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, and exploring otherworldly salt mines. With year-round sunshine, consistent trade winds, and a laid-back atmosphere, Sal has become a premier destination for both beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Top Sal
Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
Visit this extraordinary natural wonder where you can float in salt-rich waters within an extinct volcanic crater. The experience is similar to the Israel, with therapeutic properties and impressive lunar-like landscapes surrounding the salt flats.
Booking Tip: Entry costs around 200 CVE ($2). Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Bring water shoes as the salt crystals can be sharp, and don't forget your camera for the surreal landscape photos.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing at Ponta Preta
Experience some of the world's best windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions at this renowned beach break. The consistent trade winds and perfect waves make it a great destination for both beginners and professional riders.
Booking Tip: Lessons cost €40-60 per day, equipment rental €30-50 daily. Book with certified IKO/VDWS schools. Best conditions are November to June. Reserve lessons in advance during peak season (December-March).
Relax at Santa Maria Beach
Unwind on this picture-perfect stretch of white sand beach with turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach offers excellent infrastructure with restaurants, bars, and water sports facilities along the shoreline.
Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed rental costs around €5-10 per day. Visit early morning for the best spots and calmest waters. Many beachfront restaurants offer free sunbed use with food/drink purchases.
Deep Sea Fishing Excursions
start fishing adventures in the Atlantic waters surrounding Sal, targeting species like blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna. These full-day or half-day trips often include lunch and provide all necessary equipment.
Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost €60-80, full-day €120-150 per person. Book with experienced operators who practice catch-and-release. Best fishing months are October to June. Trips include equipment, bait, and often lunch.
Espargos and Local Markets
Explore the island's capital and main town, visiting local markets, trying traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, and experiencing authentic island life. The town offers insight into local culture beyond the tourist areas.
Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but bring small change for purchases. Best time is early morning when produce is freshest. Try local specialties like cachupa and fresh fish. Taxis from Santa Maria cost around €15-20.
Getting There
Sal is easily accessible via Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), located near Espargos in the center of the island. The airport receives direct flights from major European cities including Lisbon, Spain, Saint Vincent, United Kingdom, and Milan, with flight times ranging from 5-7 hours. Cabo Verde Airlines (the national carrier) and TAP Air Portugal offer the most frequent connections, while charter flights operate during peak season. From other Capeverde islands, inter-island flights are available through Cabo Verde Airlines, and ferry services connect Sal to nearby islands, though flights are more reliable and frequent.
Getting Around
Getting around Sal is straightforward with several transportation options available. Taxis are the most convenient way to travel, with fixed rates between major destinations (Santa Maria to airport costs around €15-20). Car rental is popular and recommended for exploring the island independently, with agencies available at the airport and in Santa Maria offering 4WD vehicles ideal for the terrain. Aluguers (shared minibuses) provide an authentic and budget-friendly option for traveling between towns, though they operate on flexible schedules. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to popular attractions, and walking is pleasant within Santa Maria town center where most restaurants and shops are concentrated.
Where to Stay
Food & Dining
Sal's dining scene beautifully blends Cape Verdean traditions with international influences, particularly Portuguese and African flavors. Santa Maria offers the widest variety of restaurants, from beachfront grills serving fresh-caught fish and lobster to cozy local eateries specializing in cachupa (the national dish) and other traditional fare. Don't miss trying the local specialty of fresh tuna, often served grilled with tropical sides, or the famous Cape Verdean coffee. The town's main street and beachfront promenade feature everything from casual beach bars to upscale dining establishments, while local markets in Espargos provide real feels with traditional snacks and fresh produce. Many restaurants offer live morna and coladeira music in the evenings, creating a perfect atmosphere for enjoying local wines and grogue (sugar cane rum).
Top-Rated Restaurants in Caboverde
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
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When to Visit
Sal enjoys a tropical dry climate with year-round sunshine, making it a destination that can be visited anytime. The peak season runs from November to June when temperatures are most comfortable (24-29°C) and rainfall is minimal, coinciding with the best conditions for water sports due to consistent trade winds. This period also offers the calmest seas for swimming and snorkeling. July to October is considered low season with higher temperatures and occasional brief showers, but it's also less crowded and more affordable. For windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, December to March provides the strongest and most reliable winds, while those seeking the warmest weather should visit between April and June.
Insider Tips
Exchange money at banks or official exchange bureaus rather than hotels for better rates, and always carry some cash as many local establishments don't accept cards
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and bring more than you think you'll need as it's expensive on the island, and don't forget a hat and sunglasses for the strong African sun
Learn a few Portuguese phrases as English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort to communicate in their language