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Sal Island, Cabo Verde - Things to Do in Sal Island

Things to Do in Sal Island

Sal Island, Cabo Verde - Complete Travel Guide

Sal Island is Cape Verde's most developed tourist destination, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, world-class windsurfing conditions, and year-round sunshine. This flat, desert-like island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with the vibrant town of Santa Maria serving as the main hub for visitors. The island's consistent trade winds and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, while its laid-back Cape Verdean culture and stunning coastal scenery attract beach lovers from around the world. Beyond its famous beaches, Sal Island offers unique attractions like the otherworldly salt flats of Pedra de Lume, where visitors can float in natural salt pools, and the charming fishing village of Palmeira. The island's compact size makes it easy to explore, with dramatic volcanic landscapes inland contrasting beautifully with the turquoise waters that surround this Atlantic Ocean gem.

Top Things to Do in Sal Island

Relax on Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria Beach stretches for miles along the southern coast, offering powdery white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. The beach is lined with colorful fishing boats, beach bars, and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The shallow, warm waters make it ideal for families, while the consistent winds provide excellent conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rentals cost around €10-15 per day. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer crowds. Water sports equipment rental ranges from €30-50 per day depending on the activity.

Float in Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

This extinct volcanic crater has been transformed into salt flats where you can float effortlessly in mineral-rich pools, similar to the Dead Sea experience. The salt concentration is so high that it's impossible to sink, creating a unique and therapeutic experience. The stark, moon-like landscape surrounding the crater provides a dramatic backdrop for this otherworldly adventure.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €5, with an additional €2 for crater access. Bring water shoes as the salt crystals can be sharp, and rinse off afterward as the salt can irritate skin. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Explore Espargos and Local Markets

Espargos, the island's capital, offers an authentic glimpse into Cape Verdean daily life with its bustling markets, local eateries, and residential neighborhoods. The town serves as the commercial center where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visiting the markets provides insight into the island's culture and offers opportunities to purchase local products like coffee, rum, and traditional textiles.

Booking Tip: Markets are busiest in the morning hours, typically opening around 7 AM. Bargaining is expected, so start at about half the asking price. Guided cultural tours cost around €25-35 per person and include transportation from Santa Maria.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing at Ponta Preta

Ponta Preta is considered one of the world's premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations, with consistent trade winds and perfect wave conditions. The spot attracts international competitors and hosts world championship events, but also offers conditions suitable for beginners on calmer days. The dramatic black volcanic rock formations create a stunning contrast against the white sand and blue ocean.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs €40-60 per day, while lessons range from €50-80 for beginners. Book lessons in advance during peak season (November-April). Wind conditions are typically strongest in the afternoon, making mornings better for beginners.

Sunset at Murdeira Bay

Murdeira Bay on the west coast offers some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island, with calm waters protected by natural rock formations. The bay features a small sandy beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters revealing colorful marine life. The area is less crowded than Santa Maria, providing a more intimate and romantic setting for evening relaxation.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but the dirt road can be challenging - consider joining a sunset tour for €20-30 per person including transportation. Bring snorkeling gear to explore the protected waters, or rent equipment in Santa Maria for €10-15 per day.

Getting There

Sal Island is served by Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), located just outside Espargos, which receives direct flights from major European cities including London, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon. Flight times range from 6-8 hours from Europe, with airlines like Cabo Verde Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and TUI offering regular services. The airport is modern and efficient, with immigration and customs processes typically taking 30-45 minutes upon arrival.

Getting Around

The island is small and easily navigable, with taxis being the most common form of transportation for tourists. Taxi fares are generally reasonable, with trips between Santa Maria and the airport costing around €15-20, and island tours ranging from €40-60. Car rentals are available from €25-35 per day and provide the freedom to explore at your own pace, though roads can be rough in some areas. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to popular attractions, and organized tours are widely available for those preferring guided experiences.

Where to Stay

Santa Maria
Murdeira
Espargos
Palmeira
Kite Beach
Ponta Preta

Food & Dining

Sal Island's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, with lobster, tuna, and grouper being local specialties often prepared with Cape Verdean spices and served with rice or traditional cachupa stew. Santa Maria offers the widest variety of restaurants, from beachfront grills serving grilled fish and cold beer to upscale establishments offering international cuisine with local influences. Local favorites include restaurants along the Santa Maria pier where you can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, while beach bars provide casual dining with stunning ocean views. Don't miss trying the local Strela beer, grogue (sugarcane rum), and fresh tropical fruits like papaya and mango.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cabo Verde

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Meky's Burger Bar

4.7 /5
(665 reviews) 2

Art Kafé, Santa Maria

4.7 /5
(637 reviews)

Restaurante Sodade Casa da Cultura

4.7 /5
(606 reviews) 2
bar museum

Casa Rosa

4.7 /5
(412 reviews) 2
bar

Mar Adentro

4.7 /5
(252 reviews)

Bar di Nôs Augusto

4.6 /5
(256 reviews) 1
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When to Visit

Sal Island enjoys year-round warm weather with temperatures ranging from 24-29°C (75-84°F), making it a perfect destination any time of year. The dry season from November to June offers the most sunshine and strongest trade winds, ideal for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. The brief rainy season from July to October brings occasional showers but rarely disrupts activities, and this period offers lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds. Wind conditions are most consistent from December to April, making this peak season for windsurfing and kitesurfing, though the island's reliable weather patterns ensure good conditions throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance during European winter months (December-March) when the island is busiest and prices are highest
Always carry cash as many local establishments don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can sometimes be unreliable
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection as the African sun is intense year-round, and the constant ocean breeze can mask how strong the UV rays are

Explore Activities in Sal Island