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Santa Maria, Cabo Verde - Things to Do in Santa Maria

Santa Maria

Santa Maria, Cabo Verde - Complete Travel Guide

Santa Maria, located on the southern tip of Sal Island in Cabo Verde, is the country's premier beach destination and a great destination for water sports enthusiasts. This charming coastal town has one of the most impressive beaches in West Africa, with miles of pristine white sand backed by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The town has evolved from a small fishing village into a busy tourist hub while maintaining its authentic Cape Verdean character and laid-back atmosphere. The town serves as the perfect base for exploring Sal Island's diverse attractions, from salt flats and volcanic landscapes to world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. Santa Maria's compact size makes it easily walkable, with colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and waterfront restaurants creating an inviting atmosphere. The local culture blends African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, evident in everything from the music and dance to the delicious cuisine featuring fresh seafood and tropical flavors.

Top Santa Maria

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Santa Maria is renowned worldwide for its exceptional wind conditions, making it a Mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. The consistent trade winds and flat water conditions create perfect learning environments for beginners, while experienced riders can enjoy challenging waves and freestyle conditions. Multiple professional schools along the beach offer equipment rental and instruction in various languages.

Booking Tip: Book lessons in advance during peak season (November-April) when prices range from €40-60 per lesson. Look for IKO or VDWS certified instructors and schools that provide modern equipment. Early morning sessions offer the best wind conditions and fewer crowds.

Sal Island Salt Flats Tour

Explore the historic Pedra de Lume salt crater, where salt has been harvested for centuries in a dramatic volcanic caldera. The high salt content creates a natural floating experience similar to the Israel, while the surrounding landscape offers impressive photo opportunities. The tour typically includes visits to other island highlights like Espargos and the northern beaches.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost around €25-35 per person and include transportation. Book tours that depart in the afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun at the salt flats. Bring sunscreen and water, and wear clothes you don't mind getting salty.

Deep Sea Fishing

The waters around Sal Island offer excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities, with chances to catch marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda. Professional fishing charters operate from Santa Maria's harbor, providing all equipment and expertise needed for a successful fishing adventure. Many trips include the option to have your catch prepared at local restaurants.

Booking Tip: Full-day fishing charters range from €80-150 per person depending on boat size and season. Book with operators who practice catch-and-release for conservation. Best fishing months are October through June when waters are calmer.

Shark Bay Snorkeling

Visit the famous Shark Bay (Baía dos Tubarões) to snorkel with harmless lemon sharks in their natural habitat. This unique experience takes place in shallow, clear waters where young sharks come to feed and rest. The area also features busy coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it perfect for underwater photography.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €30-45 per person and include snorkeling equipment and guide. Choose operators with marine biology knowledge who emphasize conservation. Tours run year-round, but visibility is best during calmer months from April to October.

Traditional Music and Dance Experience

spend time in Cape Verdean culture through traditional music and dance performances featuring morna, coladeira, and funana styles. Many venues offer interactive experiences where visitors can learn basic dance steps and understand the cultural significance of the music. Live performances often take place in atmospheric settings with local musicians.

Booking Tip: Cultural shows range from €15-25 per person and often include welcome drinks. Look for authentic venues that support local artists rather than tourist-focused productions. Evening shows typically start around 9 PM following local customs.

Getting There

Santa Maria is easily accessible via Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), located just 20 minutes away by taxi or shuttle bus. The airport receives direct flights from major European cities including Lisbon, Spain, Saint Vincent, and United Kingdom, with flight times ranging from 5-7 hours. Several airlines operate regular services, including Cabo Verde Airlines, TAP Portugal, and seasonal charter flights. From the airport, taxis cost around €15-20 to Santa Maria, while hotel shuttles and pre-booked transfers are also available.

Getting Around

Santa Maria is a compact town that's easily explored on foot, with most attractions, restaurants, and beaches within walking distance of the main strip. For longer distances or island exploration, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, though agree on fares beforehand as meters aren't always used. Car rental agencies operate from the airport and town center, offering 4WD vehicles ideal for exploring Sal's rugged interior. Bicycle rentals are popular for short trips, and many hotels provide complimentary bikes for guests.

Where to Stay

Pontão Area
Main Beach Strip
Town Center
Algodoeiro
Palmeira Road
Murdeira Bay

Food & Dining

Santa Maria's dining scene showcases the best of Cape Verdean cuisine alongside international options, with fresh seafood being the highlight of most menus. Beachfront restaurants serve grilled catch-of-the-day, traditional cachupa (national stew), and tropical fruits, often accompanied by live music. The main pedestrian street features everything from casual cafés serving pastéis and coffee to upscale establishments offering fusion cuisine. Local markets provide opportunities to sample tropical fruits and interact with vendors, while many restaurants offer cooking classes featuring traditional recipes and techniques.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Caboverde

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

View all food guides →

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
Montenegro museum

Casa Rosa

4.7 /5
(412 reviews) 2

Mar Adentro

4.7 /5
(252 reviews)

Bar di Nôs Augusto

4.6 /5
(256 reviews) 1

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Santa Maria enjoys a tropical dry climate with year-round sunshine, making it a perfect destination any time of year. The peak season runs from November to April when temperatures are slightly cooler (24-28°C), winds are strongest for water sports, and rainfall is minimal. May through October brings warmer temperatures (26-30°C) and occasional brief showers, but also fewer crowds and lower prices. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, the winter months offer the most consistent conditions, while summer provides calmer seas ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Insider Tips

Visit the local fish market early in the morning (around 7 AM) to see the daily catch and experience authentic local life away from tourist areas.
Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, as most don't use meters - typical rides within Santa Maria should cost €3-5.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen as the sun is intense year-round, and bring a light jacket for evening breezes even in summer months.

Activities in Santa Maria