World famous beaches with white sand. A lovely azure blue sea. And lots of sun and good tourist facilities. All this makes Sal a top destination. It is a perfect destination for surfing, diving and sun bathing. Young and old can enjoy a relaxing holiday here. Sal is also an ideal island to relax and use as a starting point to discover other islands of Cape Verde.
Sal is one of the most popular islands of Cape Verde, known for its sunny climate, beaches, and all-inclusive resorts.
In short
- Most visited island of Cape Verde
- Ideal for beaches, resorts and watersports
- Main town: Espargos
- Airport: Amílcar Cabral International (SID)
- Climate: warm and dry
- Windy and popular for kitesurfing (November – May)
- Best travel time: October to June
- Known for beaches, watersports and tourist facilities
Want to know more about Sal?
On this page you will find more about the following topics:
- Background
- Interesting sights Sal
- Other places on Sal
- Food & drinks
- Where to stay on Sal?
- Excursions to other islands
- Best time to visit Sal
- Transportation and getting around
- Get exclusive information & tips
- Sal or Boa Vista?
- Frequently asked questions
Background
Sal (or Ilha do Sal) is the flattest island of Cape Verde and is 30 kilometers long and about 12 kilometers wide. The island was discovered in 1460 and was first called “Llana” (meaning: flat). Later the name of the island was changed to Sal (meaning: salt), named after the salt pans of Pedra de Lume and Santa Maria.
The landscape of Sal consists of brown rock slabs and desert sand that comes from the Sahara via the wind from the mainland. Due to the international airport, most visitors arrive in Sal. Despite the great attraction of Sal on tourist, there is no mass tourism as for example in Spain. The capital of Sal is Espargos and the most famous seaside town is Santa Maria.
Interesting sights Sal
Pearls of beaches
On Sal you will find vast white sandy beaches. There is something for everyone. Santa Maria beach is the most famous beach and cannot be missed on a visit to Sal. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Cape Verde. The beach is even one of the seven natural wonders of the Cape Verde Islands. The Santa Maria beach is located at the seaside town of Santa Maria. The wide beach is about 3 km long, from the pier to Ponta do Sinó, and consists of white / yellow sand. This in combination with an azure blue ocean – which has a pleasant temperature – makes it an ideal place to relax. At the end of September, the sea reaches a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. Also for the Caretta Caretta turtle the Santa Maria beach is a favourite spot. If you are lucky you can spot them here. In the vicinity of the beach you have many accommodations, pavilions and water sports facilities.
Santa Maria beach - Sal
Northeast of Santa Maria are the coves of Costa Fragata and Serra Negra. Here you can find untouched dunes and beautiful beaches. Kite Beach is located at Costa Fragata, about a 10-minute drive from Santa Maria. As the name suggests, you can enjoy kiting and surfing here. It is not without reason that international competitions for the World Cup are also held here.
Beach and dunes - Sal
Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume
Like to experience what it feels like to be able to float in water and not sink? Pedra de Lume is an old volcanic crater that serves as a lake with beautiful salt pans. You can swim in the salt pans and the high salt content keeps you afloat. Enthusiasts can also take a salt and mud cure, because the minerals and salt water have a beneficial effect. The colors of the salt pans are surreal and are a special experience to see and experience the floating. Salinas de Pedra de Luma is on the nomination list of the UNESCO World Heritage List and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the Cape Verde Islands.
Salt pans Pedra de Lume - Sal
Buracona
Located in the northwest of the island you can find Buracona, also known as ‘the Blue Eye’. Buracona is a kind of underwater cave of black volcanic rocks with a big hole in the middle. When the sun is at the right angle, the underwater cave will turn magical blue. You can admire this phenomenon every day.. If you are in the area you can also take a dip in the nearby natural swimming pools (surrounded by rocks).
Buracona - Sal
Turtles
The Cape Verde Islands are a hotspot for turtles. There are five species swimming around the Cape Verde Islands, all unfortunately endangered species. The special leatherback turtle also lives there. This turtle is one of the largest and heaviest turtles in the world and can grow up to 2.5 meters in length. For another species, the Caretta Caretta turtle, the island of Sal is one of the most important places in the world to lay its eggs. Around June the turtles come to the beach to bury their eggs. There is a turtle (rescue) center for the eggs on Sal. At this location you can admire the turtles. So you have a very high chance of spotting a turtle. In the water or on the beach.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is on the east coast of Sal. Small lemon sharks swim in the shallow water. They are not dangerous to people. Shark Bay is a different place from Kite Beach.
Our experience
We went there in the morning. Water shoes are required. You can rent them or bring your own. For a few euros a guide takes you into the water. The water then comes up to about your waist. Small lemon sharks swim around you and past your legs. Very nice.
Water sports
Enjoying the water and the environment is the ultimate way to relax. This is possible on the Cape Verde Islands. With a very pleasant sea temperature you can enjoy a swim, but of course you can also discover the underwater world. Go snorkelling in the bay of Mudeira for example. And if you want to dive, there are many beautiful places. Even some with beautiful old shipwrecks. At just over 10 meters depth there is a complete shipwreck where colourful fish can be seen. On Sal there are more than 20 official dive sites. The reefs and caves where you can dive are best visited with a guide from a diving center. You can dive on Sal all year round; during the rainy season (August to October) underwater visibility is reduced.
Surf lovers can indulge themselves on Sal. It is the best island in Cape Verde for surfing or kite surfing. With the favourable wind, pleasant sea temperature and in some bays the right waves, this is the perfect place, both for beginners and advanced. Good spots include Santa Maria, Ponta Sino and Lembje. Do you want to enjoy the water, but not surf? Of course you can also enjoy sailing or supping.
Surfing Sal
Other places on Sal
When talking about Sal, people usually mention the famous town of Santa Maria. But Sal has more places to explore. Places where you for example can enjoy other beaches, nature and places to eat. Below we list the most important parts of the island and what to see.
Our experience
We recommend a tour of the island. You can go with a guide, on a group tour or on a private tour. That way you see all the highlights. It is a fun way to get to know the island.
Southern part of Sal
In the extreme south of Sal is Santa Maria. West of the old fishing village you can find most accommodations. They are here because of the beautiful beaches. There are many hotels and apartments. Most buildings are only a few storeys high. Fortunately there is no mass tourism. The unspoilt charm and atmosphere can be found around the main square in the old village of Santa Maria. Mainly in the streets around this square. In the evenings it is entertaining and lively here.
Street Santa Maria - Sal
The central pier (pontao) of the village is perhaps the nicest attraction. There is a lot of activity by fishermen, there are many bright coulored fishing boats and the freshly caught fish are cleaned on the wooden jetty. In October 2026 there were works on the pier. It is expected to be finished at the end of 2027.
Our experience
Normally the pier in Santa Maria is a nice place to watch the fishermen. You can do that in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Other great attractions in Santa Maria are the salt pans on the northeast side of the village. The salt pans are especially beautiful in the evening with the setting sun.
West of the long Santa Maria beach you have a beautiful white beach with a white lighthouse in the dunes. A little further on is the famous Praia de Ponta Petra. Advanced surfers take advantage of the good wind here.
On the southeast coast you can find Costa Fragata and Serra Negra. In these parts of the coast there are a number of bays where you can enjoy the sea in shallow water. Kite Beach is a beautiful dune and beach area 10 minutes from Santa Maria. This is an ideal place for kite surfers and international competitions are held here.
Our experience
Souvenirs in Santa Maria
Many masks and statues come from West Africa. Looking for real Cape Verdean crafts? Then go to the fair trade shop Djunta Mo Art. We skip the covered souvenir market Mercado de Artesanato by the pier. People talk you inside and you pay many times the price. And if someone on the street says he “works at your hotel”? Just keep walking.
Kite surfing, Kite Beach - Sal
To the west is Baía de Murdeira. The bay is a protected nature reserve and you can enjoy snorkeling between the coral reefs here. There are a number of small beaches in Murdeira.
Northern part of Sal
Espargos is the capital of Sal. There are few tourist attractions here, but it is nice to stroll through the town and experience the real Cape Verdean atmosphere here. You can also walk up the large hill / mountain for a nice view over the island.
Palmeira is the port of Sal. There is a lot of activity from fishermen and it is agood place to have an afternoon lunch in one of the restaurants or bars overlooking the harbour. Ferries (very limited) and tours depart from Palmeira.
East of Espargos is Pedra de Lume. The hamlet and the salt pans lie in a barren but fascinating landscape.
Our experience
Palmeira is a nice fishing village. Take a short walk around. Have a drink and watch the fishermen in the harbour. In Espargos you see real life on Sal. There are hardly any tourists. The market is a lot of fun. In the morning there is plenty of fresh fish. Also just walk through the town.
Food & drinks
Food, drink, live music and other entertainment are the best in Santa Maria. Most of the nice places are in the center of the old fishing village. There are not many places that you will miss, but you will certainly have a nice evening. For live music you can often go to the trendy Ocean Café or the Blue bar. Eateries with a good reputation include Le Prive, Geko Gourmet and Djdsal Moradias. Do not forget the local dishes.
Our experience
Fish is a good choice, fresh from the sea. Tuna, for example. Order the dish of the day. We prefer to eat at the back of Santa Maria, away from the tourist shopping streets. It is cheaper and more fun there. Your money also goes to local people.
Where to stay on Sal?
Most travelers stay in the town of Santa Maria and its surroundings. Here you will find most facilitities and the most beautiful beaches. There are also accommodations in Murdeira Village, located between the airport and Santa Maria. We can recommend Hotel Morabeza (oldest luxury hotel) and for surfers the Surf House Cabo Verde. Nicely located and good facilities.
Our experience
We like to stay in Santa Maria or the area around it best. You find everything there. The most beautiful beaches, the restaurants and the activities.
Excursions to other islands
You can easily combine a relaxing or water sports holiday on Sal with a visit to another island of Cape Verde. Due to the presence of the international airport on Sal, you can fly to a completely different environment in a short time (often no more than an hour). Also for day excursions you can easily visit another island per boat. There are several companies on Sal that organize a nice day trip and that you can book on site.
From the air you get an impression of what Sal looks like. Two breathtaking videos shot with a drone show Sal from a bird’s eye view. View the aerial images ‘Sal from the air’.
Best time to visit Sal
Sal has a dry subtropical climate with very little rainfall per year. The island is flat, so clouds do not linger for long. The temperature is fairly constant throughout the year and there is always a nice cooling wind. The dry season runs from November to July. The rainy season runs from August to October, with a chance of a tropical shower. The best time to travel is October to June. The kitesurfing season runs from November to May. The wind is strongest from January to April and usually blows from the northeast. If you want to know more about the weather and climate in Cape Verde, view the extensive overview with weather information Cape Verde.
Transportation and getting around
Most international flights land at Sal’s Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID). The airport has facilities to withdraw or exchange money. In Cape Verde you can also pay with euros, but it is more favourable to pay with the local currency Escudo. There are plenty of taxis available at Sal airport to transport you to your final destination. A taxi from the airport to Santa Maria takes 20 minutes. It costs about 15 euros during the day. At night it is about 17 euros. These are the fixed fares from 6 November 2026. You can also walk to the public road and from there hail an aluguer (local bus), do expect a long wait. For transport around Sal you can also rent a car. In addition, you can rent bicycles, scooters and quads in the seaside town of Santa Maria.
Our experience
Sal airport is modern and spacious. There is plenty of room at customs. With children we were allowed to go first. Outside there are enough taxis. So you quickly get to your accommodation. You can withdraw cash at the airport. You get escudos straight away. That is handy.
A full overview of the airlines and routes is on the page about flights to Sal.
From Sal, CVsky flies to four other islands: Santiago, Boa Vista, São Vicente and São Nicolau. For all current flight information, view the page with airline tickets.
Get exclusive information & tips
Don’t miss it and get our Travel Guide Sal. In this digital travel guide you will find more travel inspiration, tips and extensive information about the island. Discover the hidden gems and read the insider tips. This way you get the best out of your holiday on Sal.
Travel Guide Sal
Sal or Boa Vista?
| Sal | Boa Vista | |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Santa Maria beach (approx. 3 km), Kite Beach, Ponta Preta | Approx. 55 km of sandy beach, almost 30 beaches, such as Santa Mónica and Chaves |
| Swimming | South coast usually calm, sometimes a red flag | Sheltered near Sal Rei. Open sea with currents near the resorts |
| Crowds | Fairly busy. It never gets really crowded | Quieter, fewer facilities |
| Going out | Live music and bars in Santa Maria | Live music and beach parties in Sal Rei |
| Wind | Windy. Many kite schools and rentals in Santa Maria | Windy too. Surfing at Curral Velho |
| Diving | Over 20 dive sites | Diving is possible too |
| Day trips | Pedra de Lume, Buracona, Shark Bay | Viana desert, wreck near Cabo Santa Maria, turtles (June to October) |
| Landscape | Flat and bare, a real beach resort | Dunes, oases and empty beaches |
| Airport | Approx. 20 minutes to Santa Maria | Approx. 6 km from Sal Rei |
Which island is windier? Both. On both islands the wind blows mainly from November to May. It is strongest from January to April.
Choose Sal if you want plenty to do, more facilities around you and want to go kitesurfing.
Choose Boa Vista if you are looking for peace and even more empty, endless beaches. And if you don’t mind that there is less to do.
You can also combine both islands. The flight takes 25 to 30 minutes, the ferry about 3 hours. Both run a few times a week.
Want to see both? Read how island hopping works.
Some frequently asked questions
When is the best time to travel to Sal?
The weather on Sal is very pleasant. The temperature is pleasant due to the wind. In summer the temperature is at its highest, but there can also be an occasional tropical shower. In winter there is more wind.
Do I need vaccinations?
Fortunately, there are no tropical diseases present on Sal. However, it is wise to protect yourself against certain infectious diseases such as tetanus and polio just like in every country in the world. View more information about vaccinations that protect against standard infectious diseases here.
Do I need to bring warm clothes?
With a subtropical climate you will not get cold on Sal. In the period from December to April it can get a bit chilly in the evening. Just to be on the safe side, bring long pants and a cardigan.
Is there a tourist information center on Sal?
Yes, you can find it in the center of Santa Maria. For more information and contact details, see the page on Tourist Information Centers Cape Verde.
Which island is windier, Sal or Boa Vista?
Both. On both islands the wind blows mainly from November to May. It is strongest from January to April.
Summary
Sal is the most visited island of Cape Verde and is especially popular for beach holidays and package travel. The island has a dry desert landscape, long sandy beaches, and a very stable climate with sunshine year-round. Santa Maria is the main tourist area, offering hotels, restaurants, and watersports. Sal is ideal for travelers looking for relaxation, kitesurfing, and easy travel infrastructure. The best time to visit is from October to June.