Sal - Discovering Cabo Verde

Travelling to Sal

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sal, a pretty good destination in Cabo Verde (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sal and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sal, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Cabo Verde, here's everything to know about Sal for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sal

Sal is an island in the Cabo Verde archipelago, located off the west coast of Africa. Known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sal is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. The island's main town is Santa Maria, which has a vibrant nightlife scene with lots of restaurants, bars and live music. The island also offers great opportunities for hiking, exploring quaint villages, and learning about local culture and history. Sal has a semi-arid climate with year-round sunshine, making it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.

What to visit in Sal

Sal is a beautiful island located in the archipelago of Cabo Verde, and it is known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you can visit on the island: 1. Santa Maria Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches on the island and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The beach is long and wide and has beautiful clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling.
2. Pedra de Lume Salt Crater: This attraction offers a unique experience to visitors, where they can swim in a saltwater pool located inside a volcanic crater. The salt pool is also known to have therapeutic healing properties for the skin, and the views from the top of the crater are stunning.
3. Buracona: This is a natural rock formation that creates a natural swimming pool, also known as the "Blue Eye." The water is crystal clear, and the reflections of the sunlight make the water look blue, hence the name. This is a beautiful site for a day trip and perfect for snorkeling.
4. Palmeira Village: This is a small fishing village located at the west coast of Sal island. Here, visitors can experience the local culture and traditional way of living. Visitors can also take a boat tour from the pier and see beautiful sharks and turtles in the waters.
5. Kite Surfing: Sal Island is one of the best destinations in the world for kite surfing due to its constant wind and warm waters. Kite surfers from all over the world come here to ride the waves and explore the beautiful coastline.
Overall, Sal is a beautiful island that offers great scenic views, stunning beaches, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Cabo Verde, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sal.

When to go on holiday to Sal

The best time to visit Sal in Cabo Verde is from December to May. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C. The months of January and February are particularly popular as they offer perfect conditions for beach and water activities. However, if you prefer a quieter holiday with fewer crowds, you can also consider visiting outside of peak season (June to November), but be aware that this is the rainy season and there is a higher chance of storms and flash floods.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sal

There are a few ways to get to Sal, Cabo Verde: 1. By air: Sal has an international airport, Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID), which is served by various airlines including TAP Portugal, TUI Airways, Cabo Verde Airlines, and others. You can book a flight from major cities like Lisbon, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
2. By sea: While Sal does have a port, it is not a popular option for travelers. There are occasional cargo and ferry services that run between the islands of Cabo Verde, but they are infrequent and not very reliable.
3. By land: It's not possible to reach Sal by land since it's an island. I hope this information helps you plan your trip!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sal, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sal

Here are some typical foods of Sal, Cabo Verde: 1. Cachupa - A popular dish made with corn, beans, vegetables, and meat (typically chicken, beef, or pork). It's cooked slowly and served hot, often with rice or bread.
2. Pastel com diabo dentro - Translating to "Pastry with the devil inside," this dish consists of deep-fried pastries filled with spicy tuna or chicken.
3. Buzio - This is a local shellfish, usually cooked and served with garlic and lemon.
4. Grilled lobster - Due to the abundance of seafood in the area, grilled lobster is a staple dish in Cabo Verde. It's typically served with a side of rice or vegetables.
5. Espetada - Skewered meat (usually beef or pork) grilled over an open flame, seasoned with garlic, salt, and bay leaves.
6. Xerem - Made with cornmeal and spices, xerem is a sort of porridge-like dish that's often served with grilled fish or chicken.
7. Grogue - A local spirit made from sugarcane, grogue is a popular drink in Cabo Verde. It's often served as a digestif after a meal.
You can find general info about typical foods in Cabo Verde here.

Is Sal an expensive destination for tourists?

Sal, Cabo Verde can be considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists, especially when compared to other African countries. Prices for accommodation, food, and activities can be quite high, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are ways to save money such as staying in budget accommodations, eating at local restaurants instead of tourist-oriented establishments, and booking activities directly with local providers rather than through expensive tour companies. Overall, it is important to research prices and plan accordingly to make the most of your trip to Sal.

Where to find accomodation in Sal

There are three main areas in Sal, Cabo Verde where you can find accommodation close to most of the tourist attractions: Santa Maria, Espargos, and Palmeira. Santa Maria is the most popular area for tourists as it has the best beaches, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Espargos is the administrative center of the island and is a good option for those looking for a more traditional experience. Palmeira, located on the west coast, is ideal for those looking for a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. It is also a good base for exploring the island's natural attractions, such as the Pedra de Lume Salt Flats and Buracona Blue Eye.
You can check hotel prices at Sal here:
Booking.com

Is Sal a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, generally speaking, Sal in Cabo Verde is considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any destination, it is important to exercise caution and common sense to ensure your safety. It is recommended to stay in well-lit areas at night, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Petty theft can be a problem in crowded tourist areas, so it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings. Overall, with appropriate precautions, Sal can be a very enjoyable and safe destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Cabo Verde here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sal.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sal the most?

Sal, Cabo Verde caters to various types of travelers, making it a versatile destination for all kinds of tourists. The island offers plenty of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or interests.
Couples will find Sal, Cabo Verde to be a romantic destination, with its stunning beaches, warm climate, and picturesque scenery. The island offers a wide range of luxurious resorts and restaurants, ideal for romantic getaways.
Young adults looking for fun can also enjoy Sal, Cabo Verde, with its lively nightlife and water sports activities such as surfing and kiteboarding. The island's local markets, shops, and entertainment venues provide a fun and exciting experience for those looking to have a good time.
Families will also find Sal, Cabo Verde a great destination for a family vacation. The island offers family-friendly resorts and hotels, and there are plenty of beaches, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that children can enjoy. Sal, Cabo Verde is also known for its friendly locals, who will welcome families and make them feel at home.

How to get around Sal

The most common forms of transportation on the island of Sal, Cabo Verde are taxis, shared minivans (called "colectivos" or "aluguer"), rental cars, and quad bikes. Taxis are readily available in the larger towns and tourist areas, while colectivos are a more affordable way to get around the island. Rental cars and quad bikes are also popular options for exploring the island at your own pace. Additionally, there is a local bus service that operates on the island.

What to see around Sal

Here are some nice places you can visit on a day trip from Sal in Cabo Verde: 1. Boa Vista Island - Known for its beautiful beaches and sand dunes, Boa Vista Island is just a short ferry ride from Sal.
2. Santa Maria - This charming fishing village is a popular destination for tourists. You can explore the colorful streets, try local seafood, and soak up the sun on the beach.
3. Espargos - The capital of Sal, Espargos offers a glimpse into daily life on the island. Check out the local markets, sample some street food, and learn about the island's history and culture.
4. Pedra de Lume Salt Pans - These historic salt pans offer stunning views and the chance to take a dip in the mineral-rich waters.
5. Monte Verde - Take a hike to the top of Monte Verde for panoramic views of Sal and the surrounding islands.
6. Shark Bay - As the name suggests, this bay is home to a variety of shark species. You can take a boat tour to see them up close (safely, of course!).
7. Buracona - This natural swimming pool is carved into the rocks and offers crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
For every travel information about Cabo Verde you can click here.

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