Sal

About

Sal is one of the smallest islands in the windward group, the name Sal comes from the fact that the island in the past had salt pans that were exploited. The island of Sal is extremely flat with extensive white sandy beaches. The island is perfect for relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea.

But also some great activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea fishing, kite or windsurfing. The city of Espargos is the capital of the island, but the touristic center is the city of Santa Maria, which is a place where the best hotels are located. The island has one of the best international airports in Cape Verde, which also makes it the island that attracts most tourists in Cape Verde.

How to reach the island?

Flight

The Amílcar Cabral International Airport, is one of the largest airports in Cavede, located on the island of Sal, has the largest runway in Cape Verde. With 3,000m in length, 45m in width and a capacity to receive seven large aircraft, Amílcar Cabral International Airport is considered the alternate airport for NASA’s Space Shuttles.
It currently has a maximum capacity to handle around 2,600 passengers/hour. The airport connects Sal to other capeverdean islands and Europe, Africa and America.

Ferry

Once or 2 a week there is a ferry that goes from Praia or S. vicente to Sal and most of these ferries make a 1-day stopover in S. Nicolau, which makes the trip longer.

Places to Visit on Sal

Santa Maria

As previously mentioned, the city of Santa Maria is the touristic center of the island, with its white sand beaches and clear blue water. In the city you will find different hotels and Guest Houses and also excellent restaurants where you can try the Cape Verdean food.

Santa Maria is also a perfect place to buy some souvenirs, and enjoying the local nightlife.

Blue Eye

A set of beautiful natural pools carved by the force of the sea that found its way through the rocks. Located on the northwest coast of the island, Buracona is one of sal’s most famous attractions. There we find a natural swimming pool called “Odjo Azùl” (Blue Eye, a cave 24 meters deep that is connected to the ocean. At some point in the day, sunlight illuminates the sandy background of the cave, turning the lighted water into a light blue that contrasts with the dark blue of the rest of the water gives visitors an incredible reflection that resembles a Blue Eye.

Salt Flats of Pedra de Lume

In addition to being distinguished as National Cultural Heritage, it was also highlighted as one of the 7 Wonders of Cape Verde. The Salt Flats of Pedra Lume were once one of the most important points in Cape Verde at the time of the Salt Route, currently they provide a natural spa, where it is possible to literally float and relax on the water, warm and crystal clear.

Kite Beach

One of the most recognized places on the island of Sal, located a few km from Santa Maria, kite beach is a water sports beach where the kitesurfing and windsurfing world championships are held, practically throughout the year and especially from January to April where the winds blow more frequently, it is possible to find athletes training or competing on this beach with strong waves.

Sark Bay

On the coast of the island, at a very shallow water there is a Lemon Shark bay, which find their habitat in this protected area where the youngest animals take refuge until they are mature enough to dive into the depths of the Atlantic, one of the main attractions in sal island that seducesdaily hundreds visitors to this place to swim and see the harmless young sharks that represents no danger to visitors, on the bay you can rent a water shoe for 3 Euros and enter the water with a local guide and enjoy this magnificent experience.

How to move?

Rent a car

You will find a wide offer of rent-a-car on Sal Island the most of them offer online booking, where you will find the best car rental prices in Sal Island rent a car from the main companies: Avis, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Europcar, Atesa and Sixt . To book your car at one of the Sal Island branches available, simply use the Sal Island car hire search engine or select any promotion in Sal Island presented on this page.

At the airport of Sal you will find some options

Online Booking

Public Bus

Throughout the day there are open pick up and collective buses that make connections between Santa Maria and Espargos which are the main towns on the island, on the bus station it is possible to find the Aluguers that wait in line for passengers and only leave when they are full. Travel tickets are very cheap and have a price of up to 2 euros for each trip, of course there are some inconveniences for those who do not want to waste a lot of time waiting for the bus to leave, or those who want to enjoy peaceful and quiet trip without many stops Renting a car with a driver or a guided tour would be the best option.

Private Taxi

In Santa Maria there is a wide range of taxis with different sizes and prices, this is a viable option for those who want to explore the island on their own with only a driver at their disposal.

You should deal the prices before taking a ride

Tips: Drivers mostly speak Portuguese and Creole

For an English/German speaking driver call +238 9867116