Sal

Discover Sal

For many, the white sands on the southern coastline of Sal are the Cape Verde they’ve heard of. The beaches are truly amazing, the water sports are great, and there are plenty of high quality all-inclusive hotels lining the shores. You can float in the salty pools at Salinas salt pans, join a lesson and ride the surf and the winds from Santa Maria beach, and lay back on your sun-lounger with a cocktail in hand.

Things to do on Sal

The island of Sal is a paradise for those who love sun, beaches, and a great range of water-based activities. Santa Maria beach is bustling with people heading out for a surfing lessons, or spot of windsurfing. Those who prefer a more relaxed option can head out to sea in a sailing boat, perhaps even spot some dolphins, or even a whale if you’re here between March and April!

A guided island tour is a nice way to familiarise yourself with the island. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the salt pans at Salinas, where you can float in the salty water. You’ll also visit Buracona’s black lava natural swimming pool, and an underground pool known as the ‘blue eye’, where experienced divers swim through an underground tunnel before immerging out in the ocean.

Turtle nesting season runs between July and October and we recommend booking a private tour, rather than one of the busier group experiences. Our guide will take you to a quiet nesting spot, so you get to enjoy a more intimate turtle watching experience.

Those who enjoy hiking can head out on a range of walks with one of our experiences guides. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, and plenty of water. It can get pretty warm in the sunshine.

Top places to stay on Sal

Most people that visit Sal with us are use it as as convenient starting point for an island hopping holiday. Whilst you’re on Sal, we’ll point you towards the most characterful accommodation, like the wonderful Hotel Morabeza on the edge of Santa Maria town, which is just a short walk from Santa Maria beach. In town, there’s the Odjo d’Agua with it’s enviable position on the ocean front of Santa Maria. If you prefer some all-inclusive luxury, then stay at the Sal Hilton, which has an extensive range of facilities, including it’s own beach bar.

Getting to Sal

Direct flight connections from several regional UK airports mean Sal is easy to get to, and there are regular internal flights from Sal to the islands of Santiago and Sao Vicente. Those travelling to Sal via the USA will often arrive via Lisbon, though there are several other options and we can arrange flights from anywhere in the world, using the connecting airports that work best for you.

And remember, all of our holidays are tailor made for you, so you choose how long you want to enjoy the beaches of Sal before you head off to explore Cape Verde’s other islands. We’ve put together a few holiday suggestions, but all of them can be amended to include the parts of Cape Verde that you most want to explore.