Sal, Cabo Verde, places to visit?

Tropical universe to be discovered

A journey between the island of Sal and Boa Vista is the opportunity to get to know a different area of the tropics, made of dunes, rocks, wild sandy shores, a genuine, vital sea, a welcoming Creole population and small sleepy villages, but also modern facilities for a growing tourism.

Apart from the occasional high ground, Sal is a flat island, almost bare and rocky, and dominated by red earth. On the other hand, it has some beautiful beaches and the magnificent Praia de Santa Maria, eight kilometres of the extremely fine sand and an emerald sea the turns to a deep blue towards the Ocean. Resorts, tourist villages, hotels, pousadas and a good number of bars, small restaurants and discos attract visitors from all over Europe throughout the year. Colourful groups of surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers make this their top destination between January and April, in the period of the Trade Winds and the Harmattan.

In Santa Maria, life proceeds at a typical calm pace interspersed with sporadic frenetic tourist activity. The small but well stocked African market, with products mainly coming from Senegal and Guinea Bissau, is located in a road not far from the beach. Don’t miss a visit to the natural pool of Buracona, dug out of the volcanic rock by the force of the sea, and, on the same side, the excellent moorings at the Bay of Murdeira. The steep cliffs of Mount Leãolie on the north side of the island, while in the west, a visit to the old salt flats in Pedra da Lume, with its unique landscape, is a must.

Text by Teresa Scacchi

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Copyright © Sisterscom.com

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Where to sleep in Sal Cabo Verde

Sal Cabo Verde is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Santa Maria

Viveiro, Botanical Garden & Zoo di Terra

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Sal Airport SID

WHERE TO GO in sal cabo Verde

Islands

BOAVISTA

The third island in the archipelago in terms of size, Boavista has white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and moving dunes of golden sand. The sea bed provides divers with the opportunity to see the remains ofgalleons and sailing boats. Currahlinho, the most beautiful beach of the island, is also known as Santa Monica because of its similarity to the famous Californian beach.

SAO VICENTE

The seat of culture of the archipelago, the beaches on this island are located in bays waiting to be discovered, such the Baia Das Gatas, which is surrounded by volcanic rocks. Must-see places: the bay of Porto Grande with its international port, and the centre of Mindelo with its shops, markets and evenings of music, dance and festivals. The beaches are found in wonderful bays.

FOGO

The Island of Fogo has a landscape made up of formations of lava from its 2,826 metre high volcano. The black soil produces rich fruits: coffee and grapes. Must-see places: Mount Velha with its tall pines and eucalyptus trees; the salt pans of S. Jorge and its black beach, caves and cliffs, and the town of São Filipe, which is rich in historical remains.

SANTO ANTAO

This island offers high mountains, valleys, forests of pine, cedar and eucalyptus trees, dry areas and deserts. Its winding paths are ideal for hiking. Must-see places: Ponta do Sol, a Portuguese village with brightly coloured houses; Vale do Paul, a valley of tropical fruit and sugar cane plantations; the capital Ribeira Grande, and the spring of Mesa. The island is reached by sea from nearby São Vicente.

SANTIAGO

The island of Santiago with African features and colors has an African feel and is characterised by lively colours, ethnic rhythms and traditional feasts. The city of Praia is the capital and seat of the government. It is the centre of political and economic life of the country. Must-see places: Tarrafal, a tropical paradise of palm trees, white beaches and crystal clear sea; the botanical garden of San Jorge; the town of Assomada with its market, and the valley of Santa Cruz with its bananas, papayas and coconut palms.

Excursions

JEEP SAFARI

A day on board a jeep to discover the Island of Sal: deserted beaches, small villages, natural pools and salt pans can all be seen throughout the day.

QUAD TOUR

An adventurous tour on quad bikes in discovery of unforgettable landscapes that are difficult to reach with other vehicles. Dirt roads, read earth, lava rock deserts, dunes and wild beaches.

KITE AND WIND SURF

The archipelago of Cabo Verde, which is influenced by the trade winds, is paradise of wave motion, and Sal is the island that offers the best conditions for windsurfing, surfing and kite-surfing. The beach of Santa Maria has a specialised centre.

DIVING

The Cabo Verde Diving centre, the ideal place for diving activities, can be found on the beach of Santa Maria. The sea offers a combination of Mediterranean and tropical species, including turtles, sharks, whales, tritons and the rare frogfish.

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