Sal

Flat, dry and fringed with sand, Sal is the island that introduced Cabo Verde to international tourism. Its name means "salt" in Portuguese, a reminder of the salt pans that once drove its economy. Today it's the archipelago's busiest beach destination, with reliable sunshine and direct flights from Europe.

Santa Maria and the beaches

Most visitors stay in or near Santa Maria, a small, colorful town at the island's southern tip, where a long crescent of white sand stretches for several kilometers. Each morning at the wooden pier, fishermen land tuna and wahoo and the catch is cleaned and sold on the spot, a lively scene worth getting up for. The water is calm and shallow along much of the bay, while Ponta Preta, to the west, is known for its powerful waves.

Wind and water

Steady northeast trade winds from about November to May make Sal a favorite with kitesurfers and windsurfers, with schools for beginners at Kite Beach and challenging waves for experts at Ponta Preta. Divers and snorkelers explore wrecks, caves and reefs, and at Shark Bay a local guide can lead you wading into the shallows, where young lemon sharks glide past.

Island excursions

In the north, the Pedra de Lume salt pans lie inside an extinct volcanic crater, where you can float effortlessly in the brine. At Buracona, sunlight turns the water of the "Blue Eye" sea cave a vivid blue around midday, and the plains of Terra Boa are known for their mirages.

From about July to October, loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest on Sal's beaches, and guided night walks run with conservation groups let you watch without disturbing them.

How we plan Sal

Sal is ideal for a relaxing beach week, or as the sunny start or finish to a multi-island trip that includes the mountains of Santo Antão or the volcano on Fogo. Our Cabo Verde Sun & Mountains journey pairs it with greener islands, and we'll tailor the mix to you.