Sal Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover Highlights

A brief but memorable introduction to Sal.

Arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), transfer to Santa Maria (approx. 15-20 min taxi). Head to Santa Maria Beach. Relax on the golden sands, take a refreshing swim. Walk to Santa Maria Pier (Pontão de Santa Maria). Enjoy a fresh grilled fish lunch at a local restaurant near the pier. Stroll along the beach or promenade, find a spot for sunset. Dinner in Santa Maria, perhaps with live local music. Transfer back to SID for your onward flight.

Activities for a Short Stop

Airport transfer to Santa Maria.
Santa Maria Beach time.
Local lunch at Santa Maria Pier. Find local tours here: GetYourGuide.

Weekend & Week-Long Plans

These plans provide a comprehensive taste of Sal and deep exploration.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A short but comprehensive taste of Sal's charm.

Suggested Activities

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Maria, explore town, relax on beach, dinner with live music.
Day 2: Full-day guided island tour (Buracona, Pedra de Lume, Terra Boa, Espargos, Palmeira, Shark Bay).
Day 3: Watersports (kite surf/surf lesson, snorkeling) or relaxation, final lunch, souvenir shopping, departure.
Transfer back to SID.

Perfect for a quick escape with highlights.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

This itinerary allows for a thorough exploration of Sal's attractions and activities.

Itinerary Flow

Days 1-2: Santa Maria & Beach Life.
Day 3: Island Adventure Tour.
Days 4-5: Watersports Focus (Kite/Windsurfing, Deep-Sea Fishing, Surfing).

Week-Long Continued Itinerary

Concluding activities for a full week on Sal.

Completing Your Week

Day 6: Relaxation & Local Culture (Murdeira Bay, Espargos, traditional dinner).
Day 7: Departure from SID, with final souvenir shopping or a beach walk.
Consider a short horse ride on the beach.
Last-minute souvenir shopping.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

This extended itinerary allows for immersion, multi-island travel, or more focused activity time.

Extended Exploration Options

Week 1: Sal Immersion (Days 1-7 from above itinerary, with ample time for watersports or relaxation).
Week 2: Multi-Island Extension.
Days 8-10: Boa Vista for beaches and nature.
Days 11-13: Santiago for history and culture.
Day 14: Return to Sal for final dinner and departure.

Flexible Options for Longer Stays

Instead of a second island, dedicate the second week on Sal to a specific skill or prolonged relaxation.

Intensive Learning

An intensive kite surfing course.

Extended Calm

Prolonged relaxation and spontaneous exploration.

Deep Dive

A chance to revisit favorite spots or discover new ones.

Itinerary Suggestion

Plan your island tour for the middle of your trip. This helps you get an overview of Sal and decide which areas you might want to revisit or explore further.

Passion-Driven Journeys

Craft your Sal journey around your unique interests.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore Sal's past, from its salt industry to local life.

Historical Sites

Days 1-2: Santa Maria's Roots - Explore the pier and older town parts.
Day 3: Salt & Aviation History - Pedra de Lume Salt Pans and Espargos airport history.
Day 4: Palmeira's Past - Visit the traditional fishing village and port.
Understand the island's main historical industries.

Connect with Sal's rich past.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor local flavors, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes.

Culinary Delights

Daily visits to Municipal Market and fish market at the pier.
Eat at local "tascas" for authentic Cachupa and grilled fish.
Sample grogue (sugarcane rum) and ponche at local bars.
Seek an informal cooking class on Cabo Verdean cuisine if available.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

For thrill-seekers, Sal's waters and terrain offer plenty.

Water Adventures

Kite/Windsurfing at Kite Beach.
Scuba diving or snorkeling.
Deep-sea fishing.

Land & Ocean Exploration

Quad biking/buggy tour across the island's interior.
Surfing at optimal breaks.
Ocean fishing trips.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Enjoy Sal with the whole family, with activities for all ages.

Family Adventures

Plenty of time on safe Santa Maria Beach.
Visit Buracona for the natural pool and float in Pedra de Lume salt pans.
A boat trip for dolphin spotting.
Consider a horse riding experience on the beach.

Art & Architecture / Wellness Journey

Explore Sal's artistic side or focus on peace and self-care.

Creative & Calm Experiences

Art: Explore artisan shops, street art in Santa Maria/Espargos, and colonial architecture.
Wellness: Beach yoga, resort spas, meditative walks along quiet beaches.
Embrace the "no stress" philosophy for a slower pace of life.
Find independent instructors for beach yoga at sunrise or sunset.

Important Considerations for Family Trips

Child Supervision

Supervise children carefully at natural sites like Buracona. The terrain can be challenging.

Turtle Tours

If visiting during nesting/hatching season, book a responsible turtle watching tour, adhering to all rules.

Tailored Travel Note

Match your activities to the time of year. Kite Beach thrives in winter winds, while summer is ideal for calmer swimming and turtle viewing.

Sal Itineraries