Sal Cabo Verde Travel Guide
Sal has many options for land and water adventures.
Sal's most famous outdoor activity. Kite Beach is globally renowned for ideal conditions. Schools in Santa Maria offer lessons for all levels. Equipment rental is readily available.
Surfing offers consistent waves, especially November-April. Surf schools in Santa Maria. Scuba diving has excellent sites with shipwrecks, volcanic formations, and marine life (turtles, rays, fish, corals). Dive centers offer courses and guided dives.
Snorkeling is accessible from many beaches (Murdeira Bay, Santa Maria). Deep-sea fishing charters target game fish (tuna, marlin, wahoo) especially March-October. Arrange informal trips with local fishermen for a traditional experience.
Book tours through reputable, authorized organizations (e.g., Projeto Biodiversidade). They prioritize turtle well-being and contribute to conservation.
Engage with Sal's culture through music, community, and local interactions.
Spend time in Espargos or Palmeira to observe daily life. Eat at local eateries, visit markets, and soak in the atmosphere. This directly supports local communities.
Hire local guides for island tours or specific excursions. They give invaluable cultural insights and distribute tourism benefits directly.
While no formal Kriolu schools for tourists exist, learning a few basic Kriolu phrases will be appreciated by locals. It can make your interactions better.
Smaller, lively Carnival celebrations and parades can occur on Sal during February or March. Villages might have small festivals celebrating their patron saints, often with music, dancing, and communal meals.
Many large luxury resorts offer full-service spas with various treatments. The Pedra de Lume salt pans offer an unique natural therapy experience. Some hotels offer yoga classes, often on the beach.
Santa Maria has many beach and pool clubs, from relaxed beach bars to upscale resort-affiliated clubs. They give a comfortable setting for enjoying the sun, drinks, and food, with direct access to the ocean or a pool.
Santa Maria is the hub of Sal's evening entertainment, with a lively atmosphere.
Formal theater or dedicated performance spaces are limited on Sal. Entertainment focuses mainly on live music in bars and restaurants.
Organized pub crawls are not formal, but you can arrange them informally.
Nightclubs stay open into the early hours. Some bars have extended hours, especially on weekends.
Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) in Santa Maria is the main market for fresh produce, fish, and some local crafts.
Small shops and stalls throughout Santa Maria sell local crafts made from volcanic rock, wood, shells, recycled materials, and paintings.
Grogue (local rum), Ponche, local coffee, music CDs, handmade jewelry, traditional fabrics, and small wooden carvings.
Support local artisans and shop responsibly during your visit to Sal.
Luxury and boutique shopping options are limited to within larger resorts. They might have small shops selling resort wear, jewelry, or high-end souvenirs.
Independent high-end boutiques are not a feature of Sal outside of resorts.
Keep receipts for any significant purchases for customs purposes.
