Sal Cabo Verde Travel Guide
Sal has many options for land and water adventures.
Sal's most famous open-air recreation. Kite Beach is globally renowned for ideal conditions. Schools in Santa Maria offer classes for all levels. Equipment rental is readily available.
Surfing offers consistent waves, especially November-April. Surf schools in Saint Maria. Scuba diving has outstanding sites with shipwrecks, volcanic formations, plus ocean life (turtles, rays, fish, corals). Dive centers offer courses and guided dives.
Snorkeling is accessible from numerous beaches (Murdeira Bay, Santa Maria). Deep-sea fishing charters target game fish (tuna, marlin, wahoo) especially March-October. Arrange informal trips with fishermen from the region for a traditional experience.
Book tours through reputable, authorized organizations (e.g., Projeto Biodiversidade). They prioritize turtle well-well-being and help with preservation efforts.
Engage with Sal's culture through music, community, and conversations with local people.
Be in Espargos or Palmeira to observe daily life. Eat where the locals eat, visit markets, and soak in the atmosphere. This provides direct support to local communities.
Hire local guides for island tours or specific excursions. They provide invaluable cultural insights and distribute tourism benefits directly.
While no formal Kriolu schools for tourists exist, learning a few basic Kriolu phrases is set to 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 the protecting 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. Certain lodgings give yoga classes, often on the beach.
Santa Maria has many beach and pool clubs, from relaxed beach bars to upscale resort-affiliated clubs. They offer 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 places are limited on Sal. Entertainment focuses primarily on live music in bars and restaurants.
Structured bar crawls are not formal, but you can arrange them informally.
Nightclubs stay open into the early hours. Some bars have longer hours, especially on weekends.
Municipal Market (Public Market) in Saint 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, regional 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 major hotels. They could 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.
