Sal

Cape Verde, Africa

Sal Island is a sun-soaked paradise in Cape Verde, famous for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Known for vibrant beach clubs and a lively nightlife, visitors can indulge in water sports like kite surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Explore the charming town of Santa Maria, with its local markets and eateries offering delicious Cape Verdean cuisine. With year-round sunshine and a laid-back atmosphere, Sal is perfect for relaxation and adventure alike, making it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

5-7 days

Type

Island

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Amilcar Cabral

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Sal

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax on Santa Maria Beach

Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await you.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the salt mines

Discover Cape Verde's unique salt production history.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Go scuba diving

Experience vibrant marine life in crystal waters.

Booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Buracona and the Blue Eye

Witness the mesmerizing natural rock formations.

No booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a quad bike tour

Explore the island's rugged terrain and landscapes.

Booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant

Taste the unique flavors of Cape Verdean dishes.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a local music event

Experience the vibrant culture through live music.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the town of Espargos

Explore the capital's local shops and cafes.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Go windsurfing

Ride the waves in a paradise for water sports.

Booking required
10

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour

Explore nearby islands and enjoy stunning views.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

No data

LGBTQ+ safety score

-4 (#84 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Cabo Verde Escudo

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Portuguese

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Cachupa

Hearty stew of corn and beans. (National dish)

Pastel

Fried pastry filled with fish or meat.

Lagostada

Grilled lobster served with sauce.

Bolo de Caco

VE

Traditional garlic bread from Cape Verde.

Gufong

VE

Sweet potato and corn pudding dessert.

Phrases to learn

English

Portuguese

Hello

Olá

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Sim / Nao

(Seem / Nowm)

Thank you

Obrigado

(Oh-bree-gah-doh)

Excuse me

Desculpe

(Deh-skul-peh)

How much?

Quanto?

(Kwan-too)