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Santa Maria

Cape Verde, Africa

Santa Maria, located on the southern coast of Sal Island in Cape Verde, is famed for its stunning white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The vibrant town offers a lively atmosphere with a blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. Visitors can indulge in water sports, experience thrilling nightlife, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Don't miss the picturesque pier, the variety of beach bars, and the nearby salt flats—a true paradise for sun-seekers and adventure lovers alike!

Quick facts

Target stay

5-7 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Amilcar Cabral

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

8 Best Things to Do in Santa Maria

1. Relax on Santa Maria Beach

Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await you.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Explore Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

Visit a unique salt crater with therapeutic waters.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

3. Dive at Ponta Preta

Discover vibrant marine life in clear waters.

Available all year

Adults only

Booking required

2 hrs

4. Visit the Shark Bay

Swim with sharks in a natural bay setting.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

1.5 hrs

5. Tour Buracona Blue Eye

Witness the stunning natural blue eye phenomenon.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

6. Experience local cuisine at Restaurante Taverna

Savor traditional Cape Verdean dishes and hospitality.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

7. Visit the Santa Maria Pier

Enjoy a scenic walk and watch local fishermen.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

8. Attend a local music event

Experience vibrant Cape Verdean music and culture.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

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)