The ultimate guide to Sal Cape Verde

Sal is one of 10 islands that make up Cape Verde a small cluster is volcanic islands off the coat of Africa. The island of Sal is only 35km in length and 12 km and boasts many of Cape Verde’s salt mines. Sal is the most touristic of the 10 particular in it’s main tourist town Santa Maria, followed closely by it’s sister island Boa Vista.    Cape Verde itself remains relatively unknown to many travellers and the islands keep true to their culture. As more tourists become attracted to the islands the money has started to flow in for locals at a good time due to the dying salt trade wihich used to provide income for the island.  Climate
Sal is a constantly busy tourist island due to it’s constantly warm temperatures and and very limited rain fall. The UK winter months are a great time to visit for some winter sunshine with temperatures averaging around 30 Celsius in the warm afternoon sun with around 6 days of rain per year.

Languages

The local language spoken is Creole with many locals also speaking fluent Portuguese and English due to the islands close proximity to Portugal and the many visitors it attracts from nearby islands every year.

Food
The local dishes mix from their local neighbours with a tasty mixture of African and Portuguese flavours. The islands close proximity to the sea promotes the use of the daily catch and fish is defiantly the freshest meal on the menu. Be sure to try the Cachupa Rica Sal’s famous fish stew.

Restaurants and bars
Most restaurant are located int he main tourist town of Santa Maria. Restaurants are at their best on Friday and Saturday evenings as the as they spill out onto the street to live local music.
The main drink is the local beer Stroll or the Portuguese local Super Bloc. 
Check out our favourite restaurants and bars below:

Ocean cafe
One of the busiest spots in Santa Maria. Ocean cafe offers a range of pub dishes and local fish dishes. The place transforms itself of an evening into a local music hub as locals and tourists alike.

Chez Pastis
A local fish and mediterranean restaurant located just off the beach. This quant little spot is perfect for a romantic evening or a chilled family meal.

Restaurant Barracuda

This local eatery boasts views of the sea as you tuck into the catch of the day.

One love reggae bar
The roof top reggae bar is in the main strip of Santa Maria. This small bar offers local and international drinks as you chill the night away along to some classic reggae.

Bikini beach
Ready all day long for a pool party turned club night bikini beach has something for everyone. Also one of the best spots on the island to catch sunset head to Bikini beach for cocktail.  The island Santa Maria
Defiantly the most touristic on the island is the colourful town of Santa Maria. Located on the southern tip of the island the small resort town of Santa Maria has been built up by big brand hotels bringing herds of tourists to the town giving money to local businesses. Small coloured shops, restaurants and bars line the cobbled streets. Locals sell their local produce in shops and market stalls during the day and the town comes alive on a Friday and Saturday evening when the streets are closed off to cars and the tables brought outside for a street party. Live music rings in the air and locals and tourists alike dance together under the moonlight.
Head to the pier at 12:00pm each day to watch the fisherman come in from sea with the daily catch. The locals come to buy what they need for their personal use and businesses. Watch the skill as the locals skin and cut the fish the size.

Esparagos

The islands capital is in the middle of the island. Housed by mainly locals you won’t find the same level of resort hotels located in Santa Maria. Take a trip into the capital to see the friendly locals living int he local way. Small cafes and restaurants are a good spot for people watching.

Pedra de Lume

Mostly famous for hosting the floating salt lakes of Pedra Lume these strange bathing pools make it almost impossible for you not to float horizontally. Rub the local salt on your skin for a real exfoliating experience and buy some from the gift shop for your family at home.

Ponta Preta

Heading to the beaches of Ponta Preta with the great northerly wind blowing in the beach has become world famous for surfing. Catch some swells or try your hand at kite surfing. Schools are located here offering lessons for the beginner to the more experienced.

Buracona
Explore the extinct volcanic landscape and take a dip in the volcanic rock pools for a natural heated spa bath. The famous Oahu Azul nicknames the ‘blue eye’ is the perfect outing for a sunny day. When the sun is at it’s peak you can see the reflected through the cove to create an almighty shine. The nearby caves and cliffs make for a great place to snorkel and cliff jump. Activities
Although the island of Sal is so small there are endless amounts of activities to take part in to suit every interest. Thrill seekers will love the islands surfing opportunities and quad and buggy riding whilst spa lovers can soak up the salt in Pedra Lume.

Horse back riding
We cannot recommend horseback riding on the beach in Sal enough. We had the opportunity to head to the beach near Santa Maria to take in the views of sunset. Horses set off for the sand dunes to reach the top for the best view of the whole beach. An hours horseback riding will cost around £25.00 per person with a guided 

Quad an buggy rentals
Explore on quad or buggy either independently or via a guided tour. The sand dunes and salt mines make for the perfect surface to really pick up some speed. 
Private tours are cheaper at around £25.00 per person, however hired quads can be hired for around £70.00 per half day.

Island 4×4 tours

Locals with their 4×4 offering local island tours are in our opinion the best way to see the island. Seated on the back with the wind in your hair you stop off at numerous local villages, schools and shops for the ultimate local experience. Visiting the islands best tourists attractions are also a real plus.Book your island tour here.

Fishing
Heading out to fish with locals with a hand line for the daily catch is a great way to fish on sail. Alternatively big game fishing is also a real sport here. Head to the pier to find the perfect type for you.

Sailing

Stepping aboard your sailing boat and setting sail to the west of Sal you will pass rock formations, local villages and visit some of the best snorkelling spots on the island. Lucky sailers can also spot sharks and dolphins swimming along the boats waves.

Sunset 
Sal is one of the best places we have ever witnessed a sunset. Each night without fail the sunset to unveil some amazing colours in the sky. Whole skies turning picturesque colours of pinks, purples and reds were really one of our trip highlights.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Offering snorkelling rock hotspots along with shipwrecks for diving Sal has a water sport for everyone. Close to Santa Maria – Porto Antigo is a great spot to snorkel off of the shore. Heading further out Palmeria is a stop for a boat trip with some great snorkelling amongst shallower shores. Just south of Pedra De Lume is the local shipwreck ready to be explored.