Sal Island
Ilha do Sal is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Cabo Verde archipelago. As it does not have drinking water, it was never inhabited, until in 1833, in the town of Pedra de Lume, the exploration of salt began and its settlement began. For over a century this activity has boosted the island's economy. In the 1940s, rainwater catchment systems were implemented, which increased its population. Undoubtedly, the construction of the airport (1939) was important – today Amílcar Cabral International Airport, this is one of the main points of entry into the Cape Verdean archipelago and allows the exploration of modern tourist complexes that have been installed since the beginning of this century ( XXI), especially in the city of Santa Maria.
Even though it is a volcanic island, it is practically flat - and because there are no mountains (except in the north of the island) to condense atmospheric humidity, it is extremely arid and where in the cool months there is little vegetation, but in summer it changes completely, and the landscape becomes incredibly beautiful and verdant.
Even though it is a volcanic island, it is practically flat - and because there are no mountains (except in the north of the island) to condense atmospheric humidity, it is extremely arid and where in the cool months there is little vegetation, but in summer it changes completely, and the landscape becomes incredibly beautiful and verdant.
On the island of Sal there are extensive white sand beaches, which are transported by the winds from the Sahara desert, which are of great tourist interest.
The climate is mild and with little annual variation, so it is possible to visit the island throughout the year.
There are natural and built-up salt marshes – in fact, it is the salt that gave the island its name – and which are increasingly becoming points of tourist interest.
One of the great attractions are the natural rock pools, including the one called Buracona, located on the north west coast of the island.
The island of Sal is the main tourist attraction in the Cape Verde archipelago. Its good hotel network is responsible for more than 50% of tourist overnight stays in the entire archipelago.
There are countless places to visit, among which we highlight: Praia de Santa Maria, with its white sands and translucent turquoise waters; Ponta Preta Beach (Murdeira), adorned by fine white sand dunes that move in the wind, this beach is perfect for long walks and surfing, and is even considered an international point, here there is a the stages of the international windsurfing championship; city of Santa Maria and Pontão; Salinas de Pedra de Lume (where you can bathe – float in the salt flats) as well as the beach of Salinas de Pedra de Lume; Baía da Parda to see sharks; Buracona, a natural pool carved by the sea in the black volcanic rocks; the Blue Eye, a cave located in the area of natural pools, where the sun's reflection on the water looks like an intense blue eye; the Natural Reserve of the Natural Bay of Murdeira, where you can see some species of sea turtles as well as some unique sea birds; Mount Corral; Vila Palmeira (fishing village) and the city of Espargos (capital of the island) must also be included in any itinerary.
For the most nature lovers – who isn't? – it is imperative to visit the Pedra Salinas de Lume Project Biodiversity Turtle Conservation Hatchery - Santa Maria Viveiro, Botanical Garden & Zoo di Terra, in the city of Santa Maria.
In the city of Santa Maria it is mandatory to visit the Buddy Bar Casa da Música and the Funaná Casa da Cultura. If you like casinos, the island of Sal has had one since 2019 – Casino Royal.
On your next vacation, visit Ilha do Sal and discover all its natural wonders and be enchanted by the gastronomy, culture and morabeza of its people.