ABOUT THE ISLANDS
White sand beaches and turquoise sea.
Principally a beach resort with long stretches of white sand and an abundance of water sports Sal is really an island for beach lovers as most of the island's sights and attractions can be seen in half a day.
By night, Santa Maria, the main tourist area in Sal boasts a lively atmosphere with a good choice of bars and restaurants.
Sal is the most developed of all the Cape Verde Islands in terms of tourism yet still has a very barren landscape. In the north of the island you will find a salt lake in an extinct volcano crater, an impressive sight. Marine life around the coast of Sal and the rest of the archipelago is high with countless species including flamboyant tropical fish, dolphins and turtles.
Live music plays a huge part in Cape Verdean culture and is often performed live in various bars in Santa Maria during the evening. This is a unique experience and one not to be missed.
A large percentage of visitors come to Sal for the water sports and it's hardly surprising. Sal's long sandy beaches and turquoise water make a wonderful playground for water sports enthusiasts. It is also the perfect place for relaxing in the sun and enjoying long walks along the coastline. Sal is considered to be amongst the world's top five windsurfing locations so it is not uncommon to see bright coloured sails dotted about the ocean. Kite surfing, diving and deep-sea fishing are also very big on Sal. There are plenty of places to hire equipment, have lessons and organise trips.
BEACHES
Santa Maria beach on Sal is simply stunning, offering four and a half miles of golden white sand. You can always find your own piece of paradise here, whether it be enjoying long romantic strolls along the shoreline and relaxing into the pure peacefulness, or hunting out the excellent water sports that the waters provides the perfect playground for.
SAL FESTIVALS
The following are just a couple of festivals that take place on Sal:
Nossa Sra. De Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) 15th August - Mass, processions, swimming contests and music festival on beach with local musicians.
Santa Maria Festival (Municipality Day) 16th & 17th September - Music festival
Facts about tourism
It's important to remember that tourism is still very much in its infancy in Cape Verde. There's ongoing development on the islands, so you may see and hear building works, so if there's work taking place in or next to your chosen hotel, we will advise if you we think it will affect your holiday. You may also encounter locals selling paintings and handicrafts, however they're quite harmless.
THINGS TO DO
WINDSURFING
With constant breezes the Islands don't disappoint for windsurfing holidays and the keenest windsurfer can pretty well count on being able to windsurf every day; however the seas and wind dictate that you need a fairly high level of competence and experience.
Due to their position within the winter tradewind belt, the Cape Verde Islands boast near perfect wind conditions from late November to June and so the Island of Sal has been a popular haven for windsurfing holidays for years.
On Sal, the main area for windsurfing is at the southern end of the island in Santa Maria. The bay here has a white sandy beach stretching for approximately 4km with a steep sand entry in parts.
For the more experienced, seeking the rush of some serious wave riding then a visit to Punta Preta, on the rougher west side, is a must. Waves here can reach up to 8ft running onto a stony shore break.
DIVING IN SAL
The Cape Verde Islands are a diver's paradise with wrecks to explore, rich tropical underwater flora and a massive array of fish including shoals of rockfish and bream, dolphins, turtles and sharks.
Cat sharks are frequently seen and with some luck you can also observe tiger sharks, lemon sharks, hammer-head sharks and mako sharks.
We are pleased to offer diving with Cabo Verde Diving based on the beach near the Meliá hotel in Santa Maria, Sal. Dives, courses and equipment hire can be arranged by your resort representatives or prior to your holiday.
Cabo Verde Diving offers dives every day in the morning and afternoon. Night dives and dive packages (6 or more dives) can also be arranged.