Your complete guide to Sal – Cape Verde!

Last updated on May 20th, 2026 at 06:38 am

Sal is about half way between the Canary Islands and the equator and so…..

…its a great place for a getaway from the European winter to lie in the sun and swim in the beautiful sea, and, its a mecca for kite-surfers!

So if you’re looking for sunshine, beach bars, and laid-back island life, Sal might just be the perfect escape for you. Part of Cape Verde, this small island is known for its long sandy beaches, turquoise water, year-round warm weather, and relaxed vibe. It doesn’t matter whether you want to spend your days kitesurfing, swimming with sharks, sipping cocktails in Santa Maria, or just doing absolutely nothing by the sea – Sal is the kind of place where life slows down and you can do any or all of those things.

But there is even more on offer – especially for the outdoor and nature lover. Read on to find out!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip to Sal, Cape Verde

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains.

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are my top picks for you in Sal, Cape Verde:

Whole island full day tour 1 or whole island full day tour 2
Guided Snorkeling Shipwreck and Reef Tour – 2 hours in Santa Maria
A 4-hour quad tour across the island, or, a shorter 2-hou r one on a buggy!
Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!

Things to see and do in Sal Cape Verde – its perfect for the outdoor and nature lover

It’s great to rent a car and be able to do things at your leisure for a day or two. That way you get as much time as you want at all the sights. It is a bit pricey here but I definitely recommend it if you can.

If not then I would take a day tour to at least cover the key places.
And with that said, these are the great things to do in Sal Cape Verde…..

1. Ride a horse through the Costa da Fragata Nature Reserve

This is an absolute highlight for many and, even though I did not do it, a couple I met said it was really well run and the horses were not only well cared for but there was a strict rider weight limit and riders were provided with equipment relevant to their abilities.

You ride through the Santa Maria salt flats and see workers at work mining and depending on how long the trip you have chosen is, you can ride along kite beach – seeing all the kiters too!

I really regret not doing this, so have put it top of the list! You can ride for 1-2 hours on this excursion

2. Spend some time birdwatching

Sal has one of the largest colonies of red tailed tropic birds in West Africa – and they are so beautiful to watch flying. But also shearwaters, petrels, plovers etc. And during the winter ospreys, spoonbills and egrets are seen as they migrate.

There are a couple of hotspots near Santa Maria you can easily get to – and if you use the e-bird app you can see others. Its a good idea to hire a birding guide if you are really keen.

red-tailed-tropic-bird-in-sal-cape-verde — Red Tailed Tropic Bird in the rocky cliffs.

3. Swim at Buracona – the Blue Eye

I’m a swimmer so I am biased and think this is a great spot because of the swimming – but even if you’re not a swimmer then its worth some time here at the Blue Eye. You do have to pay a small fee to go in, but you could actually while away a few hours here.

The Blue Eye itself is the effect of the sun on the very blue water in a cave on site. It only works at a certain time of day when the sun is in the right position to get into the cave. Alongside is a lovely big natural swimming pool in the rocks – perfect for more than a dip!

Note this is a calm day and calm sea swim spot only. If the sea is wild you cannot swim – you’re just going to die!! (See the pic.)

Aside from the pool and the blue eye, there is also a cool little ‘botanical’ garden which is laid out in the shapes of all the islands of Cape Verde. And in the observatory, there is a really informative display about the wildlife and geology of the island. Just for an added bonus – you can also buy souvenirs made by the local prisoners here! Overall this makes the Blue Eye one of the best things to do in Sal, Cape Verde

swimming-at-the-blue-eye-is-one-of-the-fun-things-to-so-in-sal-cape-verde — The Blue Eye swimming pool on a wild day and on a calm swimmable day (by Adriao) , and, the Blue eye by
Daniel Åhs Karlsson!

4. Float in Sal’s Dead Sea – the Pedra de Lume Salt Mines and Lakes

The Salinas de Pedra de Lume are in the middle of the crater of an extinct volcano – which is pretty cool for starters! The crater has a unique geography which allows seawater to seep in – despite the location of the crater high above the sea.

The lake is very salty and very buoyant – so its like swimming in the Dead Sea. Very cool!
Even better – floating in the mineral-rich waters is supposed to give you some health benefits, including improved skin conditions and circulation.

Given I hadn’t been to the Dead Sea, this was a super cool thing for me to do. I loved it – and yes my skin did feel very smooth afterward. The most ironical thing about it was going down to the beach afterwards to wash the salt off my skin in the salt water of the sea!

There is a 6Euro fee to enter, and 1Euro extra to shower after – which is why I did it in the sea. But I rate this highly as one of the things to do in Sal.

one-of-the-coolest-things-to-do-in-sal-is-to-bathe-in-the-salt-lakes-its-the-dead-sea-of-sal-and-cape-verde — Look closely and see the people bathing in Sal’s Dead Sea – the Pedra de Lume salt lakes

5. Go hiking or ziplining in Sal’s hills

For a coastal walk, head to Murdeira Bay (a Marine Protected Area) which has beautiful coast and lovely views of Mount Rabo de Junco, commonly known as Monte Leão or Lion Mountain – for its shape of a lying lion.

For a hill hike, climb Serra Negra (the highest point in Sal) and enjoy the views of the white sand beach below the black mountain! Nearby is the zipline for thrill-seekers. Another great thing to do in Sal, and Cape Verde in general!

zip-lining-is-an-exciting-thing-to-do-in-sal-on-cape-verde — Ziplining in Sal!! By Get Your Guide

6. Watch turtles hatch on the beaches, or go to Murdeira and try swimming with them (from July to October)

If you are in Sal in the summer months, and a wildlife lover, then this is not to be missed. Go with a professional guide and biologist to watch the yellow turtles nesting and hatching on the beaches. (Sadly I missed this – wrong time of year!)

turtles-nest-in-sal-during-summer-but-you-can-see-them-at-any-time-of-year — Turtle time!

7. Watch Sal’s pros kiting at Kite Beach

And I really do mean “pros” as Sal is home to a world Champion – Mitu! (And the locals are rightly very proud of this.) Kite Beach is exactly what it says – a beach for kiters that gets plenty of wind and is busy busy busy with kites. Check out Mitu & Djo Kite School if you want a lesson!!

8. See the mirage at Terra Boa!

Its cool! Its actually the reflection of the sky – but its a real mirage! As for Terra Boa itself – what a great little place – and I do mean little! There is a sign, a shop / bar/ loo, and in the distance the mirage and a stark white house of an American recluse that apparently “just wants to get away from the world” – he sure managed it here!

The shop is really good – absolutely no pressure to buy. You can watch the owner painting – his canvases are great, and just browse and use the loo. You can also try some local rum delicacies!! I really recommend this place if you are looking for souvenirs – or not- as there is nobody trying to sell to you and you can really relax about it!

terra-boa-in-sal — Terra Boa – the shop, the rum, the sign and house in the distance!

one-of-the-coolest-things-to-see-in-sal-is-the-mirage-at-terra-boa — Terra Boa – the shop, the rum, the sign and house in the distance!

9. See all the baby lemon sharks at Shark Bay

I’m putting this in here because some people think its great, others don’t. I have seen so many sharks when sailing that I am spoilt and for me, I just saw the crowds and was not interested. The sharks are fed and although they are ‘wild’ it just doesn’t do it for me. But I leave you to choose.

You need reef shoes or crocs to walk out to where you can see the sharks – you can buy them cheap from all the vendors at this place! Picture below of the crowds. Every tour goes here it seems so if you can go privately at your own time to avoid the crowds then do – it will be a much better experience…..

shark-bay-is-a-popular-place-to-visit-in-sal-cape-verde — Shark Bay crowds!

10. Go snorkeling or diving – or you can learn to dive

You can try it alone, but its hard to know where the best spots are without some local intel. I did some in Santa Maria alone and on the east coast near the salt lake, but neither was very successful. But then I took this very popular 2-hour snorkel tour right in Santa Maria where you are taken to a shipwreck and reef and should see plenty of tropical fish and hopefully turtles!

If you dive, book this 3-dive package or this half day one.
And if you want to learn to dive, there is a short introductory dive course available too.

one-of-the-best-things-to-do-in-sal-is-go-snorkeling-in-the-surrounding-sea — Get underwater in Sal!

11. Get out on the water in a catamaran

I sailed here on a catamaran so how could I not recommend a bit of time spent out on the water? Spend a half day along the coast fishing, snorkeling, and sailing, or, this one with a focus on snorkeling and the wildlife, like turtles, dolphins, and even whales. The trips are very popular!

You can also book a jet ski tour if that’s more your jam!

taking-a-trip-on-a-catamaran-is-a-beautiful-thing-to-do-in-sal — Views from the water!

12. Quad biking through Sal’s desert – loads of fun!!

Seriously, I don’t normally recommend this, but somehow in Sal it just seemed appropriate and so here it is!!

Quad biking is a great way to really experience the barren landscape and there are a few options to get yourself on a bike. I would make sure you go to the north of the island if you are going. Try one of these trips.

A 4-hour quad tour across the island
A shorter 2-hour one on a buggy

one-of-the-fun-things-to-do-in-sal-is-to-go-quad-biking-in-the-desert — Quad biking in the desert!!

13. Wander in the capital – Espargos – and climb the highest point in Sal for a view!

You have to visit asparagus surely? Espargos = asparagus, and it is the capital of Sal. It is quite a pleasant colorful place with a great fruit and veg market and nice restaurants to try the famous local dish “cachupa” (a stew made with corn, beans, and meat or fish).

Also in town is Monte Curral with a viewpoint giving great views over the town and the island, and as it happens, also the local prison!

from-monte-curral-you-get-a-great-view-over-the-island-of-sal-and-the-town-of-espargos — A view from Monte Curral over one suburb of Espargos and the prison in the background!!

14. Visit the fishing village Palmeira and the peaceful swimming town of Murdeira

Its worth dropping into both these towns. You could easily spend a day in Murdeira and an afternoon in Palmeira.

Murdeira is known for its turtles – especially if you go to the north of the town to the Pirate Ship restaurant. There is also a very calm harbor in the town which is great for swimming and snorkeling too. Walking along the coast past the Pirate Ship restaurant there are some great rocks and a point where spotting turtles is very common! So taking a walk is great too.

Palmeira is a fishing village and more of a place to hang out in a local bar by the waterfront and just watch the world go by. Its not very touristy at all so when I say a local bar, I mean a local bar.

you-can-have-a-very-relaxing-afternoon-in-palmeira-sal-just-watching-the-world-go-by-with-a-beer — A quiet beer in Palmeira

15. Wander the colorful streets of Santa Maria

Its fun to just wander in Santa Maria. You can shop, see the fish-selling activity at Santa Maria pier, find street art, find cafes away from the beach scene, and generally watch people going about their lives. Its great if you get to see people playing a very popular game – Ouril! It is an ancient mancala (board) game that is still very popular in Cape Verde.

its-fun-to-wander-the-colorful-streets-in-santa-maria-and-see-daily-life-in-sal — The streets of Santa Maria – Ouril game , souvenirs, and the pier!

Tours that cover the key things to do in Sal Cape Verde

I really recommend doing what we did and take a full day tour to see the sights with a local guide. You will get around the island and see all the highlights, then can go back later to anything you particularly liked. We went back to the Blue Eye and the salt lake.

I also recommend a dune buggy tour if you like that sort of thing. As I said, in Sal it actually seemed a very appropriate (and fun) thing to do!

Frequently asked questions about travel to Sal

Q: Is Sal safe for tourists?
A: Generally, yes. Sal is considered one of the safer African island destinations for tourists. But do avoid beaches at night, and watch your valuables.

Q: What is the best time to visit Sal?
A: Sal has warm weather almost all year. November to June is probably the best time overall. With Nov – March being best for beaching, and Dec – March best for kitesurfing – it is windier then and the sea can be rougher. It is hottest from August to October.

Q: How many days do you need in Sal?
A: You can explore the island in a day or two if you have a car or take a tour. So really it is about haw much time you want to spend at the beach relaxing etc.

Q: Is Sal expensive?
A: Moderate – cheaper than main European beach areas, but not cheap!

Q: Do you need a visa for Cape Verde?
A: Many nationalities do need a visa prior to arrival. It is best to check the official list before you book your flights! EU and UK nationals do not need a visa before arriving at the time of writing, but do check as it may change. However, all nationalities must complete an online pre-registration and pay an airport security tax before traveling.

Q: Can you drink tap water in Sal?
A: Best not to – buy bottled water or get safe water from your hotel.

Travel tips for Sal

Most people like staying in Santa Maria for its beaches, restaurants, nightlife, walkability, and ease of going on tours and trips. But if you want a quieter area Murdeira is a good option.
Bring cash and some euros – ATMS can be unreliable.
Dec to March can be very windy. April – June and October – November are calmer and the sea is usually calmer too.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and light layers.