Sal, one of the most popular islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, is the ideal place to spend a holiday filled with sun, sea and adventure. Sal will delight with its endless blue water, long sandy beaches and vibrant local culture. Whether you prefer to relax on a catamaran, explore the unique landscapes of the island or discover hidden worlds beneath the waves, we are confident that this exciting destination will not disappoint.
The Top 6 Things to Do on Sal Island
1. Take a catamaran cruise No trip to Sal is complete without a relaxing catamaran cruise. As you watch the coast gently recede into the distance, you can sunbathe, take a dip in the ocean or have a drink while admiring the view glide by. While sailing, keep your eyes peeled - it's not uncommon to see dolphins in these waters.
2. Explore Pedra de Lume Pedra de Lume is famous for its salt pans, which have the distinction of being housed within the crater of an extinct volcano. This unusual landscape is part of a protected natural area covering some 8 km². Remember to bring your swimming costume: you can swim in the colourful water and float on the surface like in the Dead Sea.
3. Eat and drink well There is no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by sampling its traditional cuisine. Stews are among the oldest dishes, including Cachupa, the national dish of Cape Verde, and Canja de Galinha, made with rice and chicken. There is no shortage of fish and shellfish options. The island is famous for its lobsters, which are juicy and sold at much lower prices than in Europe. Desserts are often made with exotic fruit, which makes them really tasty but also super refreshing. Finally, don't forget to try Grogue, a delicious cane sugar distillate, which when enriched with lime and honey becomes a perfect punch for your evenings on the beach.
4. Take an off-the-beaten-path adventure This island is quite small, stretching only 30 km, but it is worth exploring its every nook and cranny. The best way to do this, especially if you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, is in an off-road vehicle, taking you through Sal's barren and fascinating landscapes. Drive over the dunes, pass through fishing villages and continue along the coast for a very scenic drive.
5. Stroll around Santa Maria Santa Maria is the main tourist resort on the island. Here you will find one of the most beautiful beaches on Sal, as well as a picturesque fishing village with its colourful houses and the harbor, an important commercial center. Stroll around the pier in the morning, when the fishermen return with their boats full of the day's catch. It is a great way to understand how the locals live and, why not, snap up some fresh fish to cook for lunch.
6. Meet the lemon sharks At Shark Bay on the east coast, you can have an almost surreal experience. The warm and welcoming waters of the bay are inhabited by a particular species of shark, the lemon shark, which, although it feeds on fish and other living creatures, does not behave aggressively. That is why, with respect and care, you can venture into their habitat, walk along with the pups and do some swimming with the adults. The bottom of the bay is rocky, so bring along some rock shoes or some money to buy them when you get there.
