Dreaming of tropical vibes without the hassle? Say hello to Sal—a low-key slice of paradise in Cape Verde that’s just six hours from the UK. Think endless sunshine, white-sand beaches, warm Atlantic waves, and a laid-back island attitude that says “no stress.” Whether you’re here for lazy pool days, wild water sports, or sunny family fun, Sal delivers. It’s the perfect getaway: easy to get to, easy to love, and impossible to forget. Your next sun-drenched holiday starts now!
Sal keeps it simple—and beautiful. This sun-soaked island off Africa’s west coast is all about vibrant beaches, Afro-Lusophone culture, and chilled-out island living. You land, you feel it: warm breeze, powder-white sand, and salty Atlantic air that just works on your soul.
First off, Santa Maria is Sal’s party hub, with beachfront cafés, colourful markets, kite-surfing bars, and live music. It’s got the kind of energy that’s always friendly, never overwhelming—think fun, not frantic.
But it’s not all nightlife. Grab a snorkel or roll up your sleeves for water sports. You can dive shipwrecks and reefs teeming with turtles, dolphins, and rays. Want thrills? There’s quad-buggy rides over desert dunes, jet-ski cruises along cliffs, and zip-lining high over Sal’s red sands.
For calmer thrills, visit Pedra de Lume Salt Crater—swim in the rich salty waters of a volcanic crater (you literally float). Journey north to Buracona’s Blue Eye volcanic pool, where sunlight makes surreal teal glimmers. Sunset photos = guaranteed likes.
Want wild encounters? Head to Shark Bay to see lemon sharks or go on a guided turtle walk along nesting beaches. All eco-friendly and totally unforgettable.
Families love Sal. Hotel pools, easy beach access, and calm waters make it painless. Kids and adults both go gaga over lazy catamaran cruises and gentle dolphin-spotting trips. Evening cove bars mean parents can relax while kids chase the setting sun.
Foodies, rejoice: Cape Verdean cuisine is a mix of Portuguese flavour and West African spice—fish stew, cachupa, fresh fruit juices—and super-fresh seafood is the norm. No tourist traps here; it’s all real.
Need practical side? Sal is flat, compact, and easy to get around. Taxis and minibuses are affordable, renting a scooter is a breeze, and transfers from the airport take just 20 minutes. Hotels range from chic to relaxed, with laid back island vibes.
Sal isn’t about flash. It’s about soul. Warm smiles, wind-swept afternoons, and that feeling of being somewhere slightly different. Whether you’re after chill, adventure or family memories, Sal hits gridlock on all accounts.
Plan It Like a Pro
Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), just 20 minutes from Santa Maria—beachfront bliss awaits. Flights from the UK take around 6 hours. Book with TUI, EasyJet, or On the Beach for top-value package deals, ATOL protection, flights + hotel bundles, and smooth transfers. Sun, sea, and zero faff—just how we like it.
Tick These Off First
Ready to ditch the all-inclusive lounger and dive into something way more exciting? Here are 10 top tours and activities that’ll turn your holiday into an incredible story you won’t shut up about when you get home:
Hop aboard a sleek catamaran for a dreamy half-day cruise. Lounge on deck, sip a cocktail, snorkel crystal-clear waters, and if you’re lucky, spot dolphins flipping beside the boat. Utter bliss! Catamaran Tour on Viator
Strap in and fly across Sal’s dramatic desert landscapes on an adrenaline pumping zipline ride. It’s part thrill, part postcard view, and 100% worth the adrenaline rush. Don’t forget to scream and smile! Zipline Adventure Through Sal Island on Viator
Swim in a real volcano crater at Salt Lake, marvel at the glowing “Blue Eye” cave, and watch lemon sharks glide beneath your feet at Shark Bay. Sal’s most surreal tour rolled into one. All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour, GetYourGuide
Wander moonlit beaches with a local guide and witness sea turtles nesting—magical, silent, and unforgettable. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone wanting to connect with Cape Verde’s natural beauty. Sea Turtle Watching Experience, GetYourGuide
Fire up your engine and tear across Sal’s sandy dunes, deserted beaches and even Shark Bay in a rugged buggy. This bumpy, dusty ride is pure adrenaline with jaw-dropping views and epic vibes around every corner. Buggy with Local Guide, GetYourGuide
Tick off Sal’s top sights in one hit—Santa Maria town, salt flats, volcanic pools, and local villages. Your guide brings the stories, the culture, and even lunch. One island, many wow moments. Island Experience Tour, GetYourGuide
Blast across the sparkling shoreline on a powerful jet ski, feeling the spray in your face and the wind in your hair. It’s the most exhilarating way to see Sal’s coast in style. Jet Ski on Viator
And that’s just scratching the sandy surface! These tours are more than just tick-box activities – they’re the kind of experiences you’ll be bragging about for years. Book a few of these gems and you’ll leave the island with a camera full of memories, sand in weird places, and a heart full of sunshine.
Check out Viator & GetYourGuide to see what trips Sal has to offer!
Foodie Spots
Cam’s – Restaurante e Cafetaria
If you’re craving a proper full English or a coffee that actually hits the spot, Cam’s is your place. It’s the kind of café where you feel instantly welcome, with friendly staff, freshly made food, and a menu that never lets you down. Think breakfast feasts, juicy burgers, and affordable prices – all served with a smile. Perfect for picky eaters and holiday grazers alike.
The Bounty Beach Restaurant
This is beachside dining done right. Bounty has that dreamy toes-in-the-sand setup, serving up grilled seafood, cold drinks, and laid-back island vibes. It’s perfect for a long lazy lunch or dinner while watching the sun melt into the sea. The vibe is cool but not pretentious – just really good food and service, with views that make you wish your flight home was cancelled.
Marea Italian Restaurant
Marea feels like stepping into a boutique slice of Italy. This spot takes pasta seriously. We’re talking fresh ingredients, proper flavour, and wine that actually tastes like wine. It’s got style, top-notch service, and candle-lit charm that’s ideal for date night or a grown-up dinner, don’t skip the desert!
Restaurant Ponta Preta
Ponta Preta is the spot for “holiday mode: activated.” Sat right next to the crashing waves, this restaurant serves perfectly grilled fish, tropical cocktails, and icy beers. It’s relaxed, beachy, and exactly what you want after a day in the sun. Grab a table near the front for unbeatable ocean views – and don’t miss the catch of the day!
Hidden Gems
The Mystical Mirage of Terra Boa
Just a 25-minute drive from Santa Maria, this surreal optical illusion makes you think there’s a shimmering lake in the middle of the desert. It’s pure magic for photo ops and a “wait… is that water?” moment.
The Hidden Coves of Murdeira
About 15 minutes north of Santa Maria, this tiny stretch of golden sand feels like your own private island. Calm waters, no crowds, and unbeatable peace—perfect for romantic sunbathing or sneaky afternoon naps.
Mermaid’s Grotto: Tucked into Murdeira Bay, this little gem is named after a rock that looks just like a lounging mermaid. It’s quirky, quiet, and ideal for a paddle and a picture with your new stone sea-sister.
The Whispering Cliffs: Near the coast of Murdeira, these breezy cliffs aren’t just for the views. Locals say the wind carries tales of the sea, and whether you believe it or not—it’s the perfect place to sit, reflect, and let the whispers work their magic.
Palmeira’s Fishermen’s Haven
Roughly 20 minutes from the resort areas, Palmeira is a working fishing village full of colour and charm. Watch boats glide in with the day’s catch, grab a fresh seafood snack, and experience Cape Verde’s local heartbeat.
Desert Vistas – Stargazing Spot
The open desert just outside Santa Maria is pitch-dark by night, ideal for stargazing. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet with endless stars above and soft sand beneath your feet.
Monte Grande: A 30-minute drive to Sal’s highest point gives you incredible panoramic views—and the clearest skies for spotting constellations. Bring a blanket and get ready for your cosmic main event.
Northern Plateaus: Further inland (about 35 minutes from Santa Maria), these elevated flatlands offer sweeping views and almost no light pollution. It’s one of the best places to see the Milky Way in all its glory.
Top Travel Hacks
Bring reef-safe sunscreen—sun is strong, beaches are unfiltered.
Rent a buggy for dune adventures—super fun and easy to drive.
Use water shoes—some beaches have sharp rocks or shells.
Book turtle or shark tours early—they sell out fast.
Download offline maps—signal can drop in remote areas.
Drink bottled water—safe and widely available.
Pack light layers—warm days, breezy evenings at sea.
Best time to visit? Go between November and June – sunny, not sweaty.
Cape Verde plug type? Bring a Euro two-pin adapter – Type C or F.
Cash is king – carry euros or escudos for markets and tips.
Sal isn’t a tourist trap—it’s an island with heart. Sunbaked beaches, wild water, local culture, and zero hassle. Fun for families, thrill-seekers, or anyone who just needs sea, sun, and a slower pace. From turtle walks to dune buggies and salty crater swims—you’ll leave with sand in your toes and stories in your soul. Cape Verde’s warmest welcome is waiting, so pack light, smile big, and let Sal work its magic.
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