Cabo Verde was my last-minute decision. After a tough climbing week, I needed nature treatment 😉 sun, water and hiking! There are places you visit… and then there are places that quietly rewrite your idea of what adventurous travel should feel like. This trip felt just like it – here are the top 7 unforgettable things to do on Sal, a small island in Cape Verde.
The country is stunning: wild, untouched, mostly untouristic! The dramatic landscapes will blow you away: from volcano peaks, through deserts, green valleys and white-sand beaches!
Most people land on Sal Island, which is a primary hub for exploring Cape Verde and a gateway to other islands, easily accessible by flights, ferries, or organised tours. There is tons of misleading information online about how to get around Cabo Verde Islands – You’ll find all the useful information in this post.
Top 7 things to do on Sal Cape Verde.
At first glance, Sal looks simple—flat landscapes, endless beaches, and year-round sunshine. But spend a little time here, and you’ll realise that simplicity is its superpower. There’s no rush, no pressure, no overwhelming “must-see checklist” energy. Instead, Sal invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience something far more personal.
Travel advice for Sal Capo Verde.
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) is located off the coast of West Africa (on the Atlantic Ocean) and consists of 10 volcanic islands – nine of which are inhabited.
SAL is the main island and the most visited of Cape Verde. The island is 30 kilometres long and about 12 kilometers wide.
Organised tours are very common, since there are not many direct flights from Europe.
Main town: Santa Maria – Ideal for beaches, resorts and watersports.
Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), 100CVE~ 1 Euro. CASH is king in many places.
ATMS: Airport, main cities. But this is a country based on cash. There are not many places outside of tourist spots where you can pay by card. Cash is king here.
EUROS are widely accepted.
FOOD: Seafood is one of the best I’ve had around the world! Traditional, amazing mix of Portuguese and African food. Seafood is extremely popular and tasty.
Tap water is not suitable for drinking.
Did you know? SAL – The island gets its name from the Portuguese word for salt (“sal”).
Sal airport in Cape Verde.
Airport: Amílcar Cabral International (SID). It’s a lovely airport for such a small African island.
Taxi from the airport to Santa Maria ~ 10-15 minutes around 1500 (day)-2000 (night) CEV.
Taxi from the airport to Pameira 1000 -1500 CEV (night).
Weather in Sal Cape Verde.
Best travel time: November – July.
Climate: warm and dry, 25–28°C. When it gets windy, it can be much colder.
I travelled in April, with temperatures 21-23 degrees Celsius. Some days were cloudy but mostly sunny.
Use sun lotion – the UV levels are extremely high in Sal Cape Verde, due to its proximity to the equator, often creating intense, burning sun even when cool Atlantic breezes.
My view of Cabo Verde islands.
I explored 3 islands: Sal, Sao Vincente (the heart of Cabo Verde) and Santo Antao – a nature and hikers paradise! I would say hiking and exploring the islands on a motorbike or quad are the top things to on Sal Cabo Verde, allowing you to explore every corner of the island.
Sal – few places are really worth exploring – the salt lakes and Shark Bay are amazing!
Boa Vista Island mostly offers endless beaches.
Fogo Island – 2,829 metres volcano (9,281 ft) above sea level.
I hiked and rented a motorbike and drove around the islands. Traffic is low or nonexistent outside of major towns.
Sunsets are magic on Cabo Verde!
1. Float inside a Volcano at Pedra de Lume.
Pedra de Lume is an amazing place – it’s a huge salt lake inside an extinct volcano! At first, I thought it was just going to be a salt mine – but this place is unbelievable! The landscape is surreal, and the salt lake is huge fun! And all this is FREE. There is no entry ticket. The attraction is very well organised. There is a maintained path from the entrance, leading down to the salt lake and salt fields. Floating in its super-salty water while surrounded by crater walls is one of the most unique things to do on Sal and whole Africa.
You will see people floating in the salt lake and walking on the white salt fields.
Walking down into Pedra de Lume feels like stepping into another planet. The crater walls rise around you, while the lake sits still and heavy with salt.
Insider Travel Tips
- Go early (before 9 AM): Tour buses arrive mid-morning. Early visits feel almost private.
- Don’t shave the day before: The salt will remind you why.
- Bring fresh water: You’ll want to rinse off immediately afterward.
What’s more, there are showers, changing rooms and a restaurant. All facilities are free to use.
✨ Why it’s a unique experience
There aren’t many places where you can float in a salt lake. Last time I did it, it was in the Dead Sea..
2. Santa Maria Beach.
Santa Maria Beach is pure life – golden sand stretching endlessly, slow-paced beach bars serving amazing drinks and food while kitesurfers paint the sky with color.
What Makes It Special
Sal is one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations, thanks to consistent trade winds.
Unique Travel Advice
- Best time for calm swimming: Early morning before the wind picks up
- Best time for vibes: Late afternoon into sunset
- Try a beginner kitesurf lesson: Even one session gives you a new appreciation
Santa Maria Beach is great for chilling. I’m always extremely active during my travels, so after 8 days of constant hiking, travelling by ferry and driving on a motorbike exploring the islands, I need a few days to feel the white sand and turquoise water. So if you are looking for a stunning beach – this is the one.
PRO-TIP: If you head toward the end of the beach – you will find bars with free sunbeds and umbrellas, which you can enjoy all day (for example, Angula Cabo Verde beach bar offers one of the best food in Santa Maria (try the catch of the day) and does not charge for sunbeds.).
Most of the beach bars charge 3 euros per sunbed and umbrella.
Go toward the east end of the beach; the bars are quieter, with lovely service and amazing food. At the ned of the beach, there is a shell beach – with tons of shells instead of sand.
3. Hit the Blue-Eye pools!
From the outside, Buracona looks like a rugged coastal rock formation. But when the sun hits at just the right angle, something magical happens—a glowing blue “eye” appears in the water.
⏰ Timing Is Everything
This is not a “show up anytime” experience.
- Best time: Between 11 AM and 1 PM
- Why: The sun needs to be directly overhead
Miss the timing, and you’ll still see a beautiful pool—but not the iconic effect.
Pro-Level Travel Tips
- Combine this visit with a half-day island tour—it’s often included
- Bring sturdy shoes—the rocks can be slippery
- Stay for the natural pool swim nearby—many visitors skip this gem
There are many tours on the islands but these two are top-rated, taking you to the Blue-Eye and the rest of the Sal highlights:
4. Meet the Sharks Bay.
Yes, sharks. Real ones. And yes—you’ll be walking right among them. 😉
This is where the lemon sharks glide through shallow, clear waters. You are not only able to see every movement but they are brushing up against your legs. The feeling is incredible! It’s both thrilling and strangely peaceful. The Shark Bay is one of the most incredible things to do on Sal!
What You Should Know
These sharks are harmless to humans. They’re used to people and typically keep their distance.
Still, your heart will race.
Travel Advice for Shark Bay
- Having a guide is mandatory (tour guide or local): They know where to stand and how to move. The guides are waiting for you at the bay. I paid 4 USD.
- Wear water shoes: The price includes crocks. Hard-soled sandals are necessary due to sharp, rocky terrain.
- Stay calm: Do not chase, touch, or feed the sharks!
5. Explore Palmeira.
Palmeira is a working fishing village—colorful, unpolished, and deeply authentic. Boats line the shore, fishermen haul in their catch, and life moves at its own steady rhythm.
What to Do Here:
- Eat freshly grilled fish (you won’t get it fresher anywhere)
- Walk the harbor and watch daily life unfold
- Talk to locals—many speak multiple languages and love to share stories
6. Buggy or Quad desert experience.
When I was driving around the island, I noticed buggy and quad tours are extremely popular. It’s highly adventurous, since the majority of the island is just desert.
Top recommended tour: Sal Island: 4-Seater Buggy Tour for Family Exploration.
7. A Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Paradise.
Thanks to constant trade winds, Sal—especially around Santa Maria Beach—is world-famous for water sports. Professionals from around the globe come here to train. Trying kitesurfing in this windy island is considered among the top things to do on Sal.
You’ll find many kitesurfing schools along the Sal coastline.
Catamaran cruises are equally popular. If you want to enjoy a peaceful afternoon at sea, here are two perfect tours:
- Sal : Adults-Only Catamaran Cruise with Tapas & Bubbles
- 3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island
Watersports in Sal Cabo Verde:
- beach volleyball – you’ll find nets set just on the beach
- Ski jets – great fun in the ocean waters.
Chill but Lively Culture of Sal Cabo Verde.
The town of Santa Maria mixes relaxed island vibes with music, dancing, and Cape Verdean culture influenced by Africa, Portugal, and Brazil.
There’s a very nice walking promenade along the beach, with many souvenir shops and cafe bars.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which are at absolutely no cost to you – I can earn a small commission on sales generated through this website and thanks to that I can share travel guides and inspirations that may help you reach your dream destinations and discover our unique world. I only recommend sites I actually use and have traveled to. Thank you for your support!
