Sal Island owns a rare natural beauty, in which one must dive in

Espargos and Santa Maria are the cultural heartbeats of the island.

The city of Espargos, the island's capital, though not a major tourist hub, is a beauty with its harmonious squares, vibrantly painted facades, and pedestrian-friendly streets that beckon the visitor to wander.

Within its bounds, one can discover the island's museum, showcasing exhibits on Sal's history and art.

In the town of Santa Maria, caressed by an 8 km stretch of pristine white sandy beach, a visit to the bustling local market is a must. Here, one can immerse oneself in a plethora of fresh produce, authentic handicrafts, and a truly indigenous experience.

Also deserving a mention is the verdant oasis of the Pachamama Eco Park's botanical garden.

The Santa Maria Beach Music Festival held in September is an unmissable extravaganza.

Throughout the year, religious feasts take precedence, such as:

• Santa Cruz,
• Santo António,
• Santa Ana, and
• Nossa Senhora da Piedade.

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The island's natural treasures are famed and include:

• Buracona,
• Serra Negra,
• Pedra de Lume salt flats,
• Morrinho de Açúcar,
• Ponta Preta Dunes,
• Murdeira Bay, and
• Rabo de Junco (Lion's Mountain).

Buracona is the gem of the island's West Coast.

The Buracona Lava Pool, flanked by rugged cliffs, adds to the locale's breathtaking and picturesque aura.

Born from volcanic rocks and crystal-clear turquoise seawater that gleams in the sunlight, it's a magnet for those longing for a refreshing dip and to catch a glimpse of the Olho da Buracona.

This underwater tunnel, 22 meters deep, reflects an intense blue hue when sunlit, shaping what appears as a "blue eye", its renowned moniker.

The most opportune time for an "Olho Azul" visit is midday when the sun's direct rays create a mesmerizing illusion.

Serra Negra is not just a nature reserve. It also boasts a marine protection zone extending 300m off the coast and serves as a sanctuary for various bird species.

The viewpoint atop offers a panoramic vision of a large portion of the island.

At its base, fossilized dunes stand as a testament to its geological significance.

Pedra de Lume Salt Flats

This is the source of the illustrious product for which the island gets its name: salt!

Nestled at the base of an extinct volcano crater, it was once the island's primary industry with salt extraction commencing in the 1800s.

Its production and export persist today.

Guided tours offer visitors the unique experience of floating in these medicinal waters. It's noteworthy that these salt flats are among the top national tourist attractions, frequented by both locals and foreigners for therapeutic, tourist, historical, scientific, and heritage reasons.

Since 2003, the Pedra Lume salt flats have been designated a protected national landscape and, from 2014, recognized as a natural, historical, and cultural heritage site of Cape Verde.

Morrinho de Açúcar

A natural monument of volcanic origin, its uniqueness is as captivating as its beauty.

It stands as remnants of a volcanic chimney, soaring amid a vast plain.

These geological formations exhibit unparalleled prismatic disjunctions.

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Ponta Preta Dunes beckon for serene walks.

They serve as a venue for aquatic leisure activities, like surfing, and host the international windsurfing championship. It's also a nesting ground for turtles.

The Murdeira Bay and Rabo de Junco nature reserves

This natural harbor, with its tranquil waves and slightly warmer waters, serves as a preferred habitat for various marine birds and turtles that feed and nest there (from May to October).

Seasonally (between March and May), the rorqual whales, an endangered species of immense global conservation importance, grace its waters.

This site seamlessly merges the clearest and warmest beaches on the island (ideal for swimming and snorkeling) with the majestic Monte Leão (Rabo de Junco).

A holistic monument of unparalleled natural beauty, it's a must-visit, especially in the evening, to bask in the island of Sal's enchanting sunset.

The beaches of Sal fill the soul with sun and serenity!

• Santa Maria Beach (a natural heritage of Cape Verde),
• Ponta Preta Beach,
• Kite Beach,
• Serra Negra Beach,
• António Manuel Sousa Beach,
• Murdeira Beach, and
• Ponta de Sinó Beach are some of the natural landscape gems this island graciously offers every day of the year.

On the western side of Sal Island, the sea serenely whispers, the sands are pure white, and the water reflects a breathtaking shade of blue.
The crown jewel is the vast Santa Maria Beach, one of the Seven Wonders of Cape Verde.

Santa Maria Beach

A treasured natural heritage of Cape Verde.

Globally renowned, this destination sits in the town that shares its name and stands as one of the most celebrated in Cape Verde, admired for the beauty of its waters, expansive sands, and supportive amenities including bars, terrace restaurants, shops, and a range of water activities and tours.

It offers a splendid chance to explore the island's coast, taking a stroll across 8 kilometers of limestone sandy shores.

From the Santa Maria pier to Ponta Preta Beach, journeying through Ponta do Sinó.

Here, one can witness marine spectacles like playful dolphins, schools of diverse fish, graceful rays, and elusive moray eels.

On the other hand, Ponta Preta Beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

With its vigorous currents, this beach beckons one to ponder upon the sea and the sunset, preferably with a glass of grogue in hand as the day bids farewell.

For those with an adventurous spirit and a passion for water sports, set your compass towards Kite Beach.

Undoubtedly, it ranks amongst the world's most famed beaches for sports such as Kite Surfing, WindSurfing, and Surfing.

In fact, the beach hosts the acclaimed World Kite Surfing Circuit from November to March.

To awaken on Serra Negra Beach and witness the sunrise is among the magical experiences Sal bestows.

This serene and hushed beach is a must-visit for those yearning for an escape from the hustle of city life or crowded shores.

Serra Negra's waters are teeming with fish and shellfish, a genuine sanctuary for fishing aficionados.

Shark Bay

A shallow lagoon cradling lava rocks beneath its surface.

Situated on the island's northeastern coast, near the village of Pedra de Lume, it's the sole place on the island where one can behold the magnificent lemon sharks in their natural habitat.

Being harmless and deeply curious, these sharks become a magnet for those eager to swim and connect with marine creatures.

With its consistent trade winds and warm waters, Sal Island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, perfectly suited for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. At Kite Beach, the waves cater to both beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Worthy of note are the local champions Mitu, Matchu Lopes, and Airton Cozzolino, former world kitesurfing champions.

For something a tad more relaxed, paddleboarding and kayaking are excellent choices, ideal for exploring the island's coast and natural pools.

Given its crystal-clear waters, diving and snorkeling offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the underwater world of Cape Verde.

Across the island, numerous schools and shops rent out equipment and organize lessons for practitioners of all skill levels.