Explore Sal Island
Quiet beaches, steady winds, chilled bars. Welcome to Cape Verde’s easy-going paradise. ARTICLESBOOKS & MORETHE OCEAN, SAND & SUN
“Paradise is when your mind is in a perfect state,” says Frederick Lenz, and that’s what Cabo Verde offers you — it’s both a colourful and a happy place if you only discover its vibrant energy, natural beauty and great culture. The more you get to know it, the more fascinating it gets. Explore the Island of Sal through our website, and see if you fall in love with what Sal can offer you.
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Before You Go: Planning Your Great Sal Experience
Lazy leisure and water sports, simple adventure activities and reliable sunshine. For visitors seeking those experiences, Sal island delivers consistently.
Coladeira: Nothing Can Stop The Great Joy of Living
Coladeira embodies the flip side of Cape Verdean emotion: resilience transformed into rhythm, hardship transmuted into humor.
Cesária Évora: The Great Voice of Cape Verde in the World
The story of the famous Cape Verdean singer, Cesária Évora, remains one of the most remarkable narratives in world music.
Understanding Cape Verde
An essential step towards truly understanding a country’s culture is diving into its history. Events from the past profoundly shape local customs, behaviours, and the community’s character. To see Cabo Verde beyond its image as a sun-soaked tourist paradise, you first need to get familiar with its past — learning Caboverdian history is your starting point. From there, the authentic beauty and richness of local life become genuinely visible. Explore our pages to discover more about genuine Cape Verdean culture, away from tourist clichés.
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Where to Stay on Sal? The Best Options with Prices
Where to stay on Sal? The question presents itself immediately upon arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport. This easternmost island of Cape Verde, shaped by wind and salt, offers surprisingly diverse accommodation options across its compact 216 square kilometres. From the bustling town of Santa Maria, through the calm and quiet Vila Verde, to the island’s capital — Espargos; each area presents a different set of advantages for various types of travellers.
Santa Maria: Walk Through The Most Popular Town
Santa Maria is a coastal town at the southern tip of Sal Island in Cape Verde, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine. Once a sleepy fishing and salt-trading village, it has transformed into the island’s central tourist hub, while retaining a laid-back charm.
The Best Kitesurfing Schools and Gear Rentals on Sal
Sal Island kitesurfing schools are extremely visitor-friendly – show up as a complete novice and safely fly a kite within hours under professional guidance.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle: The Most Fascinating Guest on Sal
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a type of sea turtle known for its large size, distinct reddish-brown shell, and powerful jaws. They are among the largest sea turtle species, with adults reaching an average length of around 3.5 feet (1 meter) and weighing between 200 and 400 pounds (90 to 180 kilograms). However, some exceptional individuals can grow even larger.
Pontche: The Strong and Sweet Spirit of Cape Verde
Cape Verde may be best known for grogue. Still, its sweeter cousin, pontche, carries an altogether different reputation.
Carnival: The Unique Celebration of Cape Verdean Culture
Sal’s carnival is modest, reflecting the small local population and tourism-oriented economy. The celebration prioritises joyful community participation.
Cape Verdean Batuque: The Great Rhythm of Resistance
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The Weight of Sodade: Good Understanding of the Emotion
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Dolphins: The Wonderful Marine Mammals of Sal Island
Sal’s sightings often include mixed groups, such as bottlenose dolphins with spotted dolphins, and occasionally with pilot or beaked whales.
Pachamama Eco Park: Beautiful Oasis in the Desert Island
Pachamama Eco Park, also known as Viviero Botanical Garden & Zoo, is a thriving ecosystem that houses over 150 plant species and dozens of rescued animals.
The Most Popular Souvenirs to Look For in Cape Verde
Shopping on Sal is less about high-street brands and more about discovering local crafts, fresh produce, and Cape Verdean character.
Phoenix Atlantica: The Unique Capeverdean Date Palm
Phoenix atlantica stands as an icon of Cape Verdean natural heritage. It’s a tree that grows wild nowhere else in the entire world.
Reasons for No Green in The Flag of Cape Verde
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“No Stress”: Sad Truth Behind The Popular Motto
Is “No Stress” really a Capeverdean motto? If not, then where did it come from, and why is it so popular? Let’s answer these and more uncomfortable questions.
Manuel Figueira and the Cape Verdean Cultural Renaissance
Manuel Figueira was a Cape Verdean artist pioneering a unique artistic style that bridged European modernism with African aesthetics.
Amílcar Cabral: The Agronomist Who Cultivated Revolution
Amílcar Cabral was an agricultural engineer, political organiser, one of Africa’s foremost anti-colonial leaders, and a nationalist revolutionary poet.
Tchalé Figueira: Great Wanderer Who Painted His Way Home
In the world of Tchalé Figueira, the answer is always yes. Even disasters dance. Especially the disasters. That’s the joke, the tragedy, and the whole point.
Six Tips for a Great & Smooth Sal Kitesurfing Trip
A bit of preparation and local insight can go a long way in ensuring you get the most out of your Sal kitesurf holiday. Here are some helpful hints and tips.