Explore Sal Island
Quiet beaches, steady winds, chilled bars. Welcome to Cape Verde’s easy-going paradise. ARTICLESOUR MISSIONTHE 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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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.
Humpback Whale: The Beautiful Giant in Cape Verde
Humpback whale is among the most recognisable and widely studied of the great whales, known for acrobatic breaches, haunting songs, and long pectoral fins.
Cape Verdean Pastéis Variations: Which one is The Best?
Pastéis are deeply rooted in the Cape Verdean tradition. No festive occasion is complete without a substantial mountain of these pastries on the table.
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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Pontão: The Unique, Iconic Pier of Santa Maria
The sun breaks over the Atlantic at 10 a.m. Fishing boats return to Santa Maria. Their hulls paint the water in blues, reds, and yellows. Engines sputter and die as they approach the pier. This daily scene has played out at the Pontão for decades. The wooden pier does more than receive boats. It holds the rhythm of Cape Verdean life.
Street Art of Santa Maria: Beautiful Gallery of Murals
Thanks to Arte’d Zona and many local artists, the streets of Santa Maria became a stunningly colourful gallery of artworks. From realistic portraits and animals, through scenes from the island’s life and traditions, to abstract shape compositions, we can admire works painted by many young and older hands. On almost every street, the walls of buildings emanate a vibrant, positive energy.
The Most Famous Cape Verdean People by Field
From musical legends who brought the sounds of the islands to the world stage, to writers, leaders, athletes, scientists, and activists, Cape Verdeans …
Salt Flats of Santa Maria: Beautiful Mosaic in Sand
In the south of Sal Island, beyond Santa Maria’s golden beaches and resort hotels, lies a different kind of treasure – a broad, sunbaked expanse of inland salt flats. These salinas stretch out just north of Santa Maria town, their pale crust shimmering under the Saharan breeze. They are often overlooked in favour of Sal’s more famous crater salt lake at Pedra de Lume, but Santa Maria’s salt pans have a story all their own. It was here that the town of Santa Maria was born in 1830, founded expressly to harvest the “white gold” of salt. Today, the salt flats are quiet and mostly dry, visited occasionally by wading birds and curious tourists. However, they remain a poignant landscape – a protected site of ecological interest and a living monument to the island’s history. This article explores how these inland salt flats once fueled Santa Maria’s early growth, what has become of them since the salt trade ebbed, and how the local community regards the salinas in the present day.
Kriol Jazz Festival: Cape Verdean Bridge To The World
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Morabeza: The Unique Caboverdean Hospitality
In Cape Verdean Creole, morabeza refers to a deep-rooted culture of hospitality and friendly, relaxed warmth.
Palmeira: The Most Important Port on Sal Island
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Shark Bay: Shallow Coastline Full of Baby Lemon Sharks
A short drive east from Santa Maria leads to Shark Bay, a shallow, rocky coastline where juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) gather — it’s one of Sal’s most fascinating natural curiosities. Tranquil, otherworldly, yet alive with movement, it’s a reminder that Cape Verde’s marine life often thrives just beyond the tourist trails.
Buracona: The Amazing Bay and its Blue Eye Cave
Buracona is a small bay where the dark azure water of the Atlantic crashes on the rocky coast creating spectacular splashes of white, frothy waves. There are a few beautiful caves and a natural pool where you can swim. The gazebo on the cliff has a small natural history museum on the ground floor and a stunning view of the ocean upstairs.
Little Egret: This Amazing White Bird With Long Legs
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In-Depth Look at Lemon Sharks in the Shark Bay
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Arte d’Zona: The New, Yoyful Colours of Santa Maria
Arianna Casaburo is originally from Naples and has lived in Santa Maria for several years. She is an Italian fashion designer but also works as a kitesurfing instructor. During the pandemic, she had no one to teach, so she spent her free time walking the deserted streets of Santa Maria. That’s when she noticed the streets were grey and neglected, making the city look sad.
Families with Children: the Best Place to Stay on Sal
Family travel to Sal presents unique challenges around children’s safety, dietary needs, and entertainment—challenges that accommodation choices can either amplify or mitigate.
Garoupa Vermelha: The Beautiful and Tasty Red Grouper Fish
The name “garoupa vermelha” encompasses several species that patrol the underwater territories of Cape Verde.
Cachupa: The Most Popular Cape Verdean Stew (Recipe)
Cachupa is a typical dish of Cape Verde and has two main types: Cachupa Rica (which translates to rich), made with various types of meat, and Cachupa Pobre (which translates to poor) with fish only. The distinction between the types of Cachupa has to do with the fact that Rica contains meat, which makes the dish more expensive, and only accessible to the better off, while the poor – Pobre – version is more accessible to all.
Ponta de Vera Cruz: Beautiful Remains of the Salt Harbour
Ponta de Vera Cruz (Point of the True Cross) lies at the eastern edge of Santa Maria, where the town meets the long sweep of white sand of Sal’s southern coast.
Ponta do Sinó: The Lighthouse & Beautiful, Wild Atlantic
Ponta do Sinó is the southernmost tip of Sal Island in Cape Verde, located just two kilometres beyond the town of Santa Maria.
Capeverdean Flag: Official Interview With Its Designer
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