Explore Sal Island

Quiet beaches, steady winds, chilled bars. Welcome to Cape Verde’s easy-going paradise.
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THE 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.

New Articles

Map of Cape Verde with Sal Island Marked Black © Sal, Cape Verde

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.

History & Culture

Carnival

FEBRUARY

When: 3 days before Ash Wednesday
Where: all islands

Independence Day

JULY

When: July 5th
Where: all islands

Santa Maria Festival

SEPTEMBER

When: Mid-September
Where: Santa Maria, Sal

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Palmeira: The Most Important Port on Sal Island

Palmeira: The Most Important Port on Sal Island

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Shark Bay: Shallow Coastline Full of Baby Lemon Sharks

Shark Bay: Shallow Coastline Full of Baby Lemon Sharks

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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: The Amazing Bay and its Blue Eye Cave

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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

Little Egret: This Amazing White Bird With Long Legs

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In-Depth Look at Lemon Sharks in the Shark Bay

In-Depth Look at Lemon Sharks in the Shark Bay

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Arte d’Zona: The New, Yoyful Colours of Santa Maria

Arte d’Zona: The New, Yoyful Colours of Santa Maria

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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.

Cachupa: The Most Popular Cape Verdean Stew (Recipe)

Cachupa: The Most Popular Cape Verdean Stew (Recipe)

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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.

Espargos: Capital of the Island in the Heart of Sal

Espargos: Capital of the Island in the Heart of Sal

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Monte Leão: The Great Lion Mountain of Sal Island

Monte Leão: The Great Lion Mountain of Sal Island

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Rising starkly from the flat desert plains of Sal Island, Monte Leão, also known as Rabo de Junco, asserts a quiet dominance over the surrounding coast. Towering approximately 165 m above sea level at the northern rim of Baía de Murdeira, this distinctive “Lion Mountain” functions both as a geological sentinel and as a cherished destination — a point where geology, ecology, and human aspiration converge.