Culture01Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)
Watch fishermen haul in the day's catch as pelicans dive at golden hour.
Cape Verde's island of endless summer
Things to Do on Sal
unmissable spots.
Pedra de Lume, Buracona, Shark Bay and every attraction you shouldn't skip on Sal.
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Things to do
Unmissable Sal
The island's must-see spots and sights — everything you shouldn't miss on Sal.
Culture01
Must See02Buracona & The Blue Eye
A magical lava cave where a shaft of sunlight ignites the sea into electric blue.
Wildlife03Shark Bay
Wade knee-deep with harmless baby lemon sharks in glass-clear shallows.
Adventure04Kite Beach
Consistent trade winds make this a world-class playground for kitesurfers.
Adventure05Beach Volleyball Camps
Train with Cabo Libre on Santa Maria Beach — morning coaching, afternoon tournaments, sunshine all year.
Culture06Espargos & Monte Curral
Colorful streets, live morna music and sweeping island views from the summit.
Wildlife07Murdeira Bay
A protected marine reserve — snorkel with turtles, rays and tropical fish.
Adventure08Zip Line Adventure
Soar high above the coastline and desert cliffs for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Sal.
Relaxation09Santa Maria Beach
Eight kilometres of powder-white sand meeting impossibly turquoise water.
Adventure10Buggy & Quad Safari
Rip across golden dunes and moon-like desert on an unforgettable ride.
Must See11Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
Float weightlessly in a pink volcanic crater once mined for its precious salt.
Sun & sea
Sal's best beaches
From lively Santa Maria strips to hidden turtle coves — find your perfect stretch of sand.
RelaxationSanta Maria Beach
Eight kilometres of powder-white sand and turquoise shallows — the island's postcard-perfect shoreline.
AdventureKite Beach
Trade winds and warm water make this a world-famous kitesurfing playground.
WildlifeMurdeira Bay
A calm, protected cove where turtles glide through crystal-clear water.
WildlifeShark Bay
Wade with harmless baby lemon sharks in ankle-deep, glass-clear shallows.
Dining
Where to eat
From beachfront pizza to traditional cachupa — satisfy every craving on the island.
Must SeeSunset Bar & Restaurant
Beachfront dining, cold drinks and tropical cocktails right on Santa Maria beach — the island's favourite sunset spot.
Local FavouriteO Sole Mio
Homemade gelato, sweet and savoury pancakes, fresh wraps and all-day breakfasts on the Santa Maria strip.
Ocean Café
All-day breakfast, strong coffee and the best pasteis de nata in town.
Local FavouriteSnack Bar Barry
Santa Maria's go-to street-food spot for loaded shawarmas and hefty burgers at local prices.
Asian Noodle BarHotspot
Sizzling noodle bowls loaded with fresh island veggies, chicken, pork, shrimp and bold Cape Verdean flavour.
Burger BarMeky's Burger Bar
Homemade gourmet burgers on Santa Maria's main square — brioche buns, 120g patties and bold house sauces.
Tapas & BafasSal Grosso
Portuguese tapas, bafas and sharing boards in a warm Santa Maria setting — since 2017.
Beachfront DiningVista Del Mar
Relaxed beachfront restaurant on Santa Maria with a huge menu of snacks, burgers, poke bowls, fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
Local FavouriteBom Petisck Restaurante & Bar
Cape Verdean flavours in Santa Maria — fresh fish, octopus, seafood rice and grilled lobster, plus pasta, meat and vegetarian plates.
Fast Food / SandwichesBom Gosto
Quick, casual fast food and sandwiches in Santa Maria — crêpes, salads, breakfast plates and cocktails at friendly prices.
Fine DiningSoul Kitchen
Refined Italian and Mediterranean cuisine on Sal — fresh tuna, homemade pasta, lobster and a thoughtful vegetarian menu.
Café & KitchenArt Kafé
A colourful art café in Santa Maria serving specialty coffee, all-day breakfast, fresh baguettes, burgers and a full food menu with Cape Verdean and European flavours.
Beachfront LunchAngulo Beach Lunch
Beachfront lunch spot with fresh tuna, signature tataki, loaded burgers, pasta and cold island beers right on the sand.
Fresh & HealthyCape Fruit
Colourful fruit bar and brunch spot in Santa Maria — pancakes, fresh juices, smoothie bowls, wraps, salads and island-inspired breakfasts.
BBQ & SeafoodFlor d'Sal
Grill, seafood and cocktails — from BBQ kebabs and fresh lobster to vegan curries, burgers and a huge drinks list.
West African KitchenCoconut Room
West African plates of the day — jollof tchep, bean stew, grilled fish and chicken — served 14:00 to 17:30.
American DinerKyle American Diner
Burgers, wraps, loaded fries and rotisserie chicken — proper American diner comfort food in Santa Maria.
Maluko Restaurant & Music Bar
A simple grill bar with a daily-changing menu of really good fish, steak and chicken — plus live music nights.
Pim Pam Pum
Beachfront Italian with wood-fired pizza and ocean views.
Nha Terra
Authentic cachupa, grilled lobster and live Cape Verdean music.
Bistro S-point-Sal
All-day bistro and beach bar on Sal — specialty coffee, brunch, fresh salads, cocktails and a laid-back seaside vibe.
Rigo's Culinary
A laid-back bistro on Sal serving cold beers, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, pasta and grilled meats with a thoughtful wine list.
Pizaria Alma Doce
Local pizzeria in Santa Maria serving thin-crust favourites — from classic tuna and ham to spicy chorizo and fresh margherita.
D Kel Bom
Small local kitchen in Santa Maria with a different home-cooked dish every single day — ask what's cooking today.
Cam's Restauracao
Tuna tataki, grilled lobster, seafood rice and Cape Verdean cachupa — a full seafood and grill menu in Santa Maria.
Tam Tam Restaurante
Relaxed beachfront restaurant with strong coffee, cold beers, cocktails and a full grill menu — from tapas to grilled seafood and pasta.
Senegeal Sabres
Casual fast-food stop in Santa Maria serving burgers, shawarma, fataya and crispy fries at local prices.
Mar Adentro
A relaxed Santa Maria restaurant mixing Portuguese classics, fresh fish and Asian-inspired touches with daily specials.
George's
A Santa Maria favourite for fresh-grilled fish, seafood platters and classic meat dishes served with island warmth.
Nightlife
Bars & sunsets
Sip caipirinhas, dance to funaná and feel the island rhythm after dark.
Buddy BarCasa da Música
The orange corner bar everyone in Santa Maria talks about — live bands most nights, funaná and kizomba on the speakers, cold Strela and strong caipirinhas. Locals and travellers mix on the terrace until the early hours.
- WhereR. 1 de Junho, Santa Maria
- OpenDaily from 6pm till late
- Known forLive music & cocktails
More bars coming soon — this is our first verified spot on Sal.
Retail
Local shops
Pick up fresh produce, surf gear and handmade souvenirs during your stay.
Local FavouriteDiamond Hairdresser & Barbearia
Santa Maria's hair, beauty and barber studio — cuts, beard care and laser hair removal on Rua Amílcar Cabral.
Mercado Municipal
Fresh fruit, spices and local produce in the heart of Santa Maria.
Surf Shops
Boards, bikinis and beach essentials along the main strip.
Artesanato
Hand-woven baskets, colourful textiles and Cape Verdean souvenirs.
Mini Markets
Water, snacks and daily essentials within walking distance.
Adventures
Guided tours
Let local experts show you the hidden gems, wildlife and history of Sal.
Island Highlights
Pedra de Lume, Espargos viewpoint and Buracona in one unforgettable day.
Salt & Blue Eye
Walk the historic salt pans and witness the famous Blue Eye light up.
Turtle Watching
Snorkel with loggerhead turtles in their natural marine reserve.
Quad Safari
Race across desert dunes, beaches and hidden coastal tracks.
Stay on Sal
Where you sleep changes everything.
Verified apartments, studios, villas and hotels across Sal — hosted by locals. You contact and pay the owner directly, so there is no booking commission.
Find your stay- SalNavigator Verified accommodation
- Direct WhatsApp contact with your host
- No booking commission, ever
- Everything nearby: beach, taxi, restaurants
Places to be
Where the island comes alive
Six flavours of Sal — from candlelit tables to barefoot dancefloors.
Stay on Sal
Verified apartments, villas and hotels — booked directly with the owner.
Restaurant
Fresh-caught tuna, cachupa & rooftop dining under the stars.
Spa
Salt-water floats, volcanic-mud rituals and ocean-side massages.
Wellness & Retreats
Guided meditation, breathwork and healing sessions in the open air.
Bar
Sunset caipirinhas, Cape Verdean grogue and live-music corners.
Party
Beach clubs, funaná drums and dance-till-dawn on Santa Maria strip.
Tourism
Guided island tours, salt pans, viewpoints and hidden lava caves.
Beach
Eight kilometres of powder-white sand and turquoise Atlantic.
Before you go
Practical tips for the wise traveller.
Everything you need to arrive prepared and blend in like a local — no passport-page fumbling required.
Avg temp: 25°C · Water: 24°C · Trade winds year-round
Currency
CVE Escudo
€1 ≈ 110 CVE. Euros widely accepted.
Language
Portuguese
Locals speak Kriolu; English in tourist zones.
Best time
Nov – Jun
Warm, dry and windy — perfect beach weather.
Flight time
~6h from EU
Direct flights land at Amílcar Cabral (SID).
Taxis
Trusted local drivers
Hand-picked drivers with photos, languages and instant WhatsApp booking.
Eldon SoaresEasy-Go Taxi · Island-wide (Táxi e Turismo) +238 982 12 34
Erickson Amar Pereira MonteiroErickson Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 585 12 03
Manu RochaTransport Manu · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 986 13 49
Mendes taxiMendes taxi · Santa Maria +238 595 8111
Rivaldo DavidRivaldo Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 590 71 61
Elvis MonteiroElvis Taxi · Santa Maria, airport & island-wide +238 596 86 12
FredsonFredson Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 587 10 68
JoaoJoao Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 952 57 26 Find your way
Island map
Santa Maria sits on the southern tip of Sal — your gateway to beaches, bars and adventures.
Contact
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