Today we take you to Sal in Cape Verde. The Cape Verde Islands guarantee 12 months of sun, sea, and beach each year. Therefore, Cape Verde is a great (and still relatively unknown!) beach destination all year round. Yes, the destination we can only dream of in the Netherlands is just around a 7-hour flight away, like a pearl in the ocean waiting for you. The island life beckons, there on the west coast of the African continent. The most famous, popular island of the Cape Verde Islands? Without a doubt: Sal.
As soon as you step off the plane in Sal, you know you have arrived on a tropical island: palm trees, a laid-back atmosphere, and sunshine. Miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, and incredibly friendly locals await you across the island. It’s less known that Sal has more to offer than just sun, sea, and beach. Desert landscapes, unspoiled nature, and vividly colorful villages, to name just a few. This side of Sal is surprising and versatile. In short: the African island of Sal has something to offer every holiday lover and is a wonderful vacation destination all year round. The island deserves to be discovered further. Curious? Here are the best tips and tricks, including accommodation options, on the Cape Verdean island of Sal.
Sal | Cape Verde
→ Handy: Find direct flights to Sal
→ Discover the best hotels in Sal: Cabo Verde Sal Resort, Sakaroule B&B, Sobrado Boutique Hotel, and Surf House Hostel.
First things first: how do you get to Sal?
When it comes to the best time to travel to Sal, we can be brief: all year round. If you really want to bake on the beach (of course responsibly, as there are plenty of umbrellas available), we recommend traveling between late March to mid-August or between mid-October to mid-December to this African country. If you are an avid surfer or one of those ‘never too old to learn something new’, then the best surf waves can be found between late November and February. Although the Cape Verde Islands experience a rainy season, it’s peanuts compared to what we experience in the Netherlands. For example, it rains on average 6 days in the wettest month of the year, September, with short showers during the day. A good, smooth flight is the next half of the work: your vacation begins as soon as you step onto that airplane.
Good to know: there are direct flights from the Netherlands to the Cape Verde Islands, including to the island of Sal. After a 7-hour flight from our capital, you land on sunny Sal. And more good news? The time difference is only two hours, so say goodbye to any potential jet lag. You quickly blend in with island life here. Sal’s airport is centrally located on the island, and with a taxi – for about 5 dollars – you can reach the main tourist area on the island: the town of Santa Maria in just over fifteen minutes.
Where to stay on Sal?
Sal is also known for its incredible large resorts. So of course, we recommend a fantastic resort that ticks all the desired boxes. If that type of accommodation is not your cup of tea – we personally love other flavors too – don’t worry and indulge yourself with other options in this list. From charming boutique hotels to great apartments and surf hostels: Sal has a lot to offer. Plus, it’s affordable by Western standards. Here are four great accommodation options on Sal:
1. Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort: the Hilton hotel chain is known worldwide for its class and quality, and this one in West Africa is no exception. The 5-star resort does not disappoint in terms of luxury located within walking distance of the center of Santa Maria and the beach, boasts an amazing pool, and provides spacious rooms: you choose the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort when you want to pamper yourself. We don’t mind the price tag of 285 euros per night for a double room including breakfast.
2. Sakaroule B&B
Sakaroule B&B: this colorful and pleasant establishment proves that good overnight stays don’t mean “dig deep into your pockets.” For 60 euros per night, you get a double room here with an extensive breakfast. It’s about a five-minute walk from Santa Maria, and the real Africa (including roaming chickens, be warned) is noticeable and palpable at Sakaroule B&B. It’s time to go local!
3. Sobrado Boutique Hotel
Sobrado Boutique Hotel: a 4-star boutique hotel in the center of Santa Maria with simply but nicely furnished rooms. You pay 108 euros per night for a double room including breakfast. Staying here is highly recommended.
4. Surf House Hostel
Surf House Hostel: for 19 euros per night per person (what a bargain!) you get a bed in a mixed dormitory by the sea. Yes, a sea view at a very reasonable price. Surf House Hostel, located in the renowned Santa Maria, has a garden and incredibly friendly staff.
Five Must-Do’s on the Tropical Island of Sal
Wondering what to do and what attractions await you on Sal? Here are some fun things to do:
The city of Santa Maria
You step into that African world that we love so much. Colorful houses, friendly people, fragrant spices, and chickens that roam free on the streets. You can eat literally at every corner of the street. Sit down on a plastic chair, enjoy authentic dishes like curry with an ice-cold local beer, and the holiday feeling is on. Although it might be a bit of a sin in the church, Leonardo – an Italian restaurant on a side street – comes recommended. They serve both great pizzas and the fresh fish of the day. Where else can you enjoy that fresh fish? On the pier of Santa Maria. For about 8-10 euros, you can enjoy a meal with a fantastic view here, especially popular as the sun sets into the sea, which we totally understand.
Santa Maria Beach
The long white sandy beach right in the heart of Sal is, of course, one of the reasons – if not the reason – why you have traveled to this African country. You can entertain yourself on the beach of Santa Maria for hours with a good book, the crystal clear water (so grab that snorkel!), or a game of beach volleyball. You can easily picture yourself lounging with a cocktail by the beach, and honestly, we would recommend that too. Where’s the best place to do that? At Bikini Beach Club: a hotspot where a DJ is often spinning tunes. So, shake those hips.
Buracona
If you love adventure like we do, rent a 4×4 and drive through the desert to the northwest coast of Sal. Along the way, we had car trouble, ran out of water, and had no mobile coverage, but hey: it was worth it. Driving yourself is – in our humble opinion – much more fun and adventurous than taking a tourist bus. You really can’t go wrong driving around Sal: it’s small, manageable, and you can circle the island in about three hours. When you arrive at Buracona, prepare for an incredibly beautiful natural phenomenon in a cave: a ‘blue eye.’ At that time, we were the only tourists there, but we understood it has become quite popular now. So, excuse us in advance if you have to navigate through tourist buses. Entrance costs 3 euros.
Shark Bay
With that rented 4×4, you can – besides driving through the desert – also head to the well-known Shark Bay. Here, you can walk among the small (side note: and harmless) lemon sharks. The odds of seeing a shark are 100%, so whether that’s a stroke of luck or a disappointment, we’ll leave that up to you. One tip: water shoes are handy.
Hiking in Sal
While other Cape Verde Islands – such as Santiago and Fogo – are more known for their hiking trails, you can definitely hike in Sal if you’re an active type. A great recommendation is to start at Kiteboarding Club Sal, at the southern tip of the island, and hike via the salt pans (you’ll see those too) from Sal to Santa Maria. This is about 15km.
Interested in visiting Sal, Cape Verde?
In short: the tropical island of Sal on the West Coast of Africa is a wonderful vacation destination all year round. With no-stress as the island’s motto, you know you’re in for a sun-soaked and enjoyable vacation.
Want to read more?
→ Sun vacation in January: Where to go in January?
→ Cape Verde Islands: the best tips for a sunny vacation.
→ What to do on the Cape Verde Islands? Six must-dos!
→ Kitesurfing in Sal: Hooked on Kite Beach.
Handy links:
Flight deals to the Cape Verde Islands.
Great hotels in Sal.
Traveling with TUI to Sal.
Rent a car to explore the islands.
→ Check out all articles about Cape Verde.
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