Sal, Cape verde is fast becoming one of the biggest European holiday destinations & is strongly tipped to boom in the next 2-3 years. Whether you just want a relaxing holiday on the stunning beaches or fancy undertaking one of the many watersports activities, or a day fishing on one of the many excursions the island of Sal offers it all. Why not take a few minutes to find out all that the beautiful island of Sal has to offer, I am pretty sure it has something to suit everyone, which is going to make this one of the most sought after holiday destinations for the future, (WATCH THIS SPACE).
Boat Trips in Sal, Cape Verde
For a truly memorable experience a trip on the sea is an absolute must and there is a wide variety to choose from. If you are lucky you may see the whales, dolphins, turtles or the exuberant flying fish that inhabit these beautiful waters. You can also take in a wonderful catamaran trip from Sal to Boa vista, what better way to relax, top up your tan and explore the clear blue waters of the Cape Verde Islands?
Water Sports in Sal, Cape Verde
Sal has a wide range of water sports to offer, including fishing, surfing, diving, wind surfing and kite surfing. It is fast becoming the holiday destination for water sports enthusiasts. It's so good that the 3-times world windsurfing champion even has a school here. The Information below will give you an insight into what the various watersports are like.
WINDSURFING
The main windsurfing / kite surfing area on Sal is at the southern end of the island in and around Santa Maria where Tortuga Beach resort is situated. The bay here has a fine-grained, white sandy beach stretching for some 4km with general wind direction of left cross-off offering great conditions from October to June. For wave sailors and surfers, the westerly breaks offer a challenge greater than most could wish for. Consistent trade winds provide the perfect conditions year round for all ability and levels, from beginner to expert.
KITESURFING
As with windsurfing, the main kite surfing area is in and around Santa Maria bay. There is a beach on the east of the island that is so perfect it has been named "Kite Beach". Kite surfing conditions are perfect for all ability levels from beginner to expert.
DIVING
Whether you can already dive or really want to learn Cape Verde is the place. With warm water temperatures year round and a huge variety of fish and dive sites it's a great place to explore the underwater world. Dive sites include walls, rock pinnacles, caves, lagoons and wrecks. Fish are in plentiful supply in Cape Verde so you are highly likely to see any of the following: stingrays, grouper, turtles, moray eels, lobster, tuna, nurse sharks, stone fish, parrot fish.... and many more.
FISHING
Cape Verde is well known around Europe for its fishing. The waters around the islands are under fished so there is an abundance of fish from Dorado, Wahoo and tuna to sharks and marlin. The summer months tend to be better for deep sea, big game fishing but you can be sure you'll catch something almost every day of the year. Also you could try something different and go quad fishing... unique to Sal you take a trip to the north of the island by quad bike and fish from approx 7 - 11 pm where you will, more often than not, catch shark.
QUAD BIKING
Take a quad biking trip in and around the island, up and over the dunes. Tackle some of the most interesting terrain around or just enjoy the thrill of the ride and take in the sights. Quad biking is available on Sal and Boa Vista.
SUBMARINE TOURS
Why not take part in one of the fascinating submarine tours which last approx 40 minutes , this includes taking you under the waters to see all the under water wildlife and also 2 shipwrecks from the 1920's which lie under the waters of Sal Cape Verde
Shopping in Sal, Cape Verde
Visit the bustling local market, the artisan's shops or the modern boutiques that can all be found in Santa Maria - where you can buy anything from wooden carvings, African masks and bongo drums to batik, necklaces, and a myriad of T-shirts and surfing shorts. Or why not take home CD of Cape Verdean music to bring the memories of this sunny island flooding back.
Restaurants in Sal, Cape Verde
Sal has a wide variety of restaurants, serving both local Cape Verdean fare and other European cuisine. From a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the sea to a traditional meal in a colourful Cape Verdean Restaurant - there is something for everyone.
Bars in Sal, Cape Verde
Sal has a variety of bars where you can enjoy your time in Cape Verde. Visit the beach bars for a cool drink during the day, or spend a lazy evening in one of the more sophisticated wine bars - Sal has something for everyone, and be sure to seek out the live music too!
Island tour of Sal
Setting off early morning, you will be driving to the north of the island towards the village of Pedra Lume and the salt mines. Here you will have the opportunity to take a swim and "float" in water that is 26 times saltier than seawater - something that must be experienced. From the salt mines you move on to Espargos, the administrative centre of Sal. Here, guests will stop for approximately 15/20 minutes at a typical café. From Espargos, you head on to the fertile zone of Terra Boa and the "mirages", before the short drive to Buracona and its natural swimming pool, where you will be able to freshen up with a swim and appreciate the "magic eye" if the weather permits it.
In Palmeira you will stop for a typical Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant, and before the return journey you shall visit the local harbour. After that you will start to make your way back to Santa Maria and visit the only local Cape Verdean handcraft shop in town.
Sal Festivals
The following are just a couple of festivals that take place on Sal:
- Nossa Sra. De Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) 15th August - Mass, processions, swimming contests and music festival on beach with local musicians.
- Santa Maria Festival (Municipality Day) 15th September - Music festival.
